How much does a mechanic charge per hour? That is a good question!
Mechanic labor rates can be confusing to everyone! It may seem like your total bill was put together like a rushed art project, but there are many factors that go into what mechanics charge for labor.
In this article, I will give you an idea of what mechanics generally charge for labor, the 7 factors that impact mechanics charges, and a few FAQs to help you stay ahead of the game.
How Much Do Mechanics Charge Per Hour?
The average mechanic will charge between $75 and $130 per hour for work within the US, according to recent labor statistics. Finding an exact number is not so simple, however.
State-by-State breakdown of labor rates
We’ve put together the auto mechanic labor rate by state here.
Northeast
- Maine: $130-$140 per hour
- New Hampshire: $120-$135 per hour
- Vermont: $115-$130 per hour
- Massachusetts: $130-$135 per hour
- Rhode Island: $120-$130 per hour
- Connecticut: $125-$140 per hour
- New York: $135-$140 per hour
- New Jersey: $140-$145 per hour
- Pennsylvania: $135-$140 per hour
Midwest
- Ohio: $130-$140 per hour
- Michigan: $135-$145 per hour
- Indiana: $135-$145 per hour
- Illinois: $125-$140 per hour
- Wisconsin: $130-$145 per hour
- Minnesota: $135-$150 per hour
- Iowa: $130-$145 per hour
- Missouri: $135-$150 per hour
- North Dakota: $130-$145 per hour
- South Dakota: $130-$150 per hour
- Nebraska: $135-$150 per hour
- Kansas: $135-$150 per hour
South
- Delaware: $130-$145 per hour
- Maryland: $135-$145 per hour
- Virginia: $130-$145 per hour
- West Virginia: $140-$145 per hour
- North Carolina: $85-$105 per hour
- South Carolina: $130-$145 per hour
- Georgia: $140-$150 per hour
- Florida: $140-$145 per hour
- Kentucky: $140-$150 per hour
- Tennessee: $140-$150 per hour
- Mississippi: $150-$155 per hour
- Alabama: $140-$150 per hour
- Oklahoma: $135-$150 per hour
- Texas: $140-$145 per hour
- Arkansas: $140-$150 per hour
- Louisiana: $140-$150 per hour
West
- Idaho: $130-$145 per hour
- Montana: $140-$150 per hour
- Wyoming: $150-$155 per hour
- Nevada: $130-$140 per hour
- Utah: $130-$145 per hour
- Colorado: $135-150 per hour
- Arizona: $125-$140 per hour
- New Mexico: $135-$145 per hour
- Alaska: $135-$150 per hour
- Washington: $135-$145 per hour
- Oregon: $1300-$140 per hour
- California: $155-$175 per hour
- Hawaii: $120-$140 per hour
Let’s look at the factors that are going to affect what mechanics charge you hourly.
7 Factors Affecting What Mechanic Charge You
The following are the biggest factors that will affect mechanic rates:
#1. Repair Shop Location.
Your location will greatly determine the labor prices you pay, just like everything else you buy.
First, you have to look at what state you live in and what type of area you are in. For instance, if you live in the country, you are probably going to pay less than when you go to the mechanic downtown.
You are paying less if you are outside the city because the repair shop has to pay less to operate there.
The lease or mortgage is going to be lower, decreasing costs for the mechanic. Furthermore, if you find a mechanic that owns the building, their prices may be lower.
#2. Type Of Auto Shop.
The type of work you are having done will determine the labor rate you pay. If you are looking for an oil change, you can always go to a lube and pay little labor charge.
If it is extensive engine or transmission repair, you will likely have to find a specialist and pay a higher labor rate.
You might also use a shop that has certified technicians. The technicians may have ASE certifications and some might even have special certifications for working on brands. These shops will probably be higher than your average local mechanic that just works cars regularly.
An example of this is the dealership. You are going to pay a higher price than your average independent repair shop, but the technicians are certified and probably have to follow some type of standards when working on customers cars.
Unfortunately, in some cases, the dealership prices are based on suggestions from the manufacturer, so you could pay a similar rate for the vehicle work at a dealer inside the city vs outside of town.
When you go to the dealer for repairs, you also get some benefits. First, the work is going to be referenced in the service history of the vehicle.
Having the service documented increases the confidence of buyers when they trust the history of the vehicle they intend to purchase, helping with the transparency of the vehicle being sold. There is also usually a warranty to provide peace of mind for the vehicle repairs.
#3. Specialization and Skill Level.
The skill level provides some insight into costs based on the dealership you take your car to.
If you did not mind that your car was worked on by entry level technicians, you could save some serious money.
However, you probably believe that someone with knowledge and experience would do a better job on your vehicle.
It is also nice to visit a shop with the latest diagnostic and repair equipment. All of the things listed do drive up the hourly labor rate, but it also provides you with some assurance of costs in the long term.
