What is the best city for auto mechanics?

After cost of living, the San Jose–Sunnyvale–Santa Clara, CA area: the median of $77,840 a year buys about what $70,490 would at average U.S. prices.

Which city pays auto mechanics the most?

Before adjusting for prices, the San Jose–Sunnyvale–Santa Clara, CA area has the highest median, $77,840. After cost of living it ranks 1st of 387.

What is the best big city for auto mechanics?

Among the 20 metro areas with the most auto mechanics, the San Francisco–Oakland–Fremont, CA area, 11th overall: its median of $76,030 buys what $65,760 would nationally.

Where does auto mechanic pay go the least far?

Of the 387 metro areas ranked, the Morgantown, WV area, where the median of $37,060 buys about what $39,710 would nationally.

Which cities are included?

The 387 metro areas where BLS publishes a median for auto mechanics and at least 50 of them work. Smaller metros and rural areas are on each state's auto mechanic pay page.

How is cost of living adjusted?

We divide each metro's median by its Regional Price Parity from the Bureau of Economic Analysis (2024), where the U.S. average is 100. A metro with prices 10% above average (110) has its median divided by 1.10.

Best-paying cities for auto mechanics

Updated September 27, 2026

After adjusting for cost of living, the San Jose–Sunnyvale–Santa Clara, CA area is the best-paying metro for auto mechanics: its median of $77,840 a year buys what $70,490 would nationally, according to May 2025 BLS wages and BEA 2024 price levels. It also has the highest pay before adjusting. Among the 20 metros with the most auto mechanics, the San Francisco–Oakland–Fremont, CA area ranks highest (11th overall).

Top 50 metro areas, after cost of living

#	Metro area	After cost of living	Median pay	Price level	Jobs
1	San Jose–Sunnyvale–Santa ClaraCA · $77,840 median · prices 110.4	$70,490	$77,840	110.4	3,040
2	DubuqueIA · $61,030 median · prices 87.3	$69,890	$61,030	87.3	290
3	Santa Rosa–PetalumaCA · $75,080 median · prices 107.8	$69,660	$75,080	107.8	1,000
4	MinotND · $60,020 median · prices 87.0	$68,970	$60,020	87.0	210
5	NapaCA · $76,450 median · prices 112.6	$67,920	$76,450	112.6	160
6	Grand ForksND-MN · $58,680 median · prices 86.7	$67,710	$58,680	86.7	220
7	Sacramento–Roseville–FolsomCA · $72,020 median · prices 106.7	$67,520	$72,020	106.7	4,870
8	AmesIA · $58,820 median · prices 88.8	$66,220	$58,820	88.8	260
9	Rapid CitySD · $58,980 median · prices 89.2	$66,150	$58,980	89.2	360
10	Des Moines–West Des MoinesIA · $60,470 median · prices 91.7	$65,940	$60,470	91.7	1,870
11	San Francisco–Oakland–FremontCA · $76,030 median · prices 115.6	$65,760	$76,030	115.6	7,270
12	FargoND-MN · $59,510 median · prices 90.9	$65,490	$59,510	90.9	600
13	Sioux FallsSD-MN · $59,190 median · prices 90.6	$65,310	$59,190	90.6	720
14	Milwaukee–WaukeshaWI · $62,530 median · prices 96.9	$64,510	$62,530	96.9	3,170
15	BillingsMT · $60,150 median · prices 93.5	$64,310	$60,150	93.5	650
16	VallejoCA · $69,710 median · prices 108.5	$64,260	$69,710	108.5	760
17	PuebloCO · $58,480 median · prices 91.8	$63,730	$58,480	91.8	290
18	CasperWY · $59,530 median · prices 93.8	$63,450	$59,530	93.8	260
19	Hanford–CorcoranCA · $64,090 median · prices 101.6	$63,070	$64,090	101.6	170
20	RichmondVA · $61,510 median · prices 97.9	$62,860	$61,510	97.9	2,930
21	AppletonWI · $58,060 median · prices 92.4	$62,820	$58,060	92.4	640
22	Sioux CityIA-NE-SD · $54,230 median · prices 86.5	$62,730	$54,230	86.5	330
23	BismarckND · $56,960 median · prices 91.0	$62,580	$56,960	91.0	350
24	MadisonWI · $60,650 median · prices 97.3	$62,340	$60,650	97.3	1,270
25	ChicoCA · $63,070 median · prices 101.2	$62,320	$63,070	101.2	320
26	Bakersfield–DelanoCA · $62,450 median · prices 100.9	$61,900	$62,450	100.9	1,250
27	MissoulaMT · $59,650 median · prices 96.4	$61,850	$59,650	96.4	350
28	Barnstable TownMA · $60,650 median · prices 98.4	$61,670	$60,650	98.4	430
29	Grand IslandNE · $53,250 median · prices 86.7	$61,450	$53,250	86.7	260
30	MonroeMI · $57,400 median · prices 93.5	$61,400	$57,400	93.5	270
31	St. LouisMO-IL · $58,190 median · prices 95.1	$61,200	$58,190	95.1	7,590
32	Great FallsMT · $59,110 median · prices 96.8	$61,040	$59,110	96.8	210
33	Grand JunctionCO · $58,200 median · prices 95.5	$60,960	$58,200	95.5	400
34	Nashville–Davidson––Murfreesboro––FranklinTN · $58,700 median · prices 96.3	$60,930	$58,700	96.3	5,150
35	Fort Collins–LovelandCO · $61,610 median · prices 101.1	$60,920	$61,610	101.1	790
36	GreeleyCO · $60,920 median · prices 100.2	$60,810	$60,920	100.2	600
37	BoulderCO · $63,950 median · prices 105.2	$60,790	$63,950	105.2	670
38	HelenaMT · $57,820 median · prices 95.7	$60,430	$57,820	95.7	220
39	MercedCA · $59,390 median · prices 98.3	$60,430	$59,390	98.3	330
40	Green BayWI · $56,180 median · prices 93.1	$60,350	$56,180	93.1	640
41	Riverside–San Bernardino–OntarioCA · $64,210 median · prices 106.4	$60,320	$64,210	106.4	7,680
42	RochesterNY · $58,530 median · prices 97.0	$60,320	$58,530	97.0	2,310
43	ModestoCA · $62,770 median · prices 104.1	$60,290	$62,770	104.1	1,030
44	Colorado SpringsCO · $60,710 median · prices 100.7	$60,280	$60,710	100.7	1,600
45	BozemanMT · $61,320 median · prices 102.5	$59,820	$61,320	102.5	330
46	Stockton–LodiCA · $62,840 median · prices 105.1	$59,800	$62,840	105.1	1,310
47	WinchesterVA-WV · $57,570 median · prices 96.5	$59,690	$57,570	96.5	410
48	CharlottesvilleVA · $59,130 median · prices 99.1	$59,640	$59,130	99.1	430
49	Virginia Beach–Chesapeake–NorfolkVA-NC · $58,290 median · prices 97.9	$59,520	$58,290	97.9	3,560
50	Lewiston–AuburnME · $56,370 median · prices 94.7	$59,500	$56,370	94.7	280

