This article was written by our expert who is surveying the industry and constantly updating the business plan for an auto repair shop.
If you plan to open an auto repair shop, you must understand the average repair ticket (ART): the typical total per customer invoice for labor, parts, fees, and taxes in a single visit.
Below you will find clear, current figures (October 2025), practical benchmarks, and concrete actions to improve your ART without hurting customer satisfaction.
If you want to dig deeper and learn more, you can download our business plan for an auto repair shop. Also, before launching, get all the profit, revenue, and cost breakdowns you need for complete clarity with our auto repair shop financial forecast.
The average repair ticket in U.S. auto repair shops typically falls between $150 and $400 per visit, with a frequently cited industry midpoint around $250–$300 depending on service mix and market.
Ticket size varies by shop type (independent vs dealership), category (maintenance vs mechanical vs collision), vehicle segment, location, labor rate, and parts pricing—factors that also explain the 5–8% annual rise in ART in recent years.
| Metric | Actionable takeaway for a new auto repair shop | Typical 2025 figure / range |
|---|---|---|
| Average Repair Ticket (ART) | Model revenue using a conservative $250–$300 ART for general repair; adjust up/down by service mix. | $150–$400 typical; $250–$300 most cited |
| Routine maintenance visit | Bundle oil + filter + rotation + inspections to stabilize volume and ART. | $95–$237 per visit |
| Mechanical repair visit | Price by book hours; standardize parts margins; offer options (OEM vs aftermarket). | $150–$800+ (issue-dependent) |
| Collision repair visit | Expect higher parts cost share; align with insurers and cycle-time targets. | $400–$3,000+ (damage-dependent) |
| Independent vs dealership ART | Set labor rate and parts sourcing policy; communicate value vs price. | Indep.: $200–$350 | Dealer: $350–$500+ |
| Location effect | Benchmark local labor rates and overhead to position your pricing. | Urban > Rural, especially in high-cost states |
| Trend (last 5 years) | Update your price file annually and renegotiate parts; raise labor strategically. | +5–8% per year |
What is a “repair ticket” in an auto repair shop?
A repair ticket is the itemized work order or invoice for one customer visit in an auto repair shop.
It lists approved labor operations, parts, shop fees, taxes, and any notes or recommendations tied to that visit. The total on the ticket equals the value of work performed in that single appointment, from routine service to complex repairs. It is the core document used in your point-of-sale system for reporting revenue and tracking technician time. You’ll find detailed market insights in our auto repair shop business plan, updated every quarter.
Because every visit is captured separately, your average repair ticket (ART) reflects the true revenue-per-visit metric for your auto repair shop.
Treat the repair ticket as both a legal record of authorization and a source of operational data for pricing, margins, and KPIs.
Always standardize how you code, time, and describe jobs so ART comparisons are accurate.
What is the typical range of repair ticket values in the industry?
The typical ART for auto repair shops clusters between entry-level maintenance and broader mechanical work.
| Visit type | What usually drives the amount | Typical 2025 range |
|---|---|---|
| Basic maintenance | Oil/filter, rotation, fluids, inspections; low parts cost; short book hours | $95–$237 per visit |
| General mechanical | Brakes, belts, batteries, diagnostics; mix of labor + parts | $150–$400 per visit |
| Major mechanical | Engine, transmission, suspension; longer hours; pricier parts | $400–$800+ per visit |
| Collision / body | Panels, paint, sensors; insurer guidelines; parts-intensive | $400–$3,000+ per visit |
| Electrical / diagnostics | Scan time, testing, modules; specialized labor | $200–$600+ per visit |
| Luxury/performance | OEM parts, specialty fluids, higher labor rates | +20–60% vs economy vehicles |
| Fleet service | Program pricing; volume; predictable maintenance | Varies; often at or slightly below retail |
What is the most recent industry average repair ticket and how often is it updated?
As of October 2025, many industry summaries cite an average ticket near $250–$300 for general auto repair shops.
This aligns with a typical overall range of $150–$400 per visit depending on the services performed, local labor rates, and parts mix. Most trade reports, market surveys, and media roundups update these figures annually; some run pulse checks quarterly when inflation or parts pricing shifts quickly. We cover this exact topic in the auto repair shop business plan.
When building your forecast, use a conservative midpoint (e.g., $260–$280) and sensitivity-test ±15–20% to reflect mix changes.
Refresh your price file and assumptions at least every 12 months or sooner if supplier costs or wages move materially.
Publish your current ART and date in your internal dashboard so your team works with up-to-date targets.
Which services are most often included on a typical repair ticket?
