How Much Can Mechanics Make?

Find out how much mechanics earn, the role, qualifications, pros, cons, and best companies to work for in the automotive repair industry.

How Much Can Mechanics Make? Full Role, Salary and Career Guide

Mechanics keep the country moving. Whether it's fixing engines, diagnosing faults, or keeping fleets road-safe, it's a hands-on trade that requires skill, patience, and constant learning. But how much can a mechanic realistically earn in the UK—and what does it take to become one?

This guide covers the job, required traits, qualifications, salaries, taxes, career progression, and where the best opportunities are.

Job Description: What Do Mechanics Do?

Mechanics (also known as vehicle technicians) inspect, repair, and service vehicles. Their work can range from simple oil changes to complex engine rebuilds. They often work in garages, dealerships, MOT centres or with mobile repair services.

Core responsibilities:

  • Diagnosing mechanical and electrical faults

  • Servicing vehicles according to manufacturer schedules

  • Repairing or replacing faulty parts

  • Carrying out MOT tests (if qualified)

  • Using diagnostic tools and software

  • Ensuring vehicles are road-safe and emissions-compliant

  • Providing cost and time estimates for repairs

  • Maintaining workshop equipment and safety standards

How Hard Is It to Become a Mechanic?

Mechanics don’t need a degree, but the role demands technical knowledge, strong hands-on skills, and the ability to solve problems under time pressure. It can be physically demanding—you're often on your feet, working in tight spaces or dealing with dirty, heavy components.

While the barrier to entry is lower than other skilled trades, getting to the top takes years of experience, ongoing training, and staying up to date with vehicle tech.

Traits and Characteristics You Need

To succeed as a mechanic, you need to be:

  • Practical and good with your hands

  • Analytical—able to diagnose and solve faults

  • Physically fit for hands-on, active work

  • Patient and methodical with detailed tasks

  • Good under pressure, especially with tight turnaround jobs

  • Willing to learn, as cars and tools evolve constantly

  • Customer-focused, especially in garages dealing with the public

Do You Need Qualifications?

While not legally required to work as a mechanic, most employers expect you to have qualifications. The most common route is via apprenticeships, but full-time college courses are also available.

Key qualifications include:

  • IMI Level 2 & 3 Diplomas in Light Vehicle Maintenance and Repair

  • NVQ Level 3 in Vehicle Maintenance

  • City & Guilds Level 2 or 3 certifications

  • MOT tester certification (additional training after Level 3)

A full Level 3 qualification typically takes 2–3 years to complete via apprenticeship or full-time education.

You can enter the trade without formal qualifications by starting in an assistant role and learning on the job, but this is less common today.

What Experience Do You Need?

Experience builds confidence and credibility. Employers look for:

  • Completion of a Level 2/3 qualification or apprenticeship

  • Hands-on work in a garage, either during training or afterwards

  • Familiarity with common faults, car brands and diagnostic equipment

  • MOT testing experience is a bonus

Some employers may also look for brand-specific experience (e.g. BMW, Ford, VW), especially for dealership jobs.

Benefits of Being a Mechanic

  • No university debt: You can earn while you learn via apprenticeships

  • Strong demand: Skilled mechanics are always needed

  • Stable income: Especially with full-time or fleet service roles

  • Hands-on work: Ideal for people who don’t want a desk job

  • Variety: Every day brings a different fault or challenge

  • Transferable skill: You can work in many locations or go self-employed

Drawbacks and Negatives

  • Physically demanding: Repetitive strain, long hours on your feet

  • Dirty work: Oil, grease, fumes, and exposure to the elements in some garages

  • High-pressure at times: Tight turnarounds and customer expectations

  • Pay can start low: Entry-level jobs don’t pay much until you build experience

  • Upfront tool costs: Many mechanics are expected to buy their own tools

Mechanic Salary Levels in the UK

Earnings vary based on location, experience, and whether you're employed or self-employed.

  • Trainee / Apprentice: £15,000–£19,000 (annual)

  • Fully Qualified Mechanic: £23,000–£30,000 (annual)

  • Senior Technician / MOT Tester: £30,000–£40,000 (annual)

  • Master Technician: £40,000–£50,000 (annual)

  • Mobile or Self-Employed: £35,000–£70,000+Variable (annual)

Tax Example:

A mechanic earning £32,000/year would pay:

  • Income Tax: approx. £3,486

  • National Insurance: approx. £2,800

  • Take-home pay: around £25,700/year or £495/week

What’s the Future for Mechanics?

The trade is evolving. With the rise of electric vehicles (EVs), hybrid systems, and more advanced onboard tech, mechanics will need new skills in diagnostics and EV systems.

Demand remains high, but the type of work is changing—from heavy mechanical fixes to electrical and software-based issues. Those who upskill will remain in demand, especially in EV and fleet servicing.

There’s also growing opportunity for mobile mechanics and diagnostics specialists, offering more flexibility and potentially higher earnings.

Best Companies to Work for in This Industry

Some of the best UK employers for mechanics include:

  • Kwik Fit – National network with clear training routes

  • Halfords Autocentres – Great for career progression and stable hours

  • RAC & AA – Roadside technicians with solid salaries and benefits

  • Main dealer networks – Brands like BMW, Mercedes-Benz, and Ford offer advanced training

  • Arnold Clark – One of the UK’s largest dealer employers

  • Mobile mechanics platforms – Companies like ClickMechanic or YourMechanic for flexible work

Independent garages also offer great experience, especially if you're aiming to go self-employed later.

Final Thought

Mechanics play a vital role in keeping vehicles—and people—on the road. It’s a hands-on trade with strong earning potential for those who stick with it and evolve with the industry. While entry pay may be modest, with experience, specialism and self-employment, it can become a solid, lifelong career.