See all 387 metro areas

#	Metro area	After cost of living	Median pay	Price level	Jobs
51	DuluthMN-WI · $52,640 median · prices 88.8	$59,300	$52,640	88.8	650
52	Fond du LacWI · $54,300 median · prices 91.6	$59,250	$54,300	91.6	260
53	Waterbury–SheltonCT · $59,040 median · prices 99.8	$59,170	$59,040	99.8	950
54	Fairbanks–CollegeAK · $61,060 median · prices 103.2	$59,160	$61,060	103.2	270
55	Lansing–East LansingMI · $56,130 median · prices 95.0	$59,090	$56,130	95.0	890
56	OmahaNE-IA · $54,230 median · prices 91.9	$59,000	$54,230	91.9	2,250
57	Oxnard–Thousand Oaks–VenturaCA · $65,160 median · prices 110.5	$58,950	$65,160	110.5	1,450
58	Amherst Town–NorthamptonMA · $58,980 median · prices 100.2	$58,840	$58,980	100.2	220
59	ColumbusOH · $56,150 median · prices 95.5	$58,810	$56,150	95.5	3,920
60	SpringfieldMA · $56,440 median · prices 96.1	$58,750	$56,440	96.1	870
61	Norwich–New London–WillimanticCT · $58,950 median · prices 100.4	$58,690	$58,950	100.4	630
62	Denver–Aurora–CentennialCO · $61,960 median · prices 105.8	$58,570	$61,960	105.8	6,340
63	Bridgeport–Stamford–DanburyCT · $62,440 median · prices 106.9	$58,430	$62,440	106.9	1,460
64	JacksonTN · $49,910 median · prices 85.5	$58,360	$49,910	85.5	520
65	Boston–Cambridge–NewtonMA-NH · $63,060 median · prices 108.3	$58,250	$63,060	108.3	9,360
66	Kansas CityMO-KS · $53,790 median · prices 92.5	$58,120	$53,790	92.5	5,380
67	Portland–South PortlandME · $59,090 median · prices 101.9	$58,010	$59,090	101.9	1,360
68	Ann ArborMI · $58,420 median · prices 100.9	$57,910	$58,420	100.9	540
69	Allentown–Bethlehem–EastonPA-NJ · $57,810 median · prices 100.0	$57,830	$57,810	100.0	1,830
70	Minneapolis–St. Paul–BloomingtonMN-WI · $60,490 median · prices 104.8	$57,710	$60,490	104.8	7,180
71	SalinasCA · $62,770 median · prices 109.0	$57,560	$62,770	109.0	620
72	San Diego–Chula Vista–CarlsbadCA · $64,320 median · prices 111.9	$57,490	$64,320	111.9	4,910
73	York–HanoverPA · $55,110 median · prices 96.0	$57,410	$55,110	96.0	1,000
74	SalisburyMD · $54,840 median · prices 95.6	$57,350	$54,840	95.6	390
75	Hartford–West Hartford–East HartfordCT · $58,910 median · prices 102.7	$57,340	$58,910	102.7	2,160
76	Portland–Vancouver–HillsboroOR-WA · $60,450 median · prices 105.4	$57,340	$60,450	105.4	4,180
77	WausauWI · $53,100 median · prices 92.7	$57,310	$53,100	92.7	340
78	GainesvilleGA · $55,330 median · prices 96.8	$57,180	$55,330	96.8	440
79	New HavenCT · $59,760 median · prices 104.6	$57,150	$59,760	104.6	1,320
80	El CentroCA · $54,330 median · prices 95.2	$57,080	$54,330	95.2	320
81	Burlington–South BurlingtonVT · $57,580 median · prices 100.9	$57,040	$57,580	100.9	660
82	Philadelphia–Camden–WilmingtonPA-NJ-DE-MD · $58,460 median · prices 102.6	$57,000	$58,460	102.6	12,700
83	KenoshaWI · $57,540 median · prices 101.1	$56,900	$57,540	101.1	310
84	Janesville–BeloitWI · $53,240 median · prices 93.7	$56,820	$53,240	93.7	390
85	Washington–Arlington–AlexandriaDC-VA-MD-WV · $61,860 median · prices 108.9	$56,810	$61,860	108.9	12,030
86	AnchorageAK · $59,880 median · prices 105.4	$56,800	$59,880	105.4	850
87	San Luis Obispo–Paso RoblesCA · $61,620 median · prices 108.6	$56,740	$61,620	108.6	520
88	AlbanyGA · $49,710 median · prices 87.7	$56,700	$49,710	87.7	420
89	Johnson CityTN · $49,830 median · prices 87.9	$56,670	$49,830	87.9	450
90	AkronOH · $52,900 median · prices 93.4	$56,660	$52,900	93.4	1,580
91	MedfordOR · $57,390 median · prices 101.4	$56,580	$57,390	101.4	420
92	Cape GirardeauMO-IL · $48,690 median · prices 86.1	$56,560	$48,690	86.1	310
93	JacksonMI · $51,870 median · prices 91.8	$56,520	$51,870	91.8	240
94	Manchester–NashuaNH · $59,720 median · prices 105.7	$56,520	$59,720	105.7	1,540
95	Santa FeNM · $55,640 median · prices 98.8	$56,330	$55,640	98.8	370
96	Kingsport–BristolTN-VA · $48,670 median · prices 86.4	$56,300	$48,670	86.4	670
97	Yuba CityCA · $58,580 median · prices 104.2	$56,200	$58,580	104.2	280
98	Santa Maria–Santa BarbaraCA · $61,110 median · prices 108.8	$56,170	$61,110	108.8	700
99	Lexington ParkMD · $56,560 median · prices 100.8	$56,130	$56,560	100.8	440
100	Cedar RapidsIA · $49,890 median · prices 89.0	$56,080	$49,890	89.0	650
101	Oshkosh–NeenahWI · $52,040 median · prices 92.9	$56,000	$52,040	92.9	360
102	SpringfieldMO · $49,570 median · prices 88.6	$55,960	$49,570	88.6	1,840
103	Waterloo–Cedar FallsIA · $48,720 median · prices 87.1	$55,960	$48,720	87.1	430
104	Traverse CityMI · $52,220 median · prices 93.4	$55,930	$52,220	93.4	320
