Automotive & Maintenance Cedar Rapids, IA Pop. 137,710

Auto Mechanic Salary in Cedar Rapids, Iowa

The median auto mechanic salary in Cedar Rapids, IA is $41,351 per year, which is 12% below the national median and 1.1% below the Iowa state average.

City Median
$41,351
vs State Avg
$-470
vs National
$-5,639
Cost of Living
88%

Auto Mechanic Pay in Cedar Rapids: What to Expect (2026)

Cedar Rapids offers a median auto mechanic salary of $41,351, which is $470 below the Iowa state average of $41,821. Compared to the national median of $46,990, Cedar Rapids pays below the national benchmark for this role.

One of Cedar Rapids's biggest advantages is its low cost of living at 88% of the national average. This means the $41,351 salary stretches further here — equivalent to roughly $46,990 in an average-cost city. This makes Cedar Rapids an attractive option for auto mechanics seeking strong real-dollar compensation.

The salary range for auto mechanics in Cedar Rapids spans from $26,400 at the 10th percentile to $66,000 at the 90th percentile — a $39,600 spread. Entry-level professionals start around $28,160, while senior auto mechanics with 8+ years of experience can earn up to $63,360. With a population of 137,710, Cedar Rapids is a mid-sized metro with a growing job market.

Auto Mechanic Salary in Cedar Rapids by Experience

In Cedar Rapids, an entry-level auto mechanic earns around $28,160, while experienced professionals earn up to $63,360 per year. The local cost of living index is 88% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)
$28,160
$-3,840 vs national
Mid Level (3-7 yrs)
$42,240
$-5,760 vs national
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$63,360
$-8,640 vs national

Salary Percentiles in Cedar Rapids, IA

Percentile Cedar Rapids
10th Percentile $26,400
25th Percentile $32,560
Median (50th) $41,351
75th Percentile $52,800
90th Percentile $66,000

Auto Mechanic Salary in Other Iowa Cities

How to Become a Auto Mechanic in Cedar Rapids

Education

Most auto mechanic positions require a postsecondary nondegree award. Cedar Rapids and the surrounding Iowa area have institutions offering relevant programs.

Key Skills

Automotive DiagnosticsEngine RepairBrake SystemsElectrical SystemsASE CertificationCustomer Service

Job Outlook

Nationally, auto mechanic employment is projected to grow 4% over the next decade (as fast as average). Demand in Cedar Rapids may vary based on local industry and population growth.

Find Auto Mechanic Jobs in Cedar Rapids

Browse open auto mechanic positions in Cedar Rapids, IA:

Frequently Asked Questions: Auto Mechanic Salary in Cedar Rapids

How much does a Auto Mechanic make in Cedar Rapids, IA? ▼
The median auto mechanic salary in Cedar Rapids, Iowa is $41,351 per year, which is 12% below the national median of $46,990. Salaries range from $26,400 (10th percentile) to $66,000 (90th percentile).
How much does a Auto Mechanic make per hour in Cedar Rapids? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $41,351, a auto mechanic in Cedar Rapids earns approximately $20 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
How does Cedar Rapids compare to the Iowa state average for auto mechanic pay? ▼
Cedar Rapids's median auto mechanic salary of $41,351 is 1.1% below the Iowa state average of $41,821. The local cost of living index is 88% of the national average.
What is the cost of living in Cedar Rapids, IA? ▼
Cedar Rapids has a cost of living index of 88% compared to the national average. This means a auto mechanic salary of $41,351 in Cedar Rapids has more purchasing power than the same salary in an average-cost city.
What qualifications do I need to become a auto mechanic in Cedar Rapids? ▼
Most auto mechanic positions in Cedar Rapids require a postsecondary nondegree award. Key skills include Automotive Diagnostics, Engine Repair, Brake Systems, Electrical Systems. The job market is projected to grow 4% nationally over the next decade.