Blog
The business side of running mobile: what to charge, how sales tax works on parts and labor, and what actually comes off at tax time. Written for the mechanic doing the work.
What Should a Mobile Mechanic Charge Per Hour in 2026?
Labor runs $50 to $150 an hour nationally, with about $85 in the middle. Where you land by experience level and market, plus trip fees, diagnostic fees, parts markup, and when flat rate beats hourly.
· 6 min read
Do Mobile Mechanics Charge Sales Tax on Parts or Labor?
Most states tax parts and not labor, and a few tax both. Separating parts and labor on the invoice is what makes the exemption hold — lump them together and the whole invoice can become taxable.
· 6 min read
Schedule C for Mobile Mechanics: What You Can Actually Deduct
Mileage vs actual vehicle expenses, tools and equipment, parts as cost of goods sold, phone, insurance — and why sales tax collected never belongs in your gross receipts.
· 6 min read
These articles are general information about running a mobile repair business. They are not tax, legal, or accounting advice.