- Mid-level auto mechanics earn about 4,600 RON net monthly, around €1,000.
- Standard pay ranges 2,500-3,000 RON net for typical Mon-Fri work.
- Weekend work adds 500-1,000 RON monthly; authorized dealers pay 30-40% more.
Auto mechanics remains one of the most sought-after professions in Romania’s automotive industry, and salaries reflect this steady demand. Many auto technicians, whether employed at authorized dealerships or independent workshops, enjoy competitive earnings, especially when they also work on weekends. A recent analysis based on data from the eJobs platform provides a clear picture of salary levels in this profession.
In the following, we detail both the monthly earnings of mechanics in Romania and the salary differences compared to the European market, while also exploring the factors that influence these earnings.
Requirements and conditions for employment as an auto mechanic
Before discussing financial aspects, it is important to understand what entering this profession entails. According to industry specialists, becoming an auto mechanic requires a few essential conditions:
- Graduation from or attendance at a technical school with an auto profile (technological high school or professional school)
- Responsible attitude and ability to work in a team
- Genuine willingness to professional development and continuous accumulation of technical knowledge
It is crucial to note that full development in this field takes time and practical experience. Many car brands implement specific training programs that can span up to 9 months. These programs often include:
- Theoretical specialization training on brand-specific systems
- Supervised workshop practice
- Certifications for different types of interventions (engine, transmission, electronics)
- Occasionally, international exchange visits to the manufacturer’s training centers
Average salary of auto mechanics in Romania
Although car sales have fluctuated in recent years, auto mechanics remain among the most valuable employees at a dealership or auto service. Their importance for customer satisfaction and business operations is also reflected in compensation.
According to an analysis based on data from paylab.ro and wJobs, an auto mechanic working in Romania enjoys a competitive pay package. On average, a mechanic with mid-level experience earns about 4,600 RON net per month, roughly equivalent to about 1,000 euros, especially if they agree to work on weekends.
However, the overall industry average sits around 2,500-3,000 RON net for a mechanic with standard experience under normal working conditions (Monday to Friday).
Factors influencing salaries
Wages for auto mechanics vary based on several factors:
1. Type of employer
- Authorized dealers: higher pay, typically 30-40% more
- Independent service centers: lower salaries, but potential earnings from direct repairs
2. Experience and specialization
- Junior mechanic (0-2 years): 2,000-2,500 RON net
- Experienced mechanic (3-5 years): 3,000-4,000 RON net
- Senior/specialist mechanic (over 5 years): 4,500-6,000 RON net
3. Work schedule
- Weekend work can add 500-1,000 RON extra per month
- Special shifts or extended availability are remunerated separately
4. Reaching targets
- Bonuses based on the number of completed interventions
- Incentives for meeting deadlines
- Rewards for a low return rate of vehicles
Non-salary benefits
According to specialists from eJobs.ro, many employers in the auto sector offer attractive benefits packages:
- Meal vouchers or lunch allowances
- Transport covered or organized transport facilities
- Flexible schedule with the possibility of shift work
- Performance bonuses depending on targets achieved
- Private health insurance
- Continued training programs and employer-paid certifications
- Professional work equipment provided
These benefits can add the equivalent of 500-1,000 RON per month to the total compensation package.
Salaries at premium dealerships
Mechanics working at premium-brand dealerships enjoy higher pay conditions. At dealerships for Audi, Mercedes-Benz or BMW, a mechanic typically earns on average 5,000-6,000 RON net (roughly 1,000-1,200 euros).
These figures can increase significantly depending on:
Brand tenure
- A mechanic with 5+ years at the same premium dealer can reach 7,000-8,000 RON net
- Tenure brings additional certifications and access to more complex, better-paid interventions
Technical specializations
- Specialist in electronic diagnostics: +500-1,000 RON
- Certified technicians for hybrid/electric systems: +1,000-1,500 RON
- Experts in ADAS and autonomous systems: +1,500-2,000 RON
- Mechanic for performance models (AMG, M, RS): +500-1,000 RON
Advanced roles
- Team leader: +1,500-2,500 RON compared to a standard mechanic
- Internal trainer: added responsibilities and compensation
Premium brands continually invest in their mechanics’ training through:
- Periodic courses at manufacturer training centers
- Ongoing updates for new technologies
- Access to state-of-the-art diagnostic equipment
- Standardized procedures ensuring consistent quality
Comparison with salaries in Western Europe
As with most professions, there are significant differences between Romania and Western European salaries. A mechanic working in Western Europe earns substantially more, even for a similar number of hours worked.
Comparative figures
In countries like Germany, France, Belgium, or the Netherlands, a auto mechanic can earn:
- Germany: 2,500-3,500 EUR net/month
- France: 2,000-3,000 EUR net/month
- Belgium: 2,200-3,200 EUR net/month
- Netherlands: 2,300-3,400 EUR net/month
- United Kingdom: 2,000-3,000 GBP net/month
These salaries are roughly about 3-4 times higher than those in Romania, but factors such as:
Cost of living
- Rent and utilities are significantly higher
- Food costs can be double those in Romania
- Taxes and social contributions differ substantially
Additional requirements
- Advanced local language proficiency
- Recognition of Romanian certifications (not always automatic)
- Adaptation to different standards and procedures
- Sometimes local retraining courses
Advantages for those working abroad
- Valuable professional experience on the CV
- Access to cutting-edge technologies and procedures
- Substantial saving potential if expenses are controlled
- Accelerated professional development
Career outlook for auto mechanics
The auto mechanic profession remains relevant and in demand, despite industry transformations. The shift toward electric and hybrid vehicles does not eliminate the need for mechanics, it reshapes it:
New opportunities
- Battery and electric propulsion system specialists
- Technicians for driver-assistance systems
- Software and OTA (over-the-air) update experts
- Vehicle conversion specialists to electric
Growing demand for
- Mechanics with electronics and software knowledge
- Computerized diagnostic specialists
- Technicians for premium and luxury vehicles
- Mobile mechanics for on-site interventions
Ongoing training and adaptability to new technologies are key to a successful and well-paid career in this field. Mechanics who specialize in new technologies and obtain relevant certifications can aspire to earnings higher than those presented in this article.