105	SalemOR · $57,960 median · prices 103.6	$55,920	$57,960	103.6	590
106	Detroit–Warren–DearbornMI · $56,000 median · prices 100.3	$55,830	$56,000	100.3	9,520
107	ChattanoogaTN-GA · $51,020 median · prices 91.5	$55,780	$51,020	91.5	1,320
108	Albany–Schenectady–TroyNY · $55,500 median · prices 99.6	$55,740	$55,500	99.6	2,140
109	CheyenneWY · $53,750 median · prices 96.5	$55,700	$53,750	96.5	250
110	Wildwood–The VillagesFL · $47,480 median · prices 85.4	$55,580	$47,480	85.4	180
111	Grants PassOR · $54,330 median · prices 97.8	$55,570	$54,330	97.8	140
112	ClevelandTN · $48,900 median · prices 88.1	$55,520	$48,900	88.1	260
113	Atlantic City–HammontonNJ · $54,840 median · prices 98.9	$55,470	$54,840	98.9	630
114	Longview–KelsoWA · $54,080 median · prices 97.5	$55,440	$54,080	97.5	230
115	Elkhart–GoshenIN · $49,990 median · prices 90.3	$55,340	$49,990	90.3	530
116	St. CloudMN · $48,490 median · prices 87.6	$55,330	$48,490	87.6	640
117	Los Angeles–Long Beach–AnaheimCA · $62,820 median · prices 113.6	$55,320	$62,820	113.6	22,330
118	BendOR · $57,300 median · prices 103.6	$55,310	$57,300	103.6	440
119	Carson CityNV · $54,270 median · prices 98.1	$55,300	$54,270	98.1	270
120	Baltimore–Columbia–TowsonMD · $57,630 median · prices 104.5	$55,160	$57,630	104.5	6,340
121	Charlotte–Concord–GastoniaNC-SC · $53,660 median · prices 97.3	$55,120	$53,660	97.3	7,990
122	MorristownTN · $47,600 median · prices 86.4	$55,120	$47,600	86.4	260
123	Pinehurst–Southern PinesNC · $48,640 median · prices 88.3	$55,060	$48,640	88.3	250
124	Michigan City–La PorteIN · $50,400 median · prices 91.7	$54,970	$50,400	91.7	250
125	RochesterMN · $49,920 median · prices 90.8	$54,970	$49,920	90.8	480
126	SavannahGA · $52,230 median · prices 95.2	$54,860	$52,230	95.2	1,000
127	Athens–Clarke CountyGA · $51,170 median · prices 93.3	$54,820	$51,170	93.3	440
128	Trenton–PrincetonNJ · $56,550 median · prices 103.2	$54,810	$56,550	103.2	800
129	MemphisTN-MS-AR · $50,490 median · prices 92.2	$54,770	$50,490	92.2	2,980
130	BellinghamWA · $56,550 median · prices 103.3	$54,730	$56,550	103.3	360
131	RoanokeVA · $51,230 median · prices 93.6	$54,720	$51,230	93.6	740
132	ColumbusGA-AL · $48,830 median · prices 89.3	$54,680	$48,830	89.3	630
133	La Crosse–OnalaskaWI-MN · $50,180 median · prices 91.8	$54,680	$50,180	91.8	370
134	Spokane–Spokane ValleyWA · $54,840 median · prices 100.3	$54,650	$54,840	100.3	1,100
135	St. JosephMO-KS · $47,180 median · prices 86.4	$54,620	$47,180	86.4	330
136	Iowa CityIA · $49,960 median · prices 91.5	$54,600	$49,960	91.5	360
137	Brunswick–St. SimonsGA · $47,880 median · prices 87.7	$54,590	$47,880	87.7	250
138	ClarksvilleTN-KY · $49,570 median · prices 90.9	$54,500	$49,570	90.9	730
139	MansfieldOH · $48,350 median · prices 88.9	$54,400	$48,350	88.9	250
140	TopekaKS · $48,320 median · prices 88.8	$54,400	$48,320	88.8	510
141	SheboyganWI · $51,080 median · prices 94.0	$54,330	$51,080	94.0	310
142	Staunton–Stuarts DraftVA · $49,470 median · prices 91.1	$54,290	$49,470	91.1	230
143	Shreveport–Bossier CityLA · $45,990 median · prices 84.8	$54,260	$45,990	84.8	930
144	KokomoIN · $48,580 median · prices 89.6	$54,190	$48,580	89.6	200
145	Eau ClaireWI · $50,280 median · prices 92.8	$54,180	$50,280	92.8	370
146	DecaturIL · $47,880 median · prices 88.4	$54,150	$47,880	88.4	240
147	ColumbiaMO · $48,370 median · prices 89.4	$54,080	$48,370	89.4	630
148	LincolnNE · $49,500 median · prices 91.6	$54,050	$49,500	91.6	770
149	JoplinMO-KS · $46,320 median · prices 85.7	$54,040	$46,320	85.7	590
150	PittsfieldMA · $51,400 median · prices 95.1	$54,040	$51,400	95.1	250
151	College Station–BryanTX · $49,080 median · prices 91.0	$53,960	$49,080	91.0	700
152	Mount Vernon–AnacortesWA · $55,270 median · prices 102.4	$53,950	$55,270	102.4	280
153	JohnstownPA · $46,350 median · prices 85.9	$53,940	$46,350	85.9	330
154	Watertown–Fort DrumNY · $47,280 median · prices 87.7	$53,920	$47,280	87.7	350
155	Macon–Bibb CountyGA · $47,700 median · prices 88.5	$53,880	$47,700	88.5	540
156	Houma–Bayou Cane–ThibodauxLA · $45,840 median · prices 85.1	$53,860	$45,840	85.1	400
157	Fort WayneIN · $49,810 median · prices 92.6	$53,810	$49,810	92.6	1,240
158	HammondLA · $45,450 median · prices 84.5	$53,810	$45,450	84.5	280
159	Davenport–Moline–Rock IslandIA-IL · $47,880 median · prices 89.1	$53,750	$47,880	89.1	980
160	WichitaKS · $47,800 median · prices 88.9	$53,740	$47,800	88.9	1,330
