Maintenance
Oil and filter change: what it costs
How this range is built
| Part of the job | Low | High |
|---|---|---|
| Parts | $30 | $70 |
| Labor: 0.4 to 0.6 hours × $110 to $150 an hour | $44 | $90 |
| Fees: shop supplies, disposal, diagnostics | $0 | $10 |
| Total, rounded | $70 | $170 |
The hourly rate is the BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics, May 2025 average pay for this trade in the US, $27.13 an hour, times 4 to 5.5 to cover what a shop bills (overhead, tools, insurance, profit). Parts are a band from budget aftermarket to the manufacturer part. Full method.
Not a repair shop, estimates only. Typical range, estimate. Not a quote. Your car, parts and shop change the number.
Old oil is drained and replaced with new oil and a new filter. Most cars need it every 5,000 to 10,000 miles, or as the owner's manual says.
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What is usually included
- Drain old oil and fill with new oil
- New oil filter
- Check fluid levels and tire pressure
- Reset the oil-life light
- Disposal of old oil
What moves the price
- Conventional versus full synthetic oil
- Engine size and oil capacity
- Filter type, cartridge or spin-on
- Hard-to-reach filter or skid plate
Questions to ask before you say yes
- Which oil type and grade will you use?
- Does the price include the filter and disposal?
- Are you adding any extra services I didn't ask for?
- Will the oil-life light be reset?
Can you do it yourself?
A reasonable DIY with jack stands, a drain pan and a filter wrench; the risks are overtightening the plug, a double gasket on the filter, and disposing of oil legally.
Shopping for the part? Search car parts on eBay (affiliate link, disclosure). Make sure the part fits your car before buying.
Common questions
How often should I change my oil?
Check the owner's manual. Many newer cars with synthetic oil go 7,500 to 10,000 miles, while older or harder-driven cars do better near 5,000.
Do I need synthetic oil?
If the manual calls for it, yes. If it doesn't, synthetic still costs more but lasts longer and handles heat and cold better.
What happens if I skip an oil change?
Oil breaks down and sludge builds up, which wears the engine. Going a few hundred miles over is fine, but long delays can cause costly damage.
How much does oil and filter change cost?
A typical range across the US is $70 to $170. That is an estimate from parts prices, labor hours and the local labor rate, not a quote.
Typical range in 10 metro areas
Only the labor rate changes between cities. Same parts, same hours.
| Area | Typical range, estimate |
|---|---|
| Boston area, Massachusetts | $80 to $190 |
| New York City area | $75 to $180 |
| Los Angeles area, California | $75 to $190 |
| Chicago area, Illinois | $75 to $180 |
| Houston area, Texas | $70 to $170 |
| Dallas-Fort Worth area, Texas | $70 to $170 |
| Phoenix area, Arizona | $70 to $170 |
| Atlanta area, Georgia | $75 to $180 |
| Miami area, Florida | $70 to $170 |
| Seattle area, Washington | $80 to $190 |