MENU
SEARCHA new study by FindTheBestCarPrice.com experts has revealed the best states to work in as a mechanic.
The best state in America to be a mechanic is determined by average medium salary and job opportunities available.
Photo: Work Truck
Mechanics are the backbone of a fleet. It’s a demanding job that stands the test of time. Whether a fleet is diesel-fueled, electric, or alt-fueled, it will always need mechanics.
A new study by extended warranty experts FindtheBestCarPrice has revealed the best state in America to work as a mechanic.
To start, there are two factors that make a state good for mechanics to work in: a competitive salary and ample opportunities. Without both of those ingredients, the chances of recruiting and retaining mechanics are not in a fleet’s favor.
According to the US Census Bureau, the medium annual salary for automotive service technicians and mechanics in the U.S. is $46,880 in 2021.
And the national average of mechanics jobs is 4.6 per 1,000.
The top five states for work truck mechanics were determined by a combination of:
Mechanic jobs per 1,000 jobs.
Annual median salary for mechanics.
Annual median salary for all occupations.
Cost of living index.
Here are the top five according to FindTheBestCarPrice.com:
The deciding factor that won Oklahoma the top spot is its mechanics’ median annual salary is almost $10,000 more than the state’s median annual salary.
With the mechanics’ median annual salary of $46,180, the state is also the second lowest cost of living state.
Another great benefit is that job opportunity is better than in most of the 50 states, with 4.9 mechanic jobs per 1,000 jobs in the state.
Mississippi has one of the best states with employment opportunities with a 5.6 of every 1,000 jobs being mechanic.
The state’s average medium salary is also just slightly higher than the state’s average, $36,760 and $35,070, respectively.
The third spot goes to New Mexico because it has the highest number of people employed as mechanics per 1,000 jobs — 6.3.
Mechanic’s median salary, $37,920, is only around $100 more than the state’s medium average salary though.
Tennessee comes in fourth because it has a strong median salary for mechanics. The median salary is $42,000, making it 11% higher than the state’s median average.
It also has a solid job opportunity ratio of 5.2 per 1,000 jobs.
Georgia comes in at the fifth spot with a median salary 14% more than the state’s medium — $43,750 for mechanics.
On top of that, it is America’s sixth lowest cost of living with a cost-of-living index of 88.9.
Looking to recruit and retain more employees? Work Truck has you covered with advice straight from industry experts. Check out these articles!
Downtime is costing fleets more than most realize. Hear how AI, predictive maintenance, and smarter fleet strategies are changing the game.
Read More →
Hunter Engineering’s Ultimate ADAS alignment and calibration system has been approved for Rivian’s entire vehicle lineup. Ultimate ADA provides static calibration coverage for more than 90% of vehicles in operation.
Read More →
Mack Trucks has redesigned its online parts-ordering platform, PartsASIST. The updated website features a modernized user interface and new tools designed to simplify the parts-purchasing experience for customers and dealers.
Read More →
Work Truck is gathering real-world fleet insight on truck reliability. Share your experience and help shape upcoming editorial coverage.
Read More →
Cummins X10 brings heavy-duty power to a medium-duty package. Hear what fleets need to know on this TruckChat podcast episode.
Read More →
DRiV expands Wagner braking products with new pads, rotors, and hardware designed for commercial vans, heavy-duty pickups, and vocational fleets.
Read More →
Vanair’s new EPEQ IM HVAC system offers automatic idle management with factory HVAC integration and eliminates engine wear from unnecessary idling.
Read More →
Real technicians share what the job actually looks like, from tough days to evolving technology and the problem-solving behind fleet operations.
Read More →
This conversation is about the reality of the work as a technician in fleet. The pressure, the problem-solving, the pride, and the people behind it.
Read More →
The APEX by BendPak AL10C Two-Post Lift is the company’s lowest-priced 10,000-pound two-post lift, but it still has full features, including automatic safety locks and flexible arm positioning.
Read More →