161	Auburn–OpelikaAL · $47,250 median · prices 87.9	$53,730	$47,250	87.9	300
162	MuncieIN · $47,360 median · prices 88.1	$53,730	$47,360	88.1	260
163	MobileAL · $47,330 median · prices 88.1	$53,720	$47,330	88.1	890
164	LewistonID-WA · $48,870 median · prices 91.2	$53,610	$48,870	91.2	190
165	Santa Cruz–WatsonvilleCA · $58,860 median · prices 109.9	$53,560	$58,860	109.9	450
166	NilesMI · $49,450 median · prices 92.4	$53,530	$49,450	92.4	270
167	ClevelandOH · $50,260 median · prices 93.9	$53,510	$50,260	93.9	4,120
168	TexarkanaTX-AR · $44,940 median · prices 84.0	$53,490	$44,940	84.0	410
169	Jefferson CityMO · $47,010 median · prices 88.0	$53,440	$47,010	88.0	420
170	GreenvilleNC · $47,220 median · prices 88.4	$53,420	$47,220	88.4	390
171	Kennewick–RichlandWA · $53,450 median · prices 100.1	$53,410	$53,450	100.1	590
172	Baton RougeLA · $48,480 median · prices 90.8	$53,400	$48,480	90.8	1,710
173	Chicago–Naperville–ElginIL-IN · $55,320 median · prices 103.6	$53,400	$55,320	103.6	20,140
174	SpartanburgSC · $48,610 median · prices 91.1	$53,390	$48,610	91.1	970
175	Seattle–Tacoma–BellevueWA · $59,290 median · prices 111.1	$53,350	$59,290	111.1	6,860
176	Terre HauteIN · $46,840 median · prices 87.8	$53,350	$46,840	87.8	410
177	MankatoMN · $48,450 median · prices 91.0	$53,270	$48,450	91.0	290
178	FarmingtonNM · $46,660 median · prices 87.7	$53,200	$46,660	87.7	400
179	DaltonGA · $47,770 median · prices 89.8	$53,170	$47,770	89.8	250
180	FlorenceSC · $46,130 median · prices 86.8	$53,160	$46,130	86.8	600
181	TulsaOK · $47,410 median · prices 89.2	$53,140	$47,410	89.2	2,430
182	New Orleans–MetairieLA · $49,190 median · prices 92.6	$53,120	$49,190	92.6	1,610
183	LawrenceKS · $47,880 median · prices 90.2	$53,060	$47,880	90.2	240
184	Lake CharlesLA · $45,540 median · prices 85.9	$53,040	$45,540	85.9	520
185	Augusta–Richmond CountyGA-SC · $48,730 median · prices 91.9	$53,020	$48,730	91.9	1,260
186	Glens FallsNY · $50,300 median · prices 94.9	$53,020	$50,300	94.9	370
187	WorcesterMA · $54,330 median · prices 102.5	$52,990	$54,330	102.5	1,720
188	Hickory–Lenoir–MorgantonNC · $46,860 median · prices 88.5	$52,960	$46,860	88.5	950
189	ValdostaGA · $46,730 median · prices 88.3	$52,940	$46,730	88.3	310
190	Eagle PassTX · $44,360 median · prices 83.8	$52,930	$44,360	83.8	90
191	KingstonNY · $53,290 median · prices 100.7	$52,910	$53,290	100.7	440
192	ColumbusIN · $49,180 median · prices 93.0	$52,880	$49,180	93.0	190
193	Durham–Chapel HillNC · $51,580 median · prices 97.6	$52,860	$51,580	97.6	1,090
194	ReadingPA · $51,310 median · prices 97.1	$52,860	$51,310	97.1	890
195	South Bend–MishawakaIN-MI · $49,080 median · prices 92.9	$52,850	$49,080	92.9	670
196	SumterSC · $46,500 median · prices 88.0	$52,830	$46,500	88.0	190
197	Indianapolis–Carmel–GreenwoodIN · $50,530 median · prices 95.7	$52,800	$50,530	95.7	5,600
198	Lafayette–West LafayetteIN · $49,290 median · prices 93.4	$52,760	$49,290	93.4	480
199	LebanonPA · $49,180 median · prices 93.2	$52,760	$49,180	93.2	300
200	MidlandMI · $48,490 median · prices 91.9	$52,750	$48,490	91.9	190
201	Youngstown–WarrenOH · $46,090 median · prices 87.4	$52,740	$46,090	87.4	840
202	Battle CreekMI · $47,720 median · prices 90.5	$52,710	$47,720	90.5	340
203	DothanAL · $44,170 median · prices 83.8	$52,690	$44,170	83.8	300
204	LafayetteLA · $45,920 median · prices 87.2	$52,660	$45,920	87.2	810
205	RomeGA · $47,460 median · prices 90.2	$52,640	$47,460	90.2	210
206	SpringfieldIL · $48,810 median · prices 92.7	$52,630	$48,810	92.7	550
207	Canton–MassillonOH · $46,990 median · prices 89.4	$52,560	$46,990	89.4	860
208	LynchburgVA · $46,970 median · prices 89.4	$52,560	$46,970	89.4	590
209	Greensboro–High PointNC · $48,770 median · prices 92.9	$52,520	$48,770	92.9	2,110
210	YakimaWA · $50,150 median · prices 95.5	$52,490	$50,150	95.5	410
211	WilliamsportPA · $48,450 median · prices 92.3	$52,460	$48,450	92.3	340
212	DecaturAL · $45,740 median · prices 87.2	$52,450	$45,740	87.2	290
213	KnoxvilleTN · $48,540 median · prices 92.6	$52,440	$48,540	92.6	2,280
214	MontgomeryAL · $47,030 median · prices 89.7	$52,440	$47,030	89.7	670
215	Racine–Mount PleasantWI · $50,320 median · prices 96.0	$52,440	$50,320	96.0	350
216	AlexandriaLA · $44,900 median · prices 85.7	$52,400	$44,900	85.7	340
217	LawtonOK · $45,010 median · prices 85.9	$52,370	$45,010	85.9	260
218	Warner RobinsGA · $49,120 median · prices 93.8	$52,370	$49,120	93.8	390
219	EvansvilleIN · $47,920 median · prices 91.5	$52,360	$47,920	91.5	740
