Automotive Service Advisor Salary in the USA: How Much Does an Automotive Service Advisor Make?
An Automotive Service Advisor is one of the important people in an auto repair shop or dealership because they are usually the person customers talk to when their car needs service or repair. If you are searching for Automotive Service Advisor salary, Automotive Service Advisor salary in USA, or wondering how much does an Automotive Service Advisor make a year, the answer can change quite a bit depending on the state, experience, dealership, repair shop and how the pay plan is set up. Current salary data shows that Automotive Service Advisors in the United States can earn around the mid-$70,000 range on average, while some experienced advisors and people working in strong markets can make well above $100,000. This job can also include commission or performance-based pay, so the final yearly income may be different from the basic salary.
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What Is an Automotive Service Advisor?
An Automotive Service Advisor works between the customer and the technicians in an automotive repair shop or dealership. When a customer brings a car in for an oil change, brake problem, engine issue, tire service or other repair, the service advisor listens to the customer, writes down the concerns and helps decide what service needs to be checked.
The advisor also explains repair recommendations to the customer, prepares estimates, gives updates about the vehicle and helps with the final invoice. So, this is not only a customer service job. A good service advisor normally needs to understand basic vehicle systems and also know how to communicate with people in a clear way.
Average Automotive Service Advisor Salary in the USA
The average Automotive Service Advisor salary in the United States is around $76,533 per year based on current salary information from Indeed. The same source reports a lower figure around $47,585 and a higher figure around $123,093, showing how much pay can change between different workers and locations. Salary.com reports a different national estimate, around $67,281 per year, which is a reminder that salary websites use different data and methods.
For someone looking for an Automotive Service Advisor job, the actual offer may depend on whether the position is at a large dealership, independent repair shop, luxury automotive dealer or another type of service business. Some jobs also have commission, bonuses or other incentives on top of base pay.
State Wise Automotive Service Advisor Salary
Automotive Service Advisor salary can be different from one state to another. Location, local demand, cost of living, dealership size and experience can all affect the pay. The following state salary figures are estimates from Salary.com and are useful for comparing the general salary level across the United States. Actual job offers can be higher or lower.
| State | Salary |
|---|---|
| Alabama | $61,811 |
| Alaska | $72,832 |
| Arizona | $65,559 |
| Arkansas | $60,782 |
| California | $74,211 |
| Colorado | $68,647 |
| Connecticut | $71,903 |
| Delaware | $68,136 |
| Florida | $63,661 |
| Georgia | $64,893 |
| Hawaii | $70,322 |
| Idaho | $62,807 |
| Illinois | $68,580 |
| Indiana | $64,583 |
| Iowa | $64,388 |
| Kansas | $64,065 |
| Kentucky | $63,312 |
| Louisiana | $63,971 |
| Maine | $65,599 |
| Maryland | $69,374 |
| Massachusetts | $73,222 |
| Michigan | $66,259 |
| Minnesota | $68,849 |
| Mississippi | $60,001 |
| Missouri | $63,924 |
| Montana | $63,520 |
| Nebraska | $63,386 |
| Nevada | $66,588 |
| New Hampshire | $68,017 |
| New Jersey | $72,926 |
| New Mexico | $62,316 |
| New York | $71,527 |
| North Carolina | $63,937 |
| North Dakota | $66,460 |
| Ohio | $65,512 |
| Oklahoma | $62,208 |
| Oregon | $68,324 |
| Pennsylvania | $66,978 |
| Rhode Island | $69,757 |
| South Carolina | $63,042 |
| South Dakota | $61,145 |
| Tennessee | $62,874 |
| Texas | $65,626 |
| Utah | $64,428 |
| Vermont | $66,036 |
| Virginia | $67,752 |
| Washington | $72,953 |
| West Virginia | $60,587 |
| Wisconsin | $66,185 |
| Wyoming | $64,523 |
Automotive Service Advisor Salary by State
The state where you work can make a noticeable difference in your Automotive Service Advisor pay. For example, Salary.com estimates are higher in states such as Washington, New Jersey, Alaska, California and Massachusetts, while some other states show lower average estimates. This does not mean every dealership in a higher-paying state will offer more money. A local dealership may have a different pay plan, and an experienced advisor can sometimes earn more than the state average.
