Automotive Service Technicians and Mechanics vs Tax Preparers: Salary Comparison (2024)
Side-by-side salary comparison using 2024 Bureau of Labor Statistics data.
Which Career Pays More?
Tax Preparers professionals earn $890 more per year than Automotive Service Technicians and Mechanics professionals — that's 1.8% higher. At the 90th percentile, Automotive Service Technicians and Mechanics earns $80,850 compared to $96,240 for Tax Preparers.
Salary Range Comparison
Automotive Service Technicians and Mechanics$33,660 – $80,850
Tax Preparers$30,500 – $96,240
$30,500$96,240
Detailed Salary Comparison
| Percentile | Automotive Service Technicians and Mechanics | Tax Preparers | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| 10th Percentile | $33,660 | $30,500 | +$3,160 |
| 25th Percentile | $38,140 | $37,750 | +$390 |
| Median (50th) | $49,670 | $50,560 | $-890 |
| 75th Percentile | $65,660 | $75,590 | $-9,930 |
| 90th Percentile | $80,850 | $96,240 | $-15,390 |
| Mean (Average) | $55,260 | $58,860 | $-3,600 |
Employment Numbers
Automotive Service Technicians and Mechanics
688,840
employed nationwide
Tax Preparers
73,570
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 Tax Preparers
| City | Median |
|---|---|
| San Jose-Sunnyvale-Santa Clara, CA | $83,600 |
| San Francisco-Oakland-Berkeley, CA | $83,240 |
| Los Angeles-Long Beach-Anaheim, CA | $74,670 |
| New York-Newark-Jersey City, NY-NJ-PA | $71,990 |
| Houston-The Woodlands-Sugar Land, TX | $68,160 |
Frequently Asked Questions
Who earns more: Automotive Service Technicians and Mechanics or Tax Preparers?
Tax Preparers professionals earn more, with a median salary difference of $890 (1.8% 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 Tax Preparers?
Tax Preparers salaries range from $30,500 (10th percentile) to $96,240 (90th percentile), with a median of $50,560.
How many Automotive Service Technicians and Mechanics and Tax Preparers jobs are there?
There are approximately 688,840 Automotive Service Technicians and Mechanics positions and 73,570 Tax Preparers positions nationwide according to 2024 BLS data.
Is it worth switching from Tax Preparers 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 Tax Preparers earns $50,560. 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