Mobile mechanic

Fix cars at people's homes and workplaces with a van or truck full of tools.

Startup cost$3k to $15k

Monthly revenue$1.5k to $7.5k

Time needed12+ h/week

First incomeWeeks

$3k-15k
Side hustle
Out and about
Licence or permit needed

Estimates for a small start in the US, not guarantees.

Official data

84,859 US businesses with employees in this field, +0.9% in a year

NAICS 811111 “General automotive repair”. Source: U.S. Census Bureau, County Business Patterns 2023.

What it is

A mobile repair service that comes to the customer for jobs like brakes, batteries, starters, belts, fluid services and diagnostic checks, with no garage needed.

Your first three steps

Pick the 5 to 10 jobs you can do reliably on a driveway and price them against local shops
Get a quote for general liability and garage-keepers or tools-and-equipment cover, and set up an LLC or sole proprietorship
Set up a Google Business Profile and offer discounted first jobs to neighbors and local community groups

Who pays

Busy professionals, people without a car to get to a shop, small businesses with a few vehicles and local property managers.

How it makes money

Flat price per job or an hourly labor rate, plus a markup on parts. A call-out or diagnostic fee helps cover your driving time.

Skills that help

Strong hands-on repair and diagnostic skills
Clear communication with customers
Scheduling and route planning

Watch out for

Check whether your state or city requires an automotive repair license or registration
Check local rules on working on vehicles in public streets and apartment complex parking lots
Rules on disposing of used oil, fluids and old parts, check with your county or state environmental agency
Insurance that covers work done on customers' vehicles and your tools
Weather and the limits of what you can safely do without a lift

🔒 Full research report for US

Real cost breakdown with current prices, licences and registration checklist, local competition, pricing, break-even and a 30-day launch plan, with sources.

Coming soon

Questions people ask

How much does it cost to start a mobile mechanic business?

Startup costs are typically estimated at around $3,000 to $15,000, depending on your vehicle, the tools and diagnostic equipment you need, and insurance. Having a van or truck already can lower the cost.

How much can a mobile mechanic earn?

Monthly revenue is typically estimated at around $1,500 to $7,500, depending on how many jobs you take, the types of repairs you offer, and your hours. Weather and the limits of working without a lift can affect your workload.

Do I need a license to work as a mobile mechanic?

Check whether your state or city requires an automotive repair license or registration. Also check local rules on working on vehicles on public streets and in apartment lots, disposal rules for used oil and fluids, and insurance covering customers' vehicles.