Automotive Service Technicians and Mechanics vs Buyers and Purchasing Agents: Salary Comparison (2024)
Side-by-side salary comparison using 2024 Bureau of Labor Statistics data.
Which Career Pays More?
Buyers and Purchasing Agents professionals earn $25,980 more per year than Automotive Service Technicians and Mechanics professionals — that's 52.3% higher. At the 90th percentile, Automotive Service Technicians and Mechanics earns $80,850 compared to $127,520 for Buyers and Purchasing Agents.
Salary Range Comparison
Automotive Service Technicians and Mechanics$33,660 – $80,850
Buyers and Purchasing Agents$46,460 – $127,520
$33,660$127,520
Detailed Salary Comparison
| Percentile | Automotive Service Technicians and Mechanics | Buyers and Purchasing Agents | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| 10th Percentile | $33,660 | $46,460 | $-12,800 |
| 25th Percentile | $38,140 | $58,670 | $-20,530 |
| Median (50th) | $49,670 | $75,650 | $-25,980 |
| 75th Percentile | $65,660 | $99,190 | $-33,530 |
| 90th Percentile | $80,850 | $127,520 | $-46,670 |
| Mean (Average) | $55,260 | $81,720 | $-26,460 |
Employment Numbers
Automotive Service Technicians and Mechanics
688,840
employed nationwide
Buyers and Purchasing Agents
486,900
employed nationwide
Top Paying Cities
Best Cities for Automotive Service Technicians and Mechanics
| City | Median |
|---|---|
| San Jose-Sunnyvale-Santa Clara, CA | $77,260 |
| San Francisco-Oakland-Berkeley, CA | $74,590 |
| Sacramento-Roseville-Folsom, CA | $64,930 |
| Riverside-San Bernardino-Ontario, CA | $63,590 |
| Washington-Arlington-Alexandria, DC-VA-MD-WV | $62,970 |
Best Cities for Buyers and Purchasing Agents
| City | Median |
|---|---|
| Washington-Arlington-Alexandria, DC-VA-MD-WV | $103,560 |
| San Jose-Sunnyvale-Santa Clara, CA | $102,140 |
| San Francisco-Oakland-Berkeley, CA | $93,320 |
| Seattle-Tacoma-Bellevue, WA | $85,980 |
| Boston-Cambridge-Nashua, MA-NH | $84,680 |
Frequently Asked Questions
Who earns more: Automotive Service Technicians and Mechanics or Buyers and Purchasing Agents?
Buyers and Purchasing Agents professionals earn more, with a median salary difference of $25,980 (52.3% higher) as of 2024 BLS data.
What is the salary range for Automotive Service Technicians and Mechanics?
Automotive Service Technicians and Mechanics salaries range from $33,660 (10th percentile) to $80,850 (90th percentile), with a median of $49,670.
What is the salary range for Buyers and Purchasing Agents?
Buyers and Purchasing Agents salaries range from $46,460 (10th percentile) to $127,520 (90th percentile), with a median of $75,650.
How many Automotive Service Technicians and Mechanics and Buyers and Purchasing Agents jobs are there?
There are approximately 688,840 Automotive Service Technicians and Mechanics positions and 486,900 Buyers and Purchasing Agents positions nationwide according to 2024 BLS data.
Is it worth switching from Buyers and Purchasing Agents to Automotive Service Technicians and Mechanics?
Career decisions depend on many factors beyond salary. Automotive Service Technicians and Mechanics has a median salary of $49,670 while Buyers and Purchasing Agents earns $75,650. Consider job satisfaction, growth prospects, required education, and work-life balance.
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Data verified March 2026 · Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics OEWS