Automotive Service Advisor Salary in California
California is one of the larger automotive markets in the country, and the estimated Automotive Service Advisor salary is around $74,211 per year in the Salary.com state data. The actual pay can depend a lot on the city and dealership. Service advisors working in larger metro areas may see different salary offers than people working in smaller towns.
- Estimated state salary: about $74,211 per year
- Large dealership experience can affect total pay
- Commission may be added to base pay
Automotive Service Advisor Salary in Texas
Texas has a large automotive and transportation market, and the estimated salary for an Automotive Service Advisor is around $65,626 per year. Pay can be different in cities such as Houston, Dallas, Austin and San Antonio compared with smaller communities. The dealership's pay structure is also an important part of the final income.
- Estimated state salary: about $65,626 per year
- Dealership and repair shop jobs can have different pay plans
- Experience with customer service and vehicle repair can help with higher-paying roles
Automotive Service Advisor Salary in New York
New York has an estimated Automotive Service Advisor salary of around $71,527 per year. The amount can change based on the location, type of dealership and experience. In higher-cost areas, employers may have different salary ranges than smaller markets across the state.
Automotive Service Advisor Salary in Washington
Washington is among the states with a higher estimated salary for this position, at about $72,953 per year in the Salary.com data. Automotive Service Advisors working for busy dealerships or larger service departments may have additional earning opportunities through commissions and performance pay.
Automotive Service Advisor Salary in Massachusetts
The estimated Automotive Service Advisor salary in Massachusetts is around $73,222 per year. Current job market data also shows that some Massachusetts cities can have higher advertised pay than the broader state estimate. This is one reason it is useful to compare both the state average and individual job postings when looking for an Automotive Service Advisor job.
Automotive Service Advisor Salary in Florida
Florida has a large number of cars, repair shops and dealerships, so Automotive Service Advisor jobs are found in many parts of the state. The estimated Automotive Service Advisor salary in Florida is around $63,661 per year. The actual pay can be different based on the dealership, customer volume and whether the job has commission.
Automotive Service Advisor Salary in New Jersey
New Jersey is another state where an Automotive Service Advisor can find different types of jobs in dealerships and independent repair shops. The estimated salary is around $72,926 per year. Advisors with good customer handling skills and several years of automotive experience may find higher-paying opportunities.
Automotive Service Advisor Salary in Pennsylvania
The estimated Automotive Service Advisor salary in Pennsylvania is about $66,978 per year. Pay can be different between large cities and smaller local markets. Dealership experience, sales skills and knowledge of vehicle repairs can all play a part in the salary offered by an employer.
Automotive Service Advisor Salary in Illinois
In Illinois, the estimated salary for an Automotive Service Advisor is around $68,580 per year. Large dealership service departments may have more customers and more repair work, which can also make commission-based positions different from a simple hourly service advisor job.
Automotive Service Advisor Salary in Colorado
Colorado has an estimated Automotive Service Advisor salary of about $68,647 per year. The job can involve regular customer communication, repair estimates and coordination with technicians. People who understand both the customer side and the technical side of automotive service can have an advantage when applying for these positions.
Automotive Service Advisor Salary in Virginia
The estimated Automotive Service Advisor salary in Virginia is around $67,752 per year. A service advisor in Virginia may work at a franchise dealership, independent repair shop or specialty automotive business. The salary offer can change based on experience and the type of vehicles handled by the shop.
Automotive Service Advisor Salary in Maryland
Maryland has an estimated Automotive Service Advisor salary of approximately $69,374 per year. Service departments in busy areas may have a steady flow of customers, and some employers use bonuses or commission in addition to the base pay.
Automotive Service Advisor Salary in Minnesota
The estimated salary for an Automotive Service Advisor in Minnesota is about $68,849 per year. A person working in this position normally needs to communicate with customers, explain repair recommendations and keep track of the vehicle service process from check-in to pickup.
Automotive Service Advisor Salary in Oregon
Oregon has an estimated Automotive Service Advisor salary of around $68,324 per year. The actual amount can vary by city and employer. A dealership that offers commission can have a very different total earning opportunity compared with a shop that pays only an hourly wage.
