Auto Tech vs Industrial Mechanic
Side-by-side salary, job growth, and training comparison for 2026
Auto Tech
$47,770
National Median Salary
Total Jobs794,600
Annual Openings69,000
Training1-2 yr certificate
Industrial Mechanic
$60,750
National Median Salary
Total Jobs574,500
Annual Openings54,000
Training4 yr apprenticeship
Metric
Auto Tech
Industrial Mechanic
Median Salary National, BLS 2023 | $47,770 | $60,750* |
Total Jobs Current employment | 794,600* | 574,500 |
Annual Job Openings New + replacement | 69,000* | 54,000 |
Training Time | 1-2 yr certificate | 4 yr apprenticeship |
* indicates higher/better value. Source: BLS OES 2023.
Top States for Auto Techs
Alaska$68,430
Washington$62,180
Connecticut$61,340
Hawaii$60,780
California$59,230
Top States for Industrial Mechanics
Alaska$87,230
Washington$83,450
Connecticut$80,120
Oregon$78,340
Michigan$76,890