Automotive Service Technicians and Mechanics vs Computer Network Architects: Salary Comparison (2024)
Side-by-side salary comparison using 2024 Bureau of Labor Statistics data.
Which Career Pays More?
Computer Network Architects professionals earn $80,720 more per year than Automotive Service Technicians and Mechanics professionals — that's 162.5% higher. At the 90th percentile, Automotive Service Technicians and Mechanics earns $80,850 compared to $198,030 for Computer Network Architects.
Salary Range Comparison
Automotive Service Technicians and Mechanics$33,660 – $80,850
Computer Network Architects$79,520 – $198,030
$33,660$198,030
Detailed Salary Comparison
| Percentile | Automotive Service Technicians and Mechanics | Computer Network Architects | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| 10th Percentile | $33,660 | $79,520 | $-45,860 |
| 25th Percentile | $38,140 | $102,120 | $-63,980 |
| Median (50th) | $49,670 | $130,390 | $-80,720 |
| 75th Percentile | $65,660 | $164,440 | $-98,780 |
| 90th Percentile | $80,850 | $198,030 | $-117,180 |
| Mean (Average) | $55,260 | $135,890 | $-80,630 |
Employment Numbers
Automotive Service Technicians and Mechanics
688,840
employed nationwide
Computer Network Architects
177,010
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 Computer Network Architects
| City | Median |
|---|---|
| San Jose-Sunnyvale-Santa Clara, CA | $174,120 |
| Seattle-Tacoma-Bellevue, WA | $166,880 |
| Washington-Arlington-Alexandria, DC-VA-MD-WV | $163,570 |
| San Francisco-Oakland-Berkeley, CA | $155,480 |
| New York-Newark-Jersey City, NY-NJ-PA | $153,820 |
Frequently Asked Questions
Who earns more: Automotive Service Technicians and Mechanics or Computer Network Architects?
Computer Network Architects professionals earn more, with a median salary difference of $80,720 (162.5% 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 Computer Network Architects?
Computer Network Architects salaries range from $79,520 (10th percentile) to $198,030 (90th percentile), with a median of $130,390.
How many Automotive Service Technicians and Mechanics and Computer Network Architects jobs are there?
There are approximately 688,840 Automotive Service Technicians and Mechanics positions and 177,010 Computer Network Architects positions nationwide according to 2024 BLS data.
Is it worth switching from Computer Network Architects 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 Computer Network Architects earns $130,390. Consider job satisfaction, growth prospects, required education, and work-life balance.
Career Resources
Career Change Resources
Explore tools and guides for transitioning between careers.
Professional Certifications
Find certifications that can boost your earning potential.
Online Degree Programs
Browse accredited online degrees relevant to these careers.
Resume Writing Services
Get professional help crafting a standout resume.
Explore More
Was this data helpful?
Data verified March 2026 · Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics OEWS