Automotive Service Advisor Salary in Nevada
The estimated Automotive Service Advisor salary in Nevada is around $66,588 per year. Automotive service advisors in busy markets may deal with a high number of customer visits, repair estimates and follow-up calls, so communication and organization are important parts of the job.
Automotive Service Advisor Salary in Arizona
Arizona has an estimated salary of about $65,559 per year for an Automotive Service Advisor. The job can be a good fit for someone who likes cars but also enjoys talking with customers. The advisor does not normally perform all the repairs but helps connect the customer with the service technicians.
How Much Does an Automotive Service Advisor Make Per Hour?
If we convert the national salary estimate into hourly pay, the number can look different depending on which salary source is used. Salary.com currently lists an average Automotive Service Advisor salary of $67,281 per year, which is about $32 per hour. Indeed's current salary data is higher, with an average base salary of about $76,533 per year. This difference happens because salary websites collect and calculate their information in different ways.
Some actual job postings can also show much lower hourly base pay but include commission. For example, current Automotive Service Advisor postings can advertise around $16 to $20 per hour plus commission. So, looking only at the hourly rate may not always show the full earning potential of the job.
- Average salary estimate can be around $67,281 per year from Salary.com
- That Salary.com figure equals about $32 per hour
- Indeed reports a higher current average base salary of about $76,533
- Some jobs use hourly pay plus commission
- Actual income depends on the employer and pay plan
Automotive Service Advisor Starting Salary
An Automotive Service Advisor starting salary can be lower than the salary of an experienced advisor. Someone entering the field may start with an hourly wage, a smaller base salary or a combination of base pay and commission. Salary.com currently puts the 10th percentile for Automotive Service Advisors at about $56,540 per year, which can be used as one reference point for the lower end of the professional salary range.
Entry-level jobs can also come with paid training. Some employers may hire people with customer service experience and teach them the automotive side of the work. Other shops prefer people who already worked as a technician or have some automotive training.
Entry Level Automotive Service Advisor Salary
The entry level Automotive Service Advisor salary is not the same at every shop. Current job listings show examples of entry-level service advisor positions with hourly pay, including positions around $12 to $15 per hour with paid training. Other dealerships advertise higher hourly rates and commission. This shows why it is important to read the complete job offer instead of comparing only one number.
For a new person, the first job can be more about learning how a service department works. After gaining experience with repair orders, customers, estimates and service software, the person can move toward a better-paying advisor position.
Experienced Automotive Service Advisor Salary
An experienced Automotive Service Advisor can earn considerably more than someone just starting. Indeed's current U.S. salary data shows a range from about $47,585 to $123,093 per year, with an average base salary of $76,533. Some current job postings also advertise six-figure earning opportunities for experienced advisors.
Experience matters because a busy service department needs someone who can handle customers, understand repair recommendations, explain costs and keep work moving without creating confusion. An advisor who can build trust with customers may also have more opportunities in shops where commission is connected to sales or service performance.
- Several years of automotive industry experience
- Strong customer communication
- Knowledge of common vehicle repairs
- Ability to explain estimates clearly
- Comfort with service department software
- Ability to handle multiple customers at the same time
Automotive Service Advisor Salary With Commission
Commission can be an important part of an Automotive Service Advisor's total income. Some dealerships and repair shops pay a base wage plus commission, while others may use salary, hourly pay or bonuses. Current Indeed data for the broader Service Advisor title reports an average base salary of $70,740 and around $14,700 in commission per year, although this figure is for Service Advisors generally and should not be treated as an exact Automotive Service Advisor commission amount.
For this reason, two people doing almost the same job can have different yearly earnings. One may have a higher hourly wage with no commission, while another may have a lower base wage but a commission plan tied to service sales.
What Does an Automotive Service Advisor Do?
An Automotive Service Advisor is usually the main connection between the customer and the technician. When a customer comes into the shop, the advisor listens to the problem, records the customer's concerns and helps create a repair order. After the vehicle is checked, the advisor explains the recommended work and the expected cost to the customer.
The work does not stop after the repair order is opened. The advisor may also contact the customer if the technician finds another problem, if the repair takes longer than expected or when the vehicle is ready to pick up.
