SOC 5231 Skilled metal, electrical and electronic trades

Vehicle technicians, mechanics and electricians Salary

Median salary £36,560 per year (2025). Based on ONS ASHE data.

Gross pay, before deductions. See take-home pay on £37,000 after tax and National Insurance →

For vehicle technicians, mechanics and electricians, £37,458 is the typical (median) pay. That is around the UK full-time median of £39,039 — -4.0% versus the national average. Experienced vehicle technicians, mechanics and electricians (top 25%) earn over £44,299.

About this role

Vehicle body builders and repairers repair and restore vehicle bodies following accident damage, corrosion or modification. They straighten panels, replace body components, prepare surfaces and restore vehicles to pre-accident condition.

Key responsibilities

Assessing vehicle body damage and planning repairs
Straightening, reshaping and replacing body panels
Welding, bonding and filling body components
Preparing surfaces for painting
Restoring vehicles to manufacturer specifications

Qualifications and entry routes

NVQ Level 2/3 in vehicle body repair. IMI (Institute of the Motor Industry) qualifications are the professional standard. Manufacturer-specific certifications for approved repairer status. ATA (Automotive Technician Accreditation) provides voluntary registration.

Career outlook

Steady demand. ADAS calibration requirements and electric vehicle repair are creating new skill requirements for body repair technicians.

Key skills

Panel beating MIG/TIG welding Surface preparation Damage assessment Manufacturer repair methods

Common industries

Bodyshop repairers
Insurance-approved repair centres
Vehicle manufacturers
Commercial vehicle bodybuilders
Classic car restoration

Data coverage

SOC code 5231

Data source ONS ASHE

Years available 2015–2025

Estimated jobs 98,000

Median Salary

£36,560

Mean Salary

£37,039

Jobs (000s)

98k

Data Years

11 years

Salary Range (2025)

P10: £22kP25: £29kMedian: £37kP75: £44kP90: £52k

Estimated Career Progression

Based on salary percentile distribution for this occupation

Entry Level

£21,999

0-2 years

Mid Level

£28,667

3-7 years

Senior

£44,299

8-15 years

Leadership

£52,385

15+ years

Potential career growth: +138% from entry to leadership

Salary Trend (2015-2025)

Adjust for inflation

Nominal growth: +47.5%Real growth: +6.9%

Gender Pay Comparison (2025)

Gender pay gap: 14.4%

Full-time vs All Employees (2025)

All Employees

£36,560

Full-time Only

£37,458

Full-time premium: +£898

Vehicle technicians, mechanics and electricians salary: common questions

How much do vehicle technicians, mechanics and electricians earn in the UK?

Vehicle technicians, mechanics and electricians earn a median of £37,458 a year (ONS ASHE 2025). The middle half earn between £28,667 and £44,299.

Is £37,458 a good salary in the UK?

What is the starting salary for vehicle technicians, mechanics and electricians?

Entry-level vehicle technicians, mechanics and electricians typically start near the lower end of the range. The bottom 25% earn up to £28,667, and the lowest-paid 10% earn under £21,999.

How much do the highest-paid vehicle technicians, mechanics and electricians earn?

The best-paid 10% of vehicle technicians, mechanics and electricians earn over £52,385 a year, and the top 25% over £44,299 (ONS ASHE 2025).

Have vehicle technicians, mechanics and electricians salaries kept up with inflation?

Since 2015, median vehicle technicians, mechanics and electricians pay has risen from £25,014 to £37,458 — +50% in cash terms, or +9.0% after CPIH inflation. That is ahead of inflation over the period.

Is there a gender pay gap for vehicle technicians, mechanics and electricians?

Male vehicle technicians, mechanics and electricians earn a median £36,588 and female vehicle technicians, mechanics and electricians £31,318 — a gap of +14% in 2025.

Figures: ONS Annual Survey of Hours and Earnings, gross annual pay. UK full-time median £39,039 (2025).