- Oil and filter changes, fluid top-ups, and scheduled maintenance items
- Brake pad/rotor service and safety inspections
- Tire rotation/repair, balancing, and alignment checks
- Battery testing/replacement and basic electrical work
- OBD-II diagnostics, scan time, and fault code resolution
What factors most strongly influence the average ticket size?
The strongest drivers of ART in an auto repair shop are labor rate, booked hours per RO, parts pricing, and service mix.
Higher local technician wages and market labor rates raise the hourly rate and thus the labor line on each repair ticket. Parts selection (OEM vs aftermarket) and margin policy directly affect parts dollars per RO. This is one of the strategies explained in our auto repair shop business plan.
Vehicle age and complexity (ADAS, turbo, hybrids/EVs) add diagnostic time and pricier components, while location economics (urban vs rural) influence both wages and overhead.
Independent vs dealership service models also shift ART through different pricing, warranty policies, and recommended service scope.
Track these inputs monthly so you can explain ART changes and adjust pricing with confidence.
How do independent shops and dealership service centers compare on average ticket?
Dealership ARTs are generally higher than independent shop ARTs due to labor rates, OEM parts, and scope of work.
| Shop type | Why the difference shows up on tickets | Typical 2025 ART |
|---|---|---|
| Dealership service | Higher posted labor rates; OEM parts; warranty processes; comprehensive service in one visit | $350–$500+ per RO |
| Independent repair | Competitive labor rates; aftermarket/OEM mix; flexible recommendations; local pricing strategy | $200–$350 per RO |
| Specialty European | Brand-specific tooling and expertise; premium fluids and parts | $400–$700+ per RO |
| Quick lube / tire | High volume maintenance; add-on services drive ART | $90–$220 per RO |
| Collision centers | Parts-heavy jobs; paint/materials; insurer guidelines | $1,000–$3,000+ per RO |
| Mobile mechanics | Lower overhead; limited job scope; convenience premium | $120–$320 per RO |
| Fleet-focused shops | Contracted rates; predictable maintenance programs | At/under retail depending on contract |
What is the average repair ticket by category (maintenance, mechanical, collision)?
Ticket size changes notably by category because the balance of labor hours and parts cost is different.
| Category | Cost structure and notes | Typical 2025 ART |
|---|---|---|
| Routine maintenance | Short jobs; standardized packages; add-on inspections | $95–$237 |
| Brakes | Pads/rotors; possible calipers/fluids; safety-driven approvals | $150–$300 (axle) |
| Diagnostics / electrical | Scan time, testing, modules; higher skilled labor | $200–$600+ |
| Engine / cooling | Belts, pumps, gaskets; variable book hours | $300–$1,200+ |
| Transmission / drivetrain | Fluids, clutches, rebuilds; specialty tools | $500–$2,500+ |
| Suspension / steering | Shocks, struts, control arms; alignment add-ons | $250–$900+ |
| Collision repair | Panels, paint, sensors (ADAS recalibration); insurer involvement | $400–$3,000+ |
How does shop location (urban vs rural) affect average ticket size?
Urban auto repair markets usually show higher ART than rural markets.
| Location type | Primary drivers of higher/lower ART | Expected 2025 impact on ART |
|---|---|---|
| Major metro (high COL) | Higher labor rates, rent, insurance; newer vehicles with complex tech | +15–30% vs national midpoint |
| Suburban | Balanced overhead; higher SUV mix; strong maintenance uptake | Near national midpoint to +10% |
| Rural | Lower wages/rent; price-sensitive customers; DIY alternatives | -10–20% vs national midpoint |
| Tourist corridors | Intermittent high-demand; emergency repairs; limited competition | Wide range; premium on urgent jobs |
| College towns | Older vehicles; lower discretionary budgets; competitive pricing | At or below midpoint |
| Wealthy enclaves | Luxury vehicle density; OEM parts preference | +25–50% vs economy vehicle baseline |
| Snowbelt markets | Brake/suspension/corrosion work increases parts & hours | +5–15% seasonally |
How does vehicle type (economy vs SUV vs luxury) change the average ticket?
Vehicle segment materially shifts ART because of parts pricing and labor complexity.
| Vehicle segment | Why tickets differ | Typical 2025 ART effect |
|---|---|---|
| Economy/compact | Lower parts prices; simpler systems; strong aftermarket options | Baseline (use $250–$300 midpoint) |
| Mid-size/SUV | Bigger components, more fluids, higher tire/brake costs | +10–25% vs economy |
| Luxury/performance | Premium fluids, OEM parts preference, specialized labor/tools | +20–60% vs economy |
| Trucks (light-duty) | Larger wear items; towing/haul use; heavy-duty parts | +10–35% vs economy |
| Hybrids/EVs | High-voltage safety, battery thermal systems, specialized diagnostics | Mixed: lower fluids but higher diagnostics; +0–20% |
| European specialty | Brand-specific tooling; tight tolerances; ADAS calibration | +30–70% vs economy |
| Fleet vehicles | Program pricing; standardized repairs; uptime priority | At/under retail ART depending on contract |
What is the five-year trend in average repair ticket and why is it rising?