- Greet customers and listen to vehicle concerns
- Create and manage repair orders
- Explain repair recommendations
- Prepare or discuss repair estimates
- Communicate with automotive technicians
- Update customers about repair progress
- Discuss parts, labor and service options
- Handle customer questions about completed work
- Help schedule service appointments
- Complete the service process and final paperwork
Automotive Service Advisor Job Requirements
The requirements for an Automotive Service Advisor job can change from one employer to another. A high school diploma or GED is commonly useful, while automotive knowledge and customer service experience can be very important. Some employers may prefer applicants who have worked as an automotive technician or have completed automotive technology training.
You do not always need a four-year college degree to start working toward this career. Many people build their knowledge through automotive work, technical training and experience with customers. Indeed also notes that service advisors can come into the role through automotive experience and customer-facing work.
Skills Needed for an Automotive Service Advisor
- Good communication skills
- Basic knowledge of vehicle systems
- Customer service skills
- Problem-solving ability
- Ability to explain technical information in simple words
- Basic computer and service software skills
- Good organization
- Ability to work in a busy shop environment
- Patience when dealing with customers
- Sales and negotiation skills can also help
How to Become an Automotive Service Advisor
There is more than one way to become an Automotive Service Advisor. Some people start in an entry-level automotive position, while others move into the advisor role after working with customers or gaining experience in a dealership service department. Automotive technology training can help because the advisor needs to understand enough about vehicles to explain repairs in a useful way.
A common path is to first learn basic automotive service, gain experience in a repair shop and then move into a service advisor position. Customer service experience can also be useful because the advisor spends a large part of the day talking with vehicle owners.
- Finish high school or obtain a GED.
- Learn basic automotive repair and vehicle systems.
- Get experience in an automotive shop or customer service job.
- Learn repair order and service department software.
- Apply for entry-level service advisor positions.
- Build experience and improve customer communication skills.
- Move toward higher-paying dealerships or experienced advisor roles.
What Affects an Automotive Service Advisor Salary?
The salary of an Automotive Service Advisor is not based on one thing only. Two people can have the same job title and still get different pay. The dealership, repair shop, location, experience and pay plan can all make a difference. A busy service department may also have a different earning setup than a small local repair shop.
For someone checking an Automotive Service Advisor job, it is useful to look at the full compensation instead of only the advertised base salary. Some employers offer bonuses or commission, while others may offer a higher fixed hourly or yearly salary.
- Work experience: Experienced advisors may qualify for higher-paying positions.
- Location: Salary levels can vary between states and cities.
- Dealership size: Large dealerships may have more customers and service work.
- Commission: Some jobs include commission based on service sales or performance.
- Vehicle knowledge: Understanding common repairs can make customer conversations easier.
- Customer service: Good communication is a major part of the job.
- Luxury or specialty vehicles: Some employers may have different pay structures for specialty brands.
Automotive Service Advisor Salary at a Dealership
An Automotive Service Advisor working at a dealership may have a different earning structure than someone working at an independent repair shop. Dealership service departments can handle a large number of vehicles each day and may use formal pay plans that include a base salary or hourly wage along with commission and bonuses.
The dealership environment can also require the advisor to work with manufacturer service schedules, warranty work and dealership procedures. This can make the job more detailed, but it can also give an advisor more experience with a particular vehicle brand.
Automotive Service Advisor Salary at an Independent Repair Shop
Independent repair shops are another common place for Automotive Service Advisors to work. A small shop may have fewer employees, which means the service advisor can sometimes handle several different tasks during the day. The advisor may speak with customers, schedule appointments, write repair orders and help with parts or shop communication.
Salary at an independent shop can vary a lot because these businesses have different sizes and pay systems. Some pay hourly, some offer a yearly salary and some include commission or bonuses. It is always worth checking the complete compensation package before accepting a job.
Automotive Service Advisor vs Automotive Service Writer
The terms Automotive Service Advisor and Automotive Service Writer are sometimes used for very similar jobs. Both positions can involve talking with customers, writing repair orders, explaining vehicle problems and working with technicians. Because of this, people searching for an Automotive Service Writer salary may also find job listings under the Service Advisor title.
