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.

The States That Pay Mechanics the Most

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:

No. 1 — Oklahoma

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.

No. 2 — Mississippi

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.

No. 3 — New Mexico

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.

No. 4 — Tennessee

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.

No. 5 — Georgia

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!

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• How Work Truck Fleets Can Improve Employee Retention

• Truck Driver Reviews Top Factor in Choosing a New Job