Automotive Service Technicians and Mechanics vs Software Developers: Salary Comparison (2024)
Side-by-side salary comparison using 2024 Bureau of Labor Statistics data.
Which Career Pays More?
Software Developers professionals earn $83,410 more per year than Automotive Service Technicians and Mechanics professionals — that's 167.9% higher. At the 90th percentile, Automotive Service Technicians and Mechanics earns $80,850 compared to $211,450 for Software Developers.
Salary Range Comparison
Automotive Service Technicians and Mechanics$33,660 – $80,850
Software Developers$79,850 – $211,450
$33,660$211,450
Detailed Salary Comparison
| Percentile | Automotive Service Technicians and Mechanics | Software Developers | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| 10th Percentile | $33,660 | $79,850 | $-46,190 |
| 25th Percentile | $38,140 | $103,050 | $-64,910 |
| Median (50th) | $49,670 | $133,080 | $-83,410 |
| 75th Percentile | $65,660 | $169,000 | $-103,340 |
| 90th Percentile | $80,850 | $211,450 | $-130,600 |
| Mean (Average) | $55,260 | $144,570 | $-89,310 |
Employment Numbers
Automotive Service Technicians and Mechanics
688,840
employed nationwide
Software Developers
1,654,440
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 Software Developers
| City | Median |
|---|---|
| San Jose-Sunnyvale-Santa Clara, CA | $208,270 |
| San Francisco-Oakland-Berkeley, CA | $174,910 |
| Seattle-Tacoma-Bellevue, WA | $169,340 |
| New York-Newark-Jersey City, NY-NJ-PA | $161,970 |
| San Diego-Chula Vista-Carlsbad, CA | $159,240 |
Frequently Asked Questions
Who earns more: Automotive Service Technicians and Mechanics or Software Developers?
Software Developers professionals earn more, with a median salary difference of $83,410 (167.9% 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 Software Developers?
Software Developers salaries range from $79,850 (10th percentile) to $211,450 (90th percentile), with a median of $133,080.
How many Automotive Service Technicians and Mechanics and Software Developers jobs are there?
There are approximately 688,840 Automotive Service Technicians and Mechanics positions and 1,654,440 Software Developers positions nationwide according to 2024 BLS data.
Is it worth switching from Software Developers 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 Software Developers earns $133,080. 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