The exact duties depend on the employer. One shop may call the position a service writer, while another may call the same type of work a service advisor. When searching for jobs, it can be useful to search both titles instead of using only one keyword.
- Automotive Service Advisor
- Automotive Service Writer
- Auto Service Advisor
- Service Advisor
- Automotive Service Consultant
Can an Automotive Service Advisor Make $100,000 a Year?
Yes, some Automotive Service Advisors can have annual earnings above $100,000, but it is not the standard salary for every person in the job. Current salary information from Indeed shows the upper end of its reported Automotive Service Advisor salary range at about $123,093 per year. Some job listings also advertise six-figure earning opportunities, especially for experienced advisors working under commission-based pay plans.
However, a six-figure income should not be treated as the normal starting salary. It can depend on experience, customer volume, repair sales, commission rules, dealership performance and the local market. Someone entering the field should compare the base pay and the realistic earning structure before assuming a particular yearly income.
Is Automotive Service Advisor a Good Career?
For people who like cars and also enjoy working with customers, an Automotive Service Advisor career can be an interesting option. The job is not the same as being an automotive technician because the advisor spends much more time communicating with vehicle owners and coordinating the repair process.
The work can also be busy. A service advisor may have several customers waiting, technicians asking questions and repair estimates that need approval at the same time. People who prefer a job with regular customer interaction may find this type of work suitable, while someone looking for a hands-on repair job may prefer becoming a technician.
Automotive Service Advisor Career Growth
An Automotive Service Advisor can build experience and move into other positions inside an automotive dealership or repair business. Career growth is not exactly the same for everyone, but learning customer service, automotive repair basics and dealership operations can open different paths.
- Entry-Level Service Advisor
- Automotive Service Advisor
- Senior Service Advisor
- Service Department Manager
- Service Manager
- Fixed Operations Manager
Some experienced advisors may also move into other automotive sales, management or customer service positions. The skills learned in the service department can be useful because the person already understands customers, repair work and how an automotive business operates.
Automotive Service Advisor Salary by Experience
Experience is one of the factors that can change Automotive Service Advisor pay. A person who is new to the industry may start with a lower base wage while learning the service process. After several years, the advisor may be able to handle more customers, complicated repair orders and larger service accounts.
Current Salary.com data places the 10th percentile at about $56,540, while the 90th percentile is around $79,679 for its Automotive Service Advisor salary estimate. These figures are useful for understanding the spread in the data, but individual salaries can be outside these numbers and commission can change total yearly earnings.
| Experience Level | Typical Salary Situation |
|---|---|
| Entry Level | Usually lower base pay or hourly pay |
| Early Career | Pay can increase with automotive and customer experience |
| Experienced | Higher salary and possible commission opportunities |
| Senior Advisor | May have higher earning potential depending on employer |
How to Increase Your Automotive Service Advisor Salary
People already working as service advisors can improve their earning potential by building both automotive knowledge and customer service skills. The technical side is important, but communication is just as important because customers need to understand what is wrong with their vehicle and why a repair is recommended.
- Learn more about common vehicle repairs.
- Improve communication with customers.
- Understand repair estimates and labor charges.
- Learn dealership and repair shop software.
- Build strong customer follow-up habits.
- Learn how commission and bonus plans work.
- Gain experience with different vehicle brands.
- Look at senior service advisor opportunities.
- Compare pay plans before changing employers.
Automotive Service Advisor Salary: Final Takeaway
The Automotive Service Advisor salary in the USA can vary widely depending on the employer, state, experience and compensation plan. Current salary sources put the national average in roughly the upper-$60,000 to mid-$70,000 range, while reported salaries can extend considerably higher for experienced workers. Some positions also use commission or bonuses, so the total yearly income may be different from the base salary.
If you are searching for an Automotive Service Advisor job, it is a good idea to compare the base salary, hourly rate, commission, benefits and working hours together. State averages can give you a general idea, but the actual job offer is what matters for your personal earning situation. For someone with automotive knowledge and strong customer communication skills, this position can also provide a path toward senior service advisor and service management roles.
Sources for Automotive Service Advisor Salary Data
- Indeed – Automotive Service Advisor salary data and reported U.S. salary range
- Current U.S. Automotive Service Advisor job listings for examples of employer pay structures