220	MonroeLA · $43,760 median · prices 83.6	$52,350	$43,760	83.6	400
221	PeoriaIL · $47,750 median · prices 91.2	$52,340	$47,750	91.2	1,040
222	FlintMI · $48,680 median · prices 93.0	$52,320	$48,680	93.0	920
223	Blacksburg–Christiansburg–RadfordVA · $48,500 median · prices 92.7	$52,310	$48,500	92.7	440
224	Sherman–DenisonTX · $49,030 median · prices 93.8	$52,290	$49,030	93.8	360
225	Kahului–WailukuHI · $57,180 median · prices 109.4	$52,270	$57,180	109.4	440
226	SanduskyOH · $46,660 median · prices 89.3	$52,260	$46,660	89.3	280
227	Beaumont–Port ArthurTX · $47,050 median · prices 90.0	$52,250	$47,050	90.0	890
228	PocatelloID · $46,450 median · prices 88.9	$52,250	$46,450	88.9	200
229	CorvallisOR · $54,330 median · prices 104.0	$52,230	$54,330	104.0	130
230	RockfordIL · $48,110 median · prices 92.2	$52,210	$48,110	92.2	730
231	JonesboroAR · $44,830 median · prices 85.9	$52,200	$44,830	85.9	350
232	AlbanyOR · $53,290 median · prices 102.1	$52,190	$53,290	102.1	170
233	BirminghamAL · $47,830 median · prices 91.6	$52,190	$47,830	91.6	2,220
234	MidlandTX · $49,990 median · prices 95.8	$52,190	$49,990	95.8	600
235	SaginawMI · $47,320 median · prices 90.9	$52,060	$47,320	90.9	580
236	Bay CityMI · $47,830 median · prices 91.9	$52,030	$47,830	91.9	200
237	BangorME · $50,170 median · prices 96.5	$51,990	$50,170	96.5	450
238	Hilton Head Island–Bluffton–Port RoyalSC · $50,920 median · prices 98.0	$51,950	$50,920	98.0	560
239	Anniston–OxfordAL · $44,590 median · prices 85.9	$51,880	$44,590	85.9	200
240	Champaign–UrbanaIL · $48,090 median · prices 92.7	$51,870	$48,090	92.7	460
241	LongviewTX · $46,400 median · prices 89.5	$51,850	$46,400	89.5	800
242	JacksonvilleFL · $51,530 median · prices 99.5	$51,800	$51,530	99.5	4,160
243	Coeur d'AleneID · $50,910 median · prices 98.3	$51,790	$50,910	98.3	490
244	Oklahoma CityOK · $46,820 median · prices 90.4	$51,790	$46,820	90.4	3,340
245	Houston–Pasadena–The WoodlandsTX · $50,940 median · prices 98.6	$51,650	$50,940	98.6	14,910
246	PittsburghPA · $48,900 median · prices 94.7	$51,650	$48,900	94.7	6,430
247	Little Rock–North Little Rock–ConwayAR · $46,130 median · prices 89.4	$51,620	$46,130	89.4	2,160
248	Austin–Round Rock–San MarcosTX · $50,610 median · prices 98.1	$51,610	$50,610	98.1	5,210
249	Grand Rapids–Wyoming–KentwoodMI · $49,310 median · prices 95.5	$51,610	$49,310	95.5	3,340
250	SyracuseNY · $49,410 median · prices 95.7	$51,610	$49,410	95.7	1,650
251	Greenville–Anderson–GreerSC · $48,120 median · prices 93.3	$51,600	$48,120	93.3	2,310
252	AltoonaPA · $46,160 median · prices 89.5	$51,570	$46,160	89.5	400
253	HarrisonburgVA · $48,930 median · prices 94.9	$51,560	$48,930	94.9	340
254	BinghamtonNY · $47,870 median · prices 92.9	$51,550	$47,870	92.9	520
255	Raleigh–CaryNC · $50,600 median · prices 98.2	$51,550	$50,600	98.2	3,650
256	Utica–RomeNY · $47,770 median · prices 92.7	$51,540	$47,770	92.7	670
257	EriePA · $46,840 median · prices 91.0	$51,500	$46,840	91.0	670
258	ToledoOH · $47,090 median · prices 91.5	$51,490	$47,090	91.5	1,350
259	CincinnatiOH-KY-IN · $49,090 median · prices 95.4	$51,470	$49,090	95.4	4,520
260	LancasterPA · $50,530 median · prices 98.3	$51,430	$50,530	98.3	1,540
261	Atlanta–Sandy Springs–RoswellGA · $51,450 median · prices 100.1	$51,420	$51,450	100.1	12,310
262	Kiryas Joel–Poughkeepsie–NewburghNY · $56,260 median · prices 109.4	$51,420	$56,260	109.4	1,530
263	TuscaloosaAL · $45,070 median · prices 87.7	$51,380	$45,070	87.7	530
264	ColumbiaSC · $48,080 median · prices 93.7	$51,330	$48,080	93.7	2,500
265	New York–Newark–Jersey CityNY-NJ · $57,760 median · prices 112.6	$51,310	$57,760	112.6	28,420
266	Fayetteville–Springdale–RogersAR · $46,840 median · prices 91.4	$51,270	$46,840	91.4	1,520
267	Idaho FallsID · $48,320 median · prices 94.4	$51,180	$48,320	94.4	580
268	Muskegon–Norton ShoresMI · $47,350 median · prices 92.5	$51,180	$47,350	92.5	340
269	SpringfieldOH · $46,300 median · prices 90.5	$51,170	$46,300	90.5	200
270	GettysburgPA · $48,770 median · prices 95.4	$51,130	$48,770	95.4	220
271	AbileneTX · $46,190 median · prices 90.4	$51,120	$46,190	90.4	650
272	AlbuquerqueNM · $48,820 median · prices 95.5	$51,100	$48,820	95.5	2,320
273	Providence–WarwickRI-MA · $51,970 median · prices 101.8	$51,060	$51,970	101.8	3,700
274	Slidell–Mandeville–CovingtonLA · $47,350 median · prices 92.7	$51,060	$47,350	92.7	490
275	Twin FallsID · $46,990 median · prices 92.1	$51,020	$46,990	92.1	360
