What is the average auto mechanic labor rate?

I own a car repair business and I want to make sure my rates are competitive.

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Answer by Anonymous

In Virginia Beach, independent shops charge $90ish an hour... Dealers charge even more, usually $120ish. I've worked in several different shops and dealerships in this area.

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Answer by Zoso (869)

Mechanic labor rates vary widely. Reportedly the national average is $65/hr, which seems on the low side to me, ranging up to $130/hr plus for foreign-car mechanics on the east coast. Do some local investigations into your direct competitors' prices to get your best number.

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Answer by sara99 (851)

Different markets can charge higher and lower rates. My mechanic charges $30 an hour and I would and have trusted him with any vehicle. The dealers charge $60-$90 an hour.

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Answer by jonjohnson (5)

i worked on a ford focus and replaced the ball bearings the right and left control arms, and swar bar links, and front brakes. my brother in law was paying me 15.00 and hour for 10.4 hrs of work. was that low of a price for labor

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posted by Anonymous
maybe because there are no "ball bearings" on a car. wheel bearings maybe? add a comment

posted by Anonymous
Was it your customer? Your tools? Your shop? Stop complaining and open your own shop then. add a comment

posted by Anonymous
only certified mechanics get those labor rates, and most of those labor rates go to the shop owner for expenses, taxes, shop upkeep, benifits ect. its not all profit. $15 an hr for helping family is more than fair. add a comment

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Answer by maber (1427)

It varies by area, you should call the mechanics near you and ask what they charge to get a better idea of rates.

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Answer by JRossi17 (788)

It depends on what part of the united states your in and if your in a city or a smaller town. The average auto mechanic rates in the midwest are about $55 to $65 dollars an hour.

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Answer by Anonymous

Average in Florida is from $85.00 for independent to $130.00 for dealerships, be wise on choosing your mechanic, lower labor rate sometimes means lower quality of work and ethical conflicts in the future. Remember they do it most of the time to get you in the door.

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Answer by Anonymous

I charge $50/hr in Ohio and have been called reasonable, expensive, and cheap by different customers.

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Answer by Anonymous

I do market research with the Auto Industry and I call all over the US and it varies so much. I'd say the average is approx $70-$85 with California being the highest at 105 and up! If they only take 1/2 an hour it's still the hourly charge.

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Answer by Anonymous

O Net shows mechanics only make $17 an hour so why are they charging me $90 in labor? Where does the rest of the money go? That's ridiculous!

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posted by Anonymous
the rest goes to pay for ,buildings, rent , utilitys,new equipment , training , and the two biggest customers sat claims , and inssurance premiums to combat all the sue happy idiots in this world. add a comment

posted by Anonymous
How stupid. Let's see we have $3500. rent a month, we insurance that covers IF we miss up your car, uniforms, health insurance, we have a $10,000 computer for your SES light. do i need to go further stupid? add a comment

posted by Anonymous
Buy the building. Then hoists, jacks,tire changers,tire balancers, power bleeders, a/c recovery machine, emissions smoke machine, scanners, another 25K in misc tools, oh and wages, unemployment,liability,building ins.
the list goes on...I think they keep about .10 from every dollar for profit. Want to start your own shop now? add a comment

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