How much does a mechanic charge per hour?
While we’d love to give you a simple answer, mechanic fees aren’t always straightforward; they depend on several variables.
However, that doesn’t mean we can’t give you a rough idea of what to expect.
In this article, we’ll reveal the average hourly rate for mechanics in the USA and highlight key factors determining your final bill at any repair shop. Additionally, we’ll explore an alternative to traditional mechanics that’s not only cheaper — but far more convenient.
This Article Contains
- How Much Does a Mechanic Charge Per Hour?
- 10 Factors That Affect What Mechanics Charge
- Is a Mobile Mechanic Service More Affordable?
- 4 FAQs About Mechanic Charges
How Much Does a Mechanic Charge Per Hour?
According to recent labor statistics, the average hourly rate for mechanics in U.S. auto repair businesses is between $85 and $175 per hour.
Here’s a more detailed overview of the average mechanic rates across different U.S. regions:
- Northeast: $115 to $145 (includes states like Maine, Massachusetts, Connecticut, New York, and more)
- Midwest: $125 to $150 (includes states like Ohio, Illinois, Missouri, Kansas, and more)
- South: $85 to $155 (includes states like Delaware, Georgia, Oklahoma, Texas, and more)
- West: $120 to $175 (includes states like California, Arizona, Washington, Idaho, and more)
However, if you’re looking for an exact number, it’s unfortunately not that simple.
Truth be told, several factors can influence a mechanic’s hourly labor rate.
10 Factors That Affect What Mechanics Charge
The mechanic labor rates may differ based on:
1. Repair Shop Location
A car repair shop in a busy city center will have significantly higher rent, electricity bills, and advertising expenses. To cover these overhead costs, they’ll likely charge a higher hourly rate.
On the other hand, a smaller auto repair shop on the city outskirts has relatively fewer operational costs and demand. This results in a lower labor charge.
2. State Regulations
Labor laws vary from state to state, affecting wage standards and, in turn, mechanic charges. For example, Washington has one of the highest minimum wages in the U.S., whereas Georgia has one of the lowest.
The minimum wage in a particular state can raise or lower the baseline cost of employing mechanics, directly impacting auto repair labor rates.
3. Type of Auto Shop
Whether you go to a dealership or an independent shop plays a major role in influencing a mechanic’s hourly rate. Let’s cover both in detail.
A. Dealership
Private dealerships are known for top-quality service, and their higher labor rate reflects that. They use factory-trained mechanics, advanced tools, and original equipment manufacturer (OEM) parts, which add to the total cost.
Dealerships tend to profit from both OEM parts and the mechanic labor rate since they have far more expenses than smaller workshops.
B. Independent Shop
Using an independent repair shop (also called a garage) is often seen as a gamble, as they are largely unregulated.
An independent auto shop can hire whomever it sees fit, from certified technicians to self-taught, inexperienced mechanics.
But this isn’t always a bad thing.
A reputable independent garage can match the service level of a dealership at a lower rate.
The downside?
Independent dealerships need to order aftermarket parts for auto repair work at a premium.
These auto parts still need to be marked up to maintain a healthy profit margin, with markups sometimes reaching up to 100%. Due to this, some independent workshops usually charge a car owner a lower labor rate but may upsell significantly on parts for profit.
An honest mechanic will typically add enough of a markup to auto parts to make a profit without financially imposing it on the customer.
4. Specialization and Skill Level
If an experienced technician has perfected their craft for over 30 years, they will charge a higher rate.
However, an entry-level, less experienced technician with two years of experience will likely charge a lower labor rate.
5. Service Demand
In areas with a higher demand for automotive repair services, the mechanic labor rate may be higher due to the increased need for a skilled mechanic.
For example, Riverside, California, has one of the highest car ownership rates in the U.S., with most households relying on personal vehicles for daily commutes. This high volume of cars creates a strong demand for auto repair businesses, often resulting in a higher labor rate.
6. Towing Service
Whether it’s for running out of gas or fixing a flat tire, most of us have called upon a tow truck service for roadside assistance at least once.
While not all auto repair shops offer a towing service, the ones that do may include the service charge in your final bill. The mechanic will include the total cost of gas, maintenance, and a built-in profit margin for the service.
7. Car Brand and Model
Parts for the latest 2022 Mercedes AMG will come at a higher cost than parts for a humble 2004 Toyota Corolla. The expertise required to work on these two cars is also vastly different.
For example, clutch repairs on an old Corolla will require fewer labor hours compared to the same job on a modern sports car. So the mechanic’s charges will vary accordingly.
8. Type of Repair or Maintenance
Any car repair or routine maintenance generally falls into two main categories:
- Parts needed: Understandably, you’ll pay less for replacing spark plugs than you would for an engine.
- Labor time needed: Depending on whether the auto repair shop works on per hour charges or flat rates, the time taken to complete a job will affect the overall charge. For example, a brake job or radiator replacement can take quite a while compared to repairing a punctured tire.