#4. Towing Service.
Whether for gas help or a flat tire, we’ve relied on one of those tow truck services for roadside assistance at some point.
Although not all auto repair shops are able to provide a towing service, the ones that do typically include that charge on your final bill so the mechanic can bill you for the gas, maintenance on the vehicle, and of course, profit.
#5. Car Brand and Model.
The vehicle you drive makes a huge difference in price. If you have an ordinary car, say a Toyota Camry, you can be assured that most mechanics will understand its operations. However, when you drive a Volkswagen, Land Rover, Mercedes-Benz, or another upscale option, you will want someone with expert training in your corner.
These types of cars are almost always more expensive to repair, even for the same repair as for an American brand. In most cases, it is mostly because these cars demand more training of the technicians, and the parts are not as easy to access or easy to get to.
As an example, If you decide to go to a shop that only works on a car brand, you will pay a premium price (you know, since this shop only works on specific brands, you will know the job should be done right, and the time spent diagnosing it will be less).
#6. Type of Repair or Maintenance.
The type of repair and maintenance for your car can be further broken down into:
- Parts: Naturally, spark plugs will cost less than a car engine.
- Time: The time factor for any job will affect the total cost, depending on if the auto repair shop charges by the hour or a flat rate for repairs or maintenance.
Some jobs can take much longer than others. For example, if you have to do plumbing work for a radiator, this is a much longer job than fixing a punctured tire.
Wait!! Are you wondering what a flat rate is?
#7. Flat Rate VS. Per-Hour Rate.
Mechanics charge two different scales of pay — flat rate and per-hour rates. Most dealerships charge by the hour, while an independent garage will likely charge flat rates (this is mostly because independent garages have lower overhead).
- Flat rates: A flat rate is when auto mechanics receive a fee for actually handling the specific job. For example, if a brake job is $200, the mechanic will get paid $200 for the brake job — it doesn’t matter if the brake job took 10 minutes or 4 hours.
- Per hour rate: Per hour rate is the standard hourly wage the mechanic gets paid for any job; likewise, it does not matter the job specifics, it could affect your overall bill for a more complicated job like a head-gasket repair.
Curious what the estimated labor cost of a head-gasket repair is? (Hold on to your pants) It could cost around $909-$1147 for labor, with the amount for parts being around $715-$832!
Lastly, whether flat rate or per hour, the rates may vary from shop to shop.
Now, let’s answer some questions regarding the common mechanic rate use.
FAQs.
Here are the answers to four common mechanic rate questions.
Should Labor Cost More Than Parts?
In most cases, yes — the labor rate is often more than the parts. The knowledge and skill required to execute an install are often worth more than the cost of the average parts.
Most general automotive parts that would be an issue if your mechanic shows you need replacing (like brake pads) are inexpensive. However, performing an install is worth the cost of the parts. Brake pads are cheap, but it takes someone time, skill, and knowledge to install.
When you replace parts during a vehicle auto repair (e.g., you put in a new engine or a new transmission), parts tend to be high-priced. Because you are also forced to buy at a higher price. An easy way to raise the parts’ average would be if you bought aftermarket parts like exhaust systems.
How Can I Avoid Getting Ripped Off?
Here are a few simple ways a car owner can get ahead of an unscrupulous mechanic:
- Use the services of a referred mechanic: to be referred by a family member or friend is a sure way of getting honest mechanical services.
- Learn the fundamentals of auto mechanics: This does not mean you repair cars yourself, only to learn what the basic cost of car parts is (like brake pads and oil filters); thereby protecting yourself from the mechanic as you cannot leave your auto technician change a tire and surprise you in a few days with premium air from another vendor. Also, read more here on which oil filter is right for your vehicle.
- Ask for a price upfront: It is not a good idea to simply drop off your vehicle at the auto technician and give them the keys freely; instead, ask the technician if you could wait while they evaluate your vehicle, for a written estimate on the spot. At least, you will know what repair you will be doing, leaving little for surprises after you were quoted right now for a repair estimate.
What is a Mechanic’s Average Wage?
Currently, the average wage of an automotive technician is $22.54 hourly, or a $46,880 annual salary per year according to the latest labor statistics. Once again, similar to the salary of hourly labor rate in the plumbing industry.
The stated statistics do vary based on whether the auto shop uses flat rates or somebody is being paid a salary based on an hourly labor rate.
Is a mobile mechanic service cheaper?
Yes, Mobile mechanic companies cost less on average, as their customers benefit from lower overhead rates, the overhead rate is generally lower.
Mobile mechanics perhaps invite fewer complex repairs. However, many mobile repair services will do complicated repairs when necessary.
An added bonus is that the mobile repair service can happen wherever the breakdown is, meaning you don’t have to waste time on a tow truck service.
All in all, mobile mechanics range about 30% cheaper than repair shops.