Average Automotive Service Technicians and Mechanics Salary in Merced, CA
Automotive Service Technicians and Mechanics in Merced, CA, earn an average annual salary of $56,170. This figure slightly surpasses the national average of $54,910, indicating a stable demand for skilled auto professionals in the region. Local economic factors and the specific needs of Merced's automotive sector contribute to this competitive compensation.
Executive Summary
- Average Salary: $56,170 per year.
- Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 51.5% ↗ over the last 5 years.
- Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $74,420.
- Outlook: With a local workforce of 340 Automotive Service Technicians and Mechanics and a Location Quotient of 0.97, Merced presents a market with demand closely aligned with the national average. The concentration suggests a steady need for these roles, indicating a robust job market that can support existing professionals and absorb new talent.
Salary Overview
The average Automotive Service Technicians and Mechanics in Merced, CA earns+2.3%above the national average.
$27
$1,080
$4,681
Automotive Service Technicians and Mechanics Salary Trends (2020-2024)
While specific historical data for Merced is not provided, it's reasonable to assume that salaries for Automotive Service Technicians and Mechanics have seen consistent growth over the past four years, mirroring national trends. This upward trajectory is driven by increasing vehicle complexity, the need for specialized diagnostic skills, and ongoing demand for maintenance and repair services.
Automotive Service Technicians and Mechanics Salary Distribution in Merced, CA
Career progression for Automotive Service Technicians and Mechanics typically involves a significant salary increase with experience. Entry-level positions may start closer to the lower end of the pay scale, while seasoned technicians with advanced certifications and specialized skills can command salaries well above the average. The percentile gaps in salary distribution clearly signify the substantial rewards associated with career advancement and expertise.
| Experience Level | Market Percentile | Annual Wage | Hourly Rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| ApprenticeLearning trade under supervision. Classroom + OJT. | 10% (Entry) | $36,780 | $17.7 |
| JourneymanLicensed/Certified. Works independently on standard tasks. | 25% (Junior) | $42,128 | $20.3 |
| Senior TechnicianHandles complex installations & troubleshooting. | 50% (Median) | $55,380 | $26.6 |
| Foreman / MasterSupervises crews, handles permits & code compliance. | 75% (Senior) | $70,213 | $33.8 |
| SuperintendentSite management, business owner, or master tradesman. | 90% (Expert) | $74,420 | $35.8 |
Detailed Automotive Service Technicians and Mechanics Market Analysis
Relocation Context
Nominal Salary
$56,170
Gross Pay
Real Wage (Purchasing Power)
$56,170
Adjusted for COL (100)
The average annual salary of $56,170 in Merced, CA, aligns perfectly with the local Cost of Living Index of 100, which is the national average. This means that the purchasing power of an auto mechanic's salary in Merced is equivalent to that of the average American, making it a financially neutral location for relocation from a cost-of-living perspective.
Job Market Context
340
Total Jobs
4.336
Per 1K Jobs
0.97
Location Quotient
Merced, CA has 0.97x the national average concentration of Automotive Service Technicians and Mechanics jobs. This means there are fewer opportunities per capita here compared to the U.S. average — competition for roles may be higher.
Merced's Location Quotient of 0.97 for Automotive Service Technicians and Mechanics suggests a job market that is very close to the national average in terms of concentration. This indicates that the field is neither significantly over- nor under-represented, implying a balanced and competitive environment for job seekers and employers alike.
Nearby Job Markets
Nearby Cities for Automotive Service Technicians and Mechanics
| City | Salary | Dist. |
|---|---|---|
| Modesto, CA Automotive Service Technicians and Mechanics Salary | $59,740↑ 6% | 37 mi |
| Fresno, CA Automotive Service Technicians and Mechanics Salary | $57,200↑ 2% | 52 mi |
| Stockton-Lodi, CA Automotive Service Technicians and Mechanics Salary | $60,440↑ 8% | 65 mi |
| Salinas, CA Automotive Service Technicians and Mechanics Salary | $64,670↑ 15% | 77 mi |
| San Jose-Sunnyvale-Santa Clara, CA Automotive Service Technicians and Mechanics Salary | $81,620↑ 45% | 77 mi |
Comparing salaries near Merced, CA
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Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a Automotive Service Technicians and Mechanics make in Merced, CA?
The median annual salary for a Automotive Service Technicians and Mechanics in Merced, CA is $56,170. This typically ranges from $36,780 for entry-level positions to $74,420 for top-level roles.
How does the salary compare to the national average?
The average salary for this role in Merced, CA is 2.3% higher than the national median of $54,910.
Is Merced, CA a lucrative place for Automotive Service Technicians and Mechanics?
Yes, Merced, CA offers a slightly above-average salary for Automotive Service Technicians and Mechanics.The average salary of $56,170 is higher than the national average, and the cost of living is on par with the national average, providing good purchasing power.
Is Merced, CA a good place to live for Automotive Service Technicians and Mechanics?
The Cost of Living Index in Merced, CA is 100. While higher than average, this often correlates with higher wages.
Where are the highest paying cities near Merced, CA?
Some top paying nearby cities include Modesto, CA ($59,740) and Fresno, CA.
How does Merced's salary compare to the national average?
Automotive Service Technicians and Mechanics in Merced, CA, earn an average of $56,170 annually, which is slightly higher than the national average of $54,910.
What is the cost of living in Merced, CA for mechanics?
The cost of living in Merced, CA, is exactly at the national average (index of 100), meaning your salary of $56,170 will have the same purchasing power as the national average salary.
Is there high demand for auto mechanics in Merced, CA?
With a Location Quotient of 0.97, the demand for auto mechanics in Merced is very close to the national average, indicating a stable and consistent need for these professionals.
How many auto mechanics work in Merced, CA?
Merced, CA, has a local workforce of approximately 340 Automotive Service Technicians and Mechanics, with about 4.336 jobs per 1,000 workers.
Methodology: Salary data is derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) OEWS 2024 release. Figures represent gross pay before taxes. Analysis includes 340 employees in the Merced, CA area with a job density of 4.336 per 1,000 jobs. Cost of Living data is estimated based on state and metro averages.
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Semantic Salary Analysis for Automotive Service Technicians and Mechanics • Data source: BLS OEWS 2024 •Jobs in Merced, CA