276	LimaOH · $45,740 median · prices 89.7	$51,010	$45,740	89.7	270
277	ChambersburgPA · $48,270 median · prices 94.6	$51,000	$48,270	94.6	400
278	BloomingtonIN · $48,480 median · prices 95.1	$50,990	$48,480	95.1	330
279	Eugene–SpringfieldOR · $51,770 median · prices 101.6	$50,970	$51,770	101.6	620
280	Louisville/Jefferson CountyKY-IN · $47,440 median · prices 93.1	$50,970	$47,440	93.1	3,640
281	Bremerton–Silverdale–Port OrchardWA · $53,820 median · prices 105.6	$50,960	$53,820	105.6	470
282	FayettevilleNC · $46,870 median · prices 92.0	$50,960	$46,870	92.0	1,220
283	FresnoCA · $52,000 median · prices 102.2	$50,900	$52,000	102.2	1,890
284	Scranton––Wilkes–BarrePA · $47,600 median · prices 93.6	$50,880	$47,600	93.6	1,300
285	Walla WallaWA · $50,090 median · prices 98.5	$50,840	$50,090	98.5	90
286	Kalamazoo–PortageMI · $48,210 median · prices 94.8	$50,830	$48,210	94.8	560
287	Dayton–Kettering–BeavercreekOH · $47,100 median · prices 92.7	$50,810	$47,100	92.7	1,570
288	Hagerstown–MartinsburgMD-WV · $47,800 median · prices 94.2	$50,760	$47,800	94.2	690
289	North Port–Bradenton–SarasotaFL · $51,970 median · prices 102.4	$50,740	$51,970	102.4	2,110
290	VinelandNJ · $48,670 median · prices 96.0	$50,710	$48,670	96.0	330
291	Buffalo–CheektowagaNY · $48,550 median · prices 95.8	$50,660	$48,550	95.8	2,590
292	Las CrucesNM · $45,690 median · prices 90.2	$50,650	$45,690	90.2	420
293	OdessaTX · $47,510 median · prices 93.9	$50,600	$47,510	93.9	640
294	WacoTX · $46,790 median · prices 92.5	$50,560	$46,790	92.5	730
295	HuntsvilleAL · $46,840 median · prices 93.1	$50,330	$46,840	93.1	940
296	Killeen–TempleTX · $45,870 median · prices 91.1	$50,330	$45,870	91.1	1,110
297	PaducahKY-IL · $43,260 median · prices 86.1	$50,250	$43,260	86.1	290
298	Harrisburg–CarlislePA · $49,540 median · prices 98.7	$50,220	$49,540	98.7	1,410
299	TucsonAZ · $48,600 median · prices 96.9	$50,160	$48,600	96.9	2,150
300	VictoriaTX · $45,060 median · prices 89.8	$50,160	$45,060	89.8	300
301	JacksonvilleNC · $46,180 median · prices 92.1	$50,150	$46,180	92.1	430
302	Winston–SalemNC · $46,080 median · prices 92.0	$50,060	$46,080	92.0	1,630
303	DoverDE · $48,800 median · prices 97.5	$50,050	$48,800	97.5	320
304	Wichita FallsTX · $44,780 median · prices 89.5	$50,030	$44,780	89.5	440
305	AmarilloTX · $45,860 median · prices 91.8	$49,950	$45,860	91.8	930
306	ReddingCA · $50,260 median · prices 100.7	$49,920	$50,260	100.7	380
307	Sierra Vista–DouglasAZ · $44,540 median · prices 89.2	$49,910	$44,540	89.2	220
308	San AngeloTX · $46,130 median · prices 92.5	$49,900	$46,130	92.5	410
309	WilmingtonNC · $48,100 median · prices 96.4	$49,880	$48,100	96.4	1,130
310	HinesvilleGA · $46,810 median · prices 93.9	$49,830	$46,810	93.9	110
311	Naples–Marco IslandFL · $51,320 median · prices 103.2	$49,730	$51,320	103.2	940
312	GoldsboroNC · $43,970 median · prices 88.5	$49,700	$43,970	88.5	260
313	RenoNV · $50,190 median · prices 101.0	$49,690	$50,190	101.0	1,580
314	AshevilleNC · $47,900 median · prices 96.5	$49,630	$47,900	96.5	950
315	Lexington–FayetteKY · $46,080 median · prices 92.9	$49,610	$46,080	92.9	1,530
316	Lake Havasu City–KingmanAZ · $46,670 median · prices 94.1	$49,600	$46,670	94.1	540
317	OwensboroKY · $43,900 median · prices 88.6	$49,540	$43,900	88.6	290
318	San Antonio–New BraunfelsTX · $46,880 median · prices 94.7	$49,500	$46,880	94.7	6,320
319	ElmiraNY · $46,720 median · prices 94.4	$49,490	$46,720	94.4	210
320	BloomingtonIL · $46,260 median · prices 93.5	$49,460	$46,260	93.5	440
321	Olympia–Lacey–TumwaterWA · $51,260 median · prices 103.7	$49,450	$51,260	103.7	450
322	Boise CityID · $48,630 median · prices 98.4	$49,430	$48,630	98.4	2,030
323	Homosassa SpringsFL · $46,150 median · prices 93.5	$49,380	$46,150	93.5	300
324	GadsdenAL · $42,200 median · prices 85.7	$49,270	$42,200	85.7	170
325	Port St. LucieFL · $49,380 median · prices 100.2	$49,270	$49,380	100.2	1,200
326	ManhattanKS · $44,410 median · prices 90.2	$49,260	$44,410	90.2	240
327	Crestview–Fort Walton Beach–DestinFL · $47,760 median · prices 97.0	$49,220	$47,760	97.0	740
328	LubbockTX · $44,950 median · prices 91.3	$49,220	$44,950	91.3	1,180
329	El PasoTX · $44,250 median · prices 89.9	$49,210	$44,250	89.9	2,080
330	BurlingtonNC · $45,750 median · prices 93.2	$49,090	$45,750	93.2	370
331	GainesvilleFL · $47,460 median · prices 96.7	$49,060	$47,460	96.7	800
332	Wenatchee–East WenatcheeWA · $50,940 median · prices 103.9	$49,050	$50,940	103.9	230
