Automotive Service Technicians and Mechanics vs Secondary School Teachers, Except Special and Career/Technical Education: Salary Comparison (2024)
Side-by-side salary comparison using 2024 Bureau of Labor Statistics data.
Secondary School Teachers, Except Special and Career/Technical Education
Median annual salary
1,072,540 employed nationally
Which Career Pays More?
Secondary School Teachers, Except Special and Career/Technical Education professionals earn $14,910 more per year than Automotive Service Technicians and Mechanics professionals — that's 30.0% higher. At the 90th percentile, Automotive Service Technicians and Mechanics earns $80,850 compared to $104,670 for Secondary School Teachers, Except Special and Career/Technical Education.
Salary Range Comparison
Detailed Salary Comparison
| Percentile | Automotive Service Technicians and Mechanics | Secondary School Teachers, Except Special and Career/Technical Education | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| 10th Percentile | $33,660 | $47,330 | $-13,670 |
| 25th Percentile | $38,140 | $57,800 | $-19,660 |
| Median (50th) | $49,670 | $64,580 | $-14,910 |
| 75th Percentile | $65,660 | $83,010 | $-17,350 |
| 90th Percentile | $80,850 | $104,670 | $-23,820 |
| Mean (Average) | $55,260 | $73,700 | $-18,440 |
Employment Numbers
Automotive Service Technicians and Mechanics
688,840
employed nationwide
Secondary School Teachers, Except Special and Career/Technical Education
1,072,540
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 Secondary School Teachers, Except Special and Career/Technical Education
| City | Median |
|---|---|
| San Jose-Sunnyvale-Santa Clara, CA | $103,640 |
| Sacramento-Roseville-Folsom, CA | $103,640 |
| San Francisco-Oakland-Berkeley, CA | $99,840 |
| San Diego-Chula Vista-Carlsbad, CA | $99,740 |
| Seattle-Tacoma-Bellevue, WA | $99,530 |
Frequently Asked Questions
Who earns more: Automotive Service Technicians and Mechanics or Secondary School Teachers, Except Special and Career/Technical Education?
What is the salary range for Automotive Service Technicians and Mechanics?
What is the salary range for Secondary School Teachers, Except Special and Career/Technical Education?
How many Automotive Service Technicians and Mechanics and Secondary School Teachers, Except Special and Career/Technical Education jobs are there?
Is it worth switching from Secondary School Teachers, Except Special and Career/Technical Education to Automotive Service Technicians and Mechanics?
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Data verified March 2026 · Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics OEWS