Automotive Service Technicians and Mechanics vs Carpenters: Salary Comparison (2024)
Side-by-side salary comparison using 2024 Bureau of Labor Statistics data.
Which Career Pays More?
Carpenters professionals earn $9,640 more per year than Automotive Service Technicians and Mechanics professionals — that's 19.4% higher. At the 90th percentile, Automotive Service Technicians and Mechanics earns $80,850 compared to $98,370 for Carpenters.
Salary Range Comparison
Automotive Service Technicians and Mechanics$33,660 – $80,850
Carpenters$38,760 – $98,370
$33,660$98,370
Detailed Salary Comparison
| Percentile | Automotive Service Technicians and Mechanics | Carpenters | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| 10th Percentile | $33,660 | $38,760 | $-5,100 |
| 25th Percentile | $38,140 | $47,550 | $-9,410 |
| Median (50th) | $49,670 | $59,310 | $-9,640 |
| 75th Percentile | $65,660 | $75,620 | $-9,960 |
| 90th Percentile | $80,850 | $98,370 | $-17,520 |
| Mean (Average) | $55,260 | $64,040 | $-8,780 |
Employment Numbers
Automotive Service Technicians and Mechanics
688,840
employed nationwide
Carpenters
697,740
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 Carpenters
| City | Median |
|---|---|
| San Francisco-Oakland-Berkeley, CA | $80,950 |
| San Jose-Sunnyvale-Santa Clara, CA | $78,090 |
| Sacramento-Roseville-Folsom, CA | $77,100 |
| Seattle-Tacoma-Bellevue, WA | $76,760 |
| Chicago-Naperville-Elgin, IL-IN-WI | $76,510 |
Frequently Asked Questions
Who earns more: Automotive Service Technicians and Mechanics or Carpenters?
Carpenters professionals earn more, with a median salary difference of $9,640 (19.4% 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 Carpenters?
Carpenters salaries range from $38,760 (10th percentile) to $98,370 (90th percentile), with a median of $59,310.
How many Automotive Service Technicians and Mechanics and Carpenters jobs are there?
There are approximately 688,840 Automotive Service Technicians and Mechanics positions and 697,740 Carpenters positions nationwide according to 2024 BLS data.
Is it worth switching from Carpenters 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 Carpenters earns $59,310. 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