Wondering what’s a flat rate?
Keep scrolling to find out.
9. Flat Rate vs. Per Hour Rate
Mechanics get paid in either flat rates or per hour rates. Most dealerships work on per hour rates, while an independent garage often uses flat rates.
Let’s go over each in more detail:
- Flat rates: A flat rate is when an auto mechanic is paid a fixed fee for completing a specific job. For example, if brake pads need to be replaced, the mechanic could be paid a $200 flat rate — regardless of whether it took 10 minutes or four billable hours to complete the job.
- Per hour rates: The per hour rate is the standard hourly wage a mechanic is paid, regardless of the time taken to complete a job or the type of job. This kind of rate could very much affect your final bill for a tricky, time-consuming task like fuel injector cleaning or head gasket repair, for example. The estimated labor cost for a head gasket repair ranges from $909 to $1147, with the parts varying between $715 to $832.
Also, keep in mind that whether it’s a flat rate or per hour rate, it will vary from one repair shop to another.
10. Warranty or Guarantee Offered
Shops that offer extended warranties or service guarantees often charge higher auto repair labor rates. These added protections provide customers with peace of mind but also increase the shop’s risk and potential future repair cost — factors that are built into the pricing structure.
This might leave you wondering if there’s a more budget-friendly option.
The good news is we’ve got that covered.
Is a Mobile Mechanic Service More Affordable?
Yes, mobile mechanic services like AutoNation Mobile Service are often more affordable than traditional auto repair shops. Mobile mechanics typically charge between $75 and $170 per hour, generally lower than standard shop rates.
Since they operate out of their own van, truck, or trailer, they avoid many operational costs that traditional repair shops have, like facility rent and utility bills. This allows them to offer competitive and cheaper pricing without compromising service quality.
Additionally, you save money by avoiding towing or winching fees since the auto technician comes directly to you.
Beyond affordability, mobile mechanics offer several key benefits that enhance convenience and value:
- They travel to your location, whether you’re at home, work, or stranded, saving you the hassle of moving a broken-down vehicle.
- They perform nearly all the same repairs a dealership or shop would, right on-site.
- You can describe the issue over the phone, allowing quicker service and reduced downtime.
- Many are available seven days a week, offering more flexible scheduling than most brick-and-mortar shops.
- They often work with vehicle warranties or insurance, making the process more cost-effective.
Now, let’s answer some common mechanic rate questions.
4 FAQs About Mechanic Charges
Here are some answers to clarify your queries related to mechanic labor rates and auto parts pricing:
1. Does Labor Cost More Than Parts?
In most cases, yes. The knowledge and skill required to install parts often outweigh the average cost of the parts themselves. For example, automotive parts like brake pads are inexpensive, but installing them requires significant labor time and extensive knowledge.
In a few cases, parts become more expensive when you get a major auto repair done on your vehicle, like a new transmission or engine.
2. How Can You Avoid Getting Overcharged?
Here are some simple ways a car owner can stay ahead of dishonesty:
- Choose a referred mechanic: Having a friend or family member recommend a trusted mechanic is a sure way to get honest service.
- Learn the basics of car repairs: This is not to fix the car yourself, but to know the repair cost of common parts like brake pads or oil filters. This way, you’ll avoid being overcharged for simple services like a basic oil change or air filter replacement.
- Ask for an up-front price estimate: It’s never a good idea to drop off your car at an auto repair shop and give them free rein over your car repair. Instead, ask the automotive technician to evaluate the car while you’re there and give you a written estimate. This way, you’ll know what repairs to expect, and it leaves little room for surprises down the line.
3. What Is a Mechanic’s Average Hourly Wage?
According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, the average hourly wage for an automotive technician is $23.88, or a salary of $49,670 per year.
These statistics vary depending on whether or not the auto shop uses flat rates, or pays a salary based on an hourly labor rate.
4. How Do Changing Market Trends Impact Mechanic Charges?
Here’s how evolving trends in the auto industry impact mechanic rates:
- Technology and equipment costs: Modern vehicles require high-tech tools, such as diagnostic machines and EV servicing equipment, which raise shop expenses and auto repair labor rates.
- Advanced diagnostics: Specialized tools speed up repairs but require costly routine maintenance and technician training, increasing the labor charge.
- EV and hybrid repairs: Servicing electric and hybrid vehicles demands updated tools and continuous staff training, justifying higher auto repair labor rates.
Worried About Hourly Charges? We Keep It Simple
To get the best mechanic rate and service, you should always choose a well-rated auto mechanic. Some repair shops focus on quick and affordable fixes, while others charge more for high-quality service.
So, is there a way to get both affordable and top-notch service?
Look no further than AutoNation Mobile Service.
Our expert mobile mechanics are fully equipped to diagnose and fix any car issue on-site. We provide upfront pricing, same-day services depending on your location, easy online bookings, and a 12-month, 12,000-mile warranty on all repairs.
Book your service today, and let us handle the rest right from your driveway.