Automotive Technician Salary.
Across 81 U.S. cities.
$50,000
national median salary
$38,000 to $66,000. Last updated July 2026.
Highest Paying
$68,000
San Francisco, CA
Best Purchasing Power
$52,000
Sacramento, CA
Lowest Paying
$37,000
Charleston, WV
Salary data sourced from Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics, H-1B Labor Condition Applications (DOL), state pay-transparency job postings, and community submissions. Most ranges are anchored to BLS OES occupation wage percentiles and placed by seniority level (entry near the 25th, mid at the median, senior at the 75th); a minority of emerging roles retain a modeled estimate where BLS has no matching series. Cost-of-living adjustments use Bureau of Economic Analysis Regional Price Parities (2025 index). Last updated July 2026. Baseline derived from BLS SOC 49-3023. Full methodology.
The average Automotive Technician salary in the United States is $50,000 in 2026, with the full range spanning $38,000 at the 25th percentile to $66,000 at the 75th. San Francisco pays the most at $68,000, while Sacramento offers the best purchasing power after cost-of-living adjustments. ASE Master Technician certification adds 15 to 20% to earnings, while specialization in diesel, hybrid, or electric vehicle systems commands the highest rates.
Automotive Technician salary by city.
Skills that increase Automotive Technician pay.
The skills below command measurable salary premiums for Automotive Technicians based on job posting data. Learning the top skill here could add $7,000 to your annual compensation.
≈ +$7,000 per year
≈ +$6,500 per year
≈ +$6,000 per year
≈ +$5,500 per year
≈ +$5,500 per year
≈ +$5,000 per year
≈ +$5,000 per year
≈ +$4,500 per year
What you should know.
ASE Master Technician certification adds 15 to 20% to earnings, while specialization in diesel, hybrid, or electric vehicle systems commands the highest rates. Dealership technicians working on luxury brands like BMW, Mercedes, or Porsche earn 20 to 30% more than independent shop techs. Flat-rate pay structures mean faster, more experienced techs earn disproportionately more.
Lube technicians and trainees start at $28,000 to $35,000, advancing to general technician at $38,000 to $52,000 in two to three years. Master technicians earn $55,000 to $75,000, while service managers and shop foremen reach $70,000 to $100,000 at busy dealerships or fleet operations.
Flat-rate bonuses can add $5,000 to $15,000 annually for efficient technicians. Dealerships often provide manufacturer training, tool purchase programs, and uniform allowances. Some employers offer sign-on bonuses of $2,000 to $5,000 due to persistent technician shortages.
Total compensation breakdown.
Salary by company size
Remote salary adjustment
Remote Automotive Technicians typically earn $49,000 (3% less than on-site). This reflects location-adjusted pay policies at companies using geographic salary bands. Some companies pay flat national rates regardless of location.
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Common questions about Automotive Technician pay.
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