The US Bureau of Labor Statistics has reported that the average annual pay for Automotive Mechanics is $47,990, compared to the average annual salary of $48,290 for Welders. This indicates that the salaries for these two jobs are similar.
However, it's worth mentioning that wages can vary depending on factors like location, experience, and the specific setting in which the employee works. As an example, Automotive Mechanics who work in Washington DC (with salary averaging $60,580) may earn more than those who work in West Virginia ($35,680). And Welders in Washington DC earn 76% more on average compared to those in Arkansas.
Automotive Mechanics vs Welders overview
Automotive Mechanics and Welders are essential to the Motor Vehicle Dealers and Fabricated Metal Product Manufacturing industries respectively. People are often interested in learning about the differences between these jobs, as well as the average salaries for each.
Automotive Mechanic job description
Alternative names: Automotive Service Technicians and Mechanics
Automotive Mechanics diagnose, adjust, repair, or overhaul automotive vehicles.
Automotive Mechanic education and experience
The majority of Automotive Mechanics (50%) hold a Post-Secondary Certificate. However, among employees in this occupation, there are also some with a High School Diploma (43%) and a College Course Certificate (6%). With regard to experience, 28% of Automotive Mechanic jobs require a 2 to 4 years of work-related experience. A smaller part of jobs (25%) require a previous experience of 6 months to 1 year.
Automotive Mechanic average salary
According to the US Bureau of Labor Statistics, there were 629,780 Automotive Mechanics employed in the United States in 2021, and they earned a mean annual income of $47,990. The bottom 10 percent earned $29,010 or less, and the top 10 percent earned $75,100 or more. Compared to the previous year, the average salary has risen by 2.6%.
Do Automotive Mechanics make good money?
The average salary of Automotive Mechanics is 18% lower than the average salary in the United States ($58,260). However, they earn 1% less than the average pay of the Motor Vehicle Dealers industry ($48,460).
The average salary of Automotive Mechanics is 18% lower than the average salary in the United States ($58,260).
Automotive Mechanics job growth
In 2021, there have been 9,670 more Automotive Mechanic roles than the previous year nationwide, which marks a growth of 1.6%. The average job growth over the past 3 years has been -0.9%.
Welder job description
Alternative names: Welders, Cutters, Solderers, and Brazers
Welders use hand-welding, flame-cutting, hand-soldering, or brazing equipment to weld or join metal components or to fill holes, indentations, or seams of fabricated metal products.
Welder education and experience
The majority of Welders (54%) have obtained a High School Diploma. However this occupation also includes some employees who have a Less than a High School Diploma (21%) and a Post-Secondary Certificate (12%). When it comes to experience, about a third of Welder jobs require a 1 to 2 years of work-related experience. A smaller percentage of jobs (19%) require a previous experience of 2 to 4 years.
Welder average salary
According to data from the US Bureau of Labor Statistics, the number of Welders employed by the United States in 2021 was 397,600, and they earned a mean annual income of $48,290. The bottom 10 percent had a salary of $31,350 or less, and the top 10 percent had a salary of $63,660 or more. The average salary has increased by 3.4% compared the previous year.
Do Welders make good money?
Welders salaries are typically not as good as those in other fields, as their average salary is 17% lower than the average wage in the United States ($58,260). Moreover, they earn 9% less than the average wage of the Fabricated Metal Product Manufacturing industry ($53,030).
Welders salaries are typically not as good as those in other fields, as their average salary is 17% lower than the average wage in the United States ($58,260).
FAQ
Do Automotive Mechanics or Welders make more?
The salaries for these two jobs are similar. The average annual salary for Automotive Mechanics is $47,990, compared to $48,290 for Welders.
How long does it take to become an Automotive Mechanic vs Welder?
Becoming an Automotive Mechanic generally requires a Post-Secondary Certificate. Completing a Post-Secondary Certificate most often takes between 1 year and 2 years of study. In contrast, becoming a Welder generally only requires a High School Diploma.
Is it harder to become an Automotive Mechanic vs Welder?
It is more difficult to become an Automotive Mechanic than a Welder, as it takes 2 more years of education.