Analysis
NAICS 811111 is the 2022 national industry for general automotive repair, part of 81111 (Automotive Mechanical and Electrical Repair and Maintenance). Census lists 11 example activities under it in the official index.
County Business Patterns counts 84,859 US establishments in this code in 2023, employing 403,389 people at an average annual payroll of $53,031 per employee (21st percentile of national industries). 66% of the establishments have fewer than five employees, which marks it as a small-business industry.
Census lists 7 related activities that belong elsewhere, most often in 441330, 811191, 811114 and 336310. Businesses that do several things are classified by their primary activity, the one that generates the most value, so check those boundaries before settling on this code.
Its index entries, the activities Census uses to assign businesses to this code, include automotive engine repair and replacement shops, automotive fleet repair and maintenance services, automotive repair and replacement shops, general and car repair shops, general, among 11 in all.
For example, retailing new automotive parts and accessories and also providing automotive vehicle repair services are classified in 441330 (Automotive Parts and Accessories Retailers) instead.
Between 2018 and 2023 the number of establishments grew 3% and employment rose 13%. The 2018 count used NAICS 2017, so part of a large move can come from codes being redefined rather than from businesses opening or closing.
Official definition
This U.S. industry comprises establishments primarily engaged in providing (1) a wide range of mechanical and electrical repair and maintenance services for automotive vehicles, such as passenger cars, trucks, and vans, and all trailers or (2) engine repair and replacement.
Illustrative Examples:
Automobile repair garages (except gasoline service stations) General automotive repair shops Automotive engine repair and replacement shops
Source: US Census Bureau, NAICS 2022 Manual.
Not this code if…
| The business mainly does | Use instead |
|---|---|
| Retailing new automotive parts and accessories and also providing automotive vehicle repair services | 441330 Automotive Parts and Accessories Retailers |
| Changing motor oil and lubricating the chassis of automotive vehicles | 811191 Automotive Oil Change and Lubrication Shops |
| Providing specialized mechanical or electrical automotive vehicle repair and maintenance services (except engine repair and replacement) | 811114 Specialized Automotive Repair |
| Rebuilding motor vehicle gasoline engines and engine parts | 336310 Motor Vehicle Gasoline Engine and Engine Parts Manufacturing |
| Retailing motor fuels and also providing automotive vehicle repair services | 4571 Gasoline Stations |
| Retailing automobiles and light trucks for highway use and also providing automotive vehicle repair services | 4411 Automobile Dealers |
| Motorcycle repair and maintenance services | 811490 Other Personal and Household Goods Repair and Maintenance |
Index entries (11)
- Automotive engine repair and replacement shops
- Automotive fleet repair and maintenance services
- Automotive repair and replacement shops, general
- Car repair shops, general
- Diesel engine repair shops, automotive
- Engine repair and replacement shops, automotive
- Garages, general automotive repair (except gasoline service stations)
- General automotive repair shops
- Mobile automotive and truck repair services
- Recreational vehicle (RV) repair and maintenance services, general
- Truck repair shops, general