333	Fort SmithAR-OK · $42,030 median · prices 85.9	$48,940	$42,030	85.9	550
334	FlagstaffAZ · $49,030 median · prices 100.3	$48,870	$49,030	100.3	300
335	State CollegePA · $47,240 median · prices 96.8	$48,820	$47,240	96.8	300
336	Sebastian–Vero Beach–West Vero CorridorFL · $47,950 median · prices 98.3	$48,780	$47,950	98.3	370
337	St. GeorgeUT · $47,430 median · prices 97.3	$48,740	$47,430	97.3	550
338	Charleston–North CharlestonSC · $49,120 median · prices 101.0	$48,650	$49,120	101.0	2,510
339	TallahasseeFL · $45,640 median · prices 93.9	$48,600	$45,640	93.9	870
340	Phoenix–Mesa–ChandlerAZ · $50,090 median · prices 103.3	$48,480	$50,090	103.3	11,340
341	LoganUT-ID · $46,490 median · prices 95.9	$48,460	$46,490	95.9	380
342	Myrtle Beach–Conway–North Myrtle BeachSC · $45,360 median · prices 93.6	$48,440	$45,360	93.6	1,040
343	TylerTX · $44,590 median · prices 92.2	$48,390	$44,590	92.2	850
344	Prescott Valley–PrescottAZ · $47,480 median · prices 98.3	$48,320	$47,480	98.3	490
345	SebringFL · $44,650 median · prices 92.5	$48,290	$44,650	92.5	210
346	Daphne–Fairhope–FoleyAL · $45,720 median · prices 94.7	$48,280	$45,720	94.7	470
347	EnidOK · $40,670 median · prices 84.3	$48,260	$40,670	84.3	130
348	Corpus ChristiTX · $44,710 median · prices 92.7	$48,250	$44,710	92.7	1,090
349	Dallas–Fort Worth–ArlingtonTX · $49,720 median · prices 103.1	$48,230	$49,720	103.1	17,690
350	OcalaFL · $45,900 median · prices 95.2	$48,200	$45,900	95.2	1,030
351	YumaAZ · $44,510 median · prices 92.7	$48,010	$44,510	92.7	540
352	Palm Bay–Melbourne–TitusvilleFL · $47,670 median · prices 100.0	$47,670	$47,670	100.0	1,460
353	WheelingWV-OH · $42,030 median · prices 88.3	$47,590	$42,030	88.3	400
354	Las Vegas–Henderson–North Las VegasNV · $47,650 median · prices 100.2	$47,550	$47,650	100.2	4,970
355	Bowling GreenKY · $42,860 median · prices 90.2	$47,530	$42,860	90.2	470
356	Tampa–St. Petersburg–ClearwaterFL · $47,880 median · prices 100.9	$47,460	$47,880	100.9	7,380
357	Pensacola–Ferry Pass–BrentFL · $46,290 median · prices 97.7	$47,370	$46,290	97.7	1,190
358	IthacaNY · $48,820 median · prices 103.3	$47,250	$48,820	103.3	190
359	Lakeland–Winter HavenFL · $45,900 median · prices 97.1	$47,250	$45,900	97.1	1,820
360	Orlando–Kissimmee–SanfordFL · $47,850 median · prices 101.4	$47,180	$47,850	101.4	6,480
361	Hot SpringsAR · $40,430 median · prices 85.7	$47,160	$40,430	85.7	260
362	Deltona–Daytona Beach–Ormond BeachFL · $46,810 median · prices 99.4	$47,110	$46,810	99.4	1,700
363	Florence–Muscle ShoalsAL · $39,800 median · prices 84.8	$46,920	$39,800	84.8	240
364	KankakeeIL · $45,190 median · prices 96.4	$46,880	$45,190	96.4	320
365	Salt Lake City–MurrayUT · $47,280 median · prices 100.9	$46,870	$47,280	100.9	3,910
366	CharlestonWV · $41,390 median · prices 88.7	$46,650	$41,390	88.7	690
367	OgdenUT · $46,650 median · prices 100.3	$46,490	$46,650	100.3	1,870
368	McAllen–Edinburg–MissionTX · $39,920 median · prices 85.9	$46,480	$39,920	85.9	1,620
369	VisaliaCA · $46,280 median · prices 99.8	$46,360	$46,280	99.8	700
370	ElizabethtownKY · $41,630 median · prices 90.6	$45,960	$41,630	90.6	350
371	Punta GordaFL · $46,190 median · prices 100.5	$45,950	$46,190	100.5	520
372	Cape Coral–Fort MyersFL · $46,840 median · prices 102.3	$45,760	$46,840	102.3	1,900
373	Weirton–SteubenvilleWV-OH · $40,670 median · prices 89.0	$45,680	$40,670	89.0	170
374	Brownsville–HarlingenTX · $39,160 median · prices 86.0	$45,550	$39,160	86.0	780
375	LaredoTX · $39,450 median · prices 87.0	$45,370	$39,450	87.0	640
376	Panama City–Panama City BeachFL · $43,730 median · prices 97.3	$44,950	$43,730	97.3	620
377	Provo–Orem–LehiUT · $43,980 median · prices 98.2	$44,770	$43,980	98.2	1,590
378	Rocky MountNC · $38,880 median · prices 88.0	$44,180	$38,880	88.0	300
379	Urban HonoluluHI · $49,020 median · prices 111.0	$44,180	$49,020	111.0	1,720
380	Gulfport–BiloxiMS · $39,120 median · prices 90.0	$43,460	$39,120	90.0	980
381	Miami–Fort Lauderdale–West Palm BeachFL · $49,550 median · prices 114.2	$43,410	$49,550	114.2	11,970
382	HattiesburgMS · $37,700 median · prices 87.6	$43,020	$37,700	87.6	430
383	Parkersburg–ViennaWV · $37,250 median · prices 87.1	$42,780	$37,250	87.1	330
384	JacksonMS · $38,040 median · prices 89.0	$42,720	$38,040	89.0	1,900
385	BeckleyWV · $37,340 median · prices 88.4	$42,250	$37,340	88.4	380
386	Huntington–AshlandWV-KY-OH · $37,240 median · prices 88.4	$42,120	$37,240	88.4	920
387	MorgantownWV · $37,060 median · prices 93.3	$39,710	$37,060	93.3	360