ART has increased about 5–8% annually in recent years across many auto repair markets.
Inflation in parts, higher technician wages, and the growing complexity of vehicles (sensors, modules, ADAS) drive more diagnostic time and cost. Supply chain volatility since 2020 also pushed price lists higher and reduced discounting. It’s a key part of what we outline in the auto repair shop business plan.
Software subscriptions, specialty tools, and training for EV/hybrid systems add overhead that shops recover through labor rates and margins.
Expect slower increases as supply chains normalize, but plan for annual price reviews tied to your cost index.
Communicate changes proactively and show line-item transparency to preserve trust.
Which KPIs should you compare to ART to assess an auto repair shop’s performance?
- Car count per month: confirms whether revenue changes come from volume or ART.
- Gross profit % by labor and parts: validates margin health behind the ticket value.
- Technician efficiency and productivity (flagged vs clocked hours): reveals throughput.
- Parts-to-labor ratio: signals service mix balance and pricing opportunities.
- Customer satisfaction / NPS and comeback rate: ensures quality while growing ART.
What strategies help increase the average repair ticket while keeping customers happy?
- Run consistent multi-point digital inspections with photos and urgency codes.
- Offer good-better-best parts options and maintenance bundles with clear value.
- Educate with plain-language estimates; show labor hours, parts, and warranties.
- Set follow-up reminders for declined work and OEM-scheduled services.
- Adopt transparent policies: no surprise fees; pre-authorization for diagnostics.
Get expert guidance and actionable steps inside our auto repair shop business plan.
What is the typical service mix found on an “average” ticket in an auto repair shop?
An average ticket often combines one primary job with 1–2 small add-ons.
For example, a brake pad/rotor job may include brake fluid exchange and a cabin filter if due by mileage. A maintenance visit may add wiper blades and a tire rotation after inspection. This is one of the many elements we break down in the auto repair shop business plan.
Use a checklist by mileage and condition to standardize recommendations and keep ART consistent across advisors.
Always document safety-critical items first, then preventative maintenance, then convenience items.
Track acceptance rates per add-on to learn what customers value most.
How should a new auto repair shop set prices to reach a sustainable ART?
Start with a competitive labor rate and targeted parts margins based on your positioning and costs.
Build menu prices for common services so advisors quote quickly and consistently. Negotiate parts discounts, define OEM/aftermarket guidelines, and use matrix pricing to maintain gross profit across price brackets. You’ll find detailed market insights in our auto repair shop business plan, updated every quarter.
Calibrate your opening ART forecast using your intended service mix (e.g., 60% maintenance, 40% repairs) and local benchmarks.
Review results monthly and adjust labor rate or menu items when costs or mix shift.
Keep communication transparent so customers understand value for money.
Conclusion
This article is for informational purposes only and should not be considered financial advice. Readers are encouraged to consult with a qualified professional before making any investment decisions. We accept no liability for any actions taken based on the information provided.
Want to master your numbers before opening your auto repair shop? Explore practical guides on startup costs, monthly expenses, and pricing.
Looking for growth playbooks? Read our articles on customer segments, competition analysis, and labor cost structure to build a resilient service mix.
Sources
- ConsumerAffairs — Car repair statistics
- World Population Review — Auto repair rates by state
- Modern Tire Dealer — Average repair orders explained
- Tire Works — Common auto repairs
- Torque360 — Factors influencing mechanic labor rates
- Greulich’s — Dealership vs independent repair shop
- Avid Auto Care — Independent vs dealership
- MoneyLion — Average car repair costs
- Experian — Average cost of auto repair after accident
- Auto Repair SEO — Common auto repair services list
-How Much Does It Cost to Start a Mechanic Shop?
-How to Open an Auto Repair Shop
-How Much Does It Cost to Start an Auto Repair Shop?
-Typical Monthly Expenses for an Auto Repair Shop
-Insurance Guide for Auto Repair Shops
-Auto Repair Shop Business Plan Guide
-Auto Repair Shop: Competition Study
-Auto Repair Shop: Customer Segments
-Budget Requirements for an Auto Repair Shop
-How to Calculate Auto Repair Labor Cost