How Much Do Mechanics Really Make in Texas

Key Takeaways

  • Texas has one of the highest job growth rates for mechanics across the US at 10% per year, almost 7% higher than the national rate. 
  • Your earning potential as a mechanic in Texas depends on multiple factors, including length of experience, city,  union membership, and industry. 
  • Unmudl is an online platform that can accelerate your entry into this trade or help you gain advanced skills for specialized roles in various industrie. 
Demand for mechanics in Texas is at an all-time high, given the state’s robust economy and generous investments in infrastructure development. Here’s all you need to know about getting started as a mechanic in Texas, ways to advance your career, and opportunities for upskilling into specialized roles.

The US is currently undergoing a critical shortage of skilled mechanics, as workers continue to age out of the industry without enough new entrants to replace them.  

This has created a huge demand that employers are trying to fill by offering competitive wages, especially for those with specialized skills

Job growth, both in the trades and beyond, is especially robust in Texas as it undergoes a phase of rising household income and consumer spending.  

To cut a long story short, there has never been a better time to join the workforce as a mechanic in the Lone Star state. 

Which brings us to the question, ‘How much do mechanics really make in Texas?’

We address that question exhaustively in this article by breaking down everything from base salaries and growth prospects to what it takes to get started in this profession

Whether you’re at the beginning of your professional journey or considering a career shift into the mechanic’s profession, this article has everything you need to make confident decisions. 

Let’s dig right in. 

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Average Salary for Mechanics in Texas 

In 2025, the average annual salary for a mechanic in Texas stands at $60,831, which is slightly lower than the national average of $63,437.

Entry-level mechanic roles pay an average of $38,422. 

Top earners at both state and national levels, meanwhile, make in excess of $96,000 per year

Actual salaries can vary based on a number of factors that include years of experience, industry, specialization, union membership, and location.  

Let’s look at some of these factors in detail.

Texas-based auto mechanic working on a lifted vehicle in a garage.

The Impact of Union Membership 

Union mechanics enjoy better wages and benefits in Texas than non-union members. 

Some estimates suggest union mechanics make anywhere from $2 to $5 more per hour than non-union mechanics

Most union mechanics in Texas are backed by the Texas AFL-CIO, a state labor federation with over 240,000 affiliated unions. 

Pay Variations by City 

Location is another key determinant of a mechanic’s salary in Texas. 

Let’s take the example of automotive mechanics

Here’s how their annual salaries compare across different Texas cities: 

  • Austin: $85,946.
  • San Antonio: $75,090.
  • Gatesville, $74,953.
  • Temple: $70,526.
  • Dallas: $66,913.
  • Fort Worth: $66,584.
  • Houston: $65,922.
  • Arlington: $65,193. 

Variations in salary across cities are caused by a number of factors, including local market demand, differences in cost of living, and overall economic conditions in each city. 

Pay Differences by Industry

The mechanic’s profession is spread out over a number of different industries, from automotive and aviation to construction and manufacturing

Understandably, therefore, there are wide variations in pay depending on the particular industry.

Here are the top-paying industries for mechanics in Texas: 

  • Transportation and Logistics: The highest paying industry for mechanics in Texas. Top paying companies include Dallas Area Rapid Transit and Envoy Air. 
  • Automotive: This includes both manufacturing and service. Top employers in this industry include the Ford Motor Company, FedEx, and CarMax.
  • Aviation and Aerospace: Top payers in aviation include Lockheed Martin and Beechcraft. Standard Aero and Boeing are leading employers in aerospace.

Additional Compensation and Benefits for Mechanics

In addition to their base salaries, mechanics in Texas often enjoy additional compensation and benefits

Overtime Pay

Under federal law, US employees are entitled to overtime pay at 1.5 times the usual rate for every hour worked beyond a 40-hour workweek. 