Price level: BEA Regional Price Parity, U.S. average = 100. Every metro links to its full auto mechanic pay page. By state: best states for auto mechanics.

How we ranked them

Each metro area's median annual wage for automotive service technicians and mechanics (BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics, May 2025, SOC 49-3023) divided by its Bureau of Economic Analysis Regional Price Parity for 2024 (all items, U.S. = 100), then ranked. Metros are included when BLS publishes a median and at least 50 auto mechanics work there. Wages exclude self-employed auto mechanics. Methodology

Questions

What is the best city for auto mechanics?: After cost of living, the San Jose–Sunnyvale–Santa Clara, CA area: the median of $77,840 a year buys about what $70,490 would at average U.S. prices.
Which city pays auto mechanics the most?: Before adjusting for prices, the San Jose–Sunnyvale–Santa Clara, CA area has the highest median, $77,840. After cost of living it ranks 1st of 387.
What is the best big city for auto mechanics?: Among the 20 metro areas with the most auto mechanics, the San Francisco–Oakland–Fremont, CA area, 11th overall: its median of $76,030 buys what $65,760 would nationally.
Where does auto mechanic pay go the least far?: Of the 387 metro areas ranked, the Morgantown, WV area, where the median of $37,060 buys about what $39,710 would nationally.
Which cities are included?: The 387 metro areas where BLS publishes a median for auto mechanics and at least 50 of them work. Smaller metros and rural areas are on each state's auto mechanic pay page.
How is cost of living adjusted?: We divide each metro's median by its Regional Price Parity from the Bureau of Economic Analysis (2024), where the U.S. average is 100. A metro with prices 10% above average (110) has its median divided by 1.10.