For mechanics working across various industries in Texas, that translates to an average of $6,685 in annual overtime pay

Overtime and emergency calls are common for mechanics working in construction, manufacturing, utilities, and other industries. 

Additional Benefits

Depending on the employer and position, Texas mechanics can expect a wide range of additional benefits

They are in addition to standard benefits like health insurance, paid time off, and retirement plans

Here are some instances: 

  • Commissions: Mechanics in automotive and certain other sectors earn a commission based on the labor cost charged to customers.
  • Tool Allowances: Sometimes calculated at rates of $1 to $3 per hour worked, they reimburse the cost of buying and maintaining the tools required for the job. 
  • Career Progression: Opportunities for qualifying mechanics to move into higher-paying supervisory roles and managerial positions.

Job Growth Outlook for Mechanics in Texas

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), the employment of mechanics and automotive service technicians across the US is expected to grow by 3% every year from 2023 to 2033. 

That translates to 67,800 new jobs per year over a decade. 

Employment Outlook for Mechanics in Texas

The employment outlook for mechanics in Texas is far more encouraging than at the national level. 

The projected rate of job growth for mechanics and automotive service technicians in the state for the period 2020 to 2030 stands at 10%, which is 7% higher than the national outlook

Factors Driving Demand for Mechanics in Texas  

The high demand for mechanics in Texas is being fuelled by multiple factors, including: 

  1. Economic Growth: The state economy grew by 3.9% in 2024, nearly a percentage above the national rate. This is leading to new projects in construction, renewable energy, and container shipping, among others. 
  2. Technological Advances: The expansion of the IT sector and the rise of AI are creating new businesses in both the tech sector and beyond, further driving the demand for skilled mechanics in various industries. 
  3. Evolving Infrastructure: Infrastructure development has been booming in Texas since the pandemic years. More mechanics are needed to accommodate the resulting increase in demand across multiple sectors.

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Getting Started as a Mechanic in Texas 

Young trainees learning to repair engines under supervision of experienced mechanic.

Being a mechanic takes a unique set of skills and aptitudes. That includes a passion for engines and machines, attention to detail, adaptability, and problem-solving ability. 

With that in mind, let’s take a step-by-step look at how you can launch a successful career in this trade:  

  1. Basic Education: Employers prefer mechanics with at least a high school diploma or GED, along with a strong grasp of mathematics, science, and English. 
  2. Vocational or Trade School: They offer specialized and practical training in mechanics, often in collaboration with relevant local businesses and industries. 
  3. Hands-On Experience: This could involve interning at a mechanic’s shop or assisting a certified mechanic while learning key skills required for the job.
  4. Apprenticeship: A paid program that combines classroom instruction with on-the-job training. They can last from one to six years, depending on the industry. 
  5. Entry-Level Position: They offer inexperienced workers a chance to get a foothold in the industry while getting access to on-the-job learning opportunities.

Licensing and Certifications

Texas doesn’t have a state-mandated licensing requirement for mechanics. 

Even so, obtaining an industry-recognized ASE certification can significantly improve your chances of finding a job as a mechanic in Texas. 

Here are some other certifications for mechanics based on the industry: 

  • Automotive: The National Automotive Technicians Education Foundation (NATEF) certification.
  • Aviation: FAA-approved Aviation Maintenance Technician School (AMTS) certification. 
  • Manufacturing: Certified Manufacturing Associate (CMfgA) certification.
  • Industrial: The Industrial Maintenance Mechanic certification.  
  • Wind Energy: Wind Turbine Technician-1 (WTT-1) certification.     

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Our Skills-to-Jobs ® approach features courses formulated in collaboration with leading employers to give you the skills that are most in demand. 

Whether you’re looking to gain intermediate level skills as a mechanic, interested in advanced specializations, or thinking about shifting to the role of a maintenance technician - our courses can make you job ready within 10 weeks.

Sign up for free today and supercharge your career as a mechanic in Texas. 

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Last updated on:
April 10, 2025

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