TradesOfficial Payroll Survey · 99/1000–2 years
Entry Level Automotive Technician Salary in Chicago
2026 · Recent graduates and professionals with under 2 years of experience.
$48,525/yr
Typical range: $47,677 – $56,183
P10–P25 · BLS OEWS employer payroll data
Automotive Technician salary by experience level in Chicago
Automotive Technician Salary Progression in Chicago
From entry-level through staff — based on BLS OEWS percentile data
| Experience Level | Years | Percentile | Annual Salary | Monthly | vs Entry |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| EntryThis page | 0 yrs | 0 yrs | $48,525 | $4,044 | — |
| Junior | 2 yrs | 2 yrs | $57,961 | $4,830 | +19% |
| Mid-Level | 4 yrs | 4 yrs | $64,251 | $5,354 | +32% |
| Senior | 6 yrs | 6 yrs | $70,361 | $5,863 | +45% |
| Staff | 10 yrs | 10 yrs | $82,223 | $6,852 | +69% |
| Principal | 14 yrs | 14 yrs | $90,850 | $7,571 | +87% |
| Distinguished | 18 yrs | 18 yrs | $93,006 | $7,751 | +92% |
Current Salary
$48,525
Entry Level · 0–2 years
Hourly: $23/hr
Next Level Target
$57,961
Junior · 2
+$9Kpotential uplift
Career Opportunity
38/100
Below Average
+4% demand · Low AI risk
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the entry level Automotive Technician salary in Chicago, IL?
Entry Level Automotive Technicians in Chicago, IL earn approximately $49K per year (2026). This corresponds to the P10–P25 range of BLS OEWS employer payroll data.
How much does a entry level Automotive Technician make per hour in Chicago, IL?
Based on $49K annually, the hourly rate is approximately $23/hr (2,080-hour work year).
How do I get from entry level to senior Automotive Technician in Chicago, IL?
The typical progression takes 4–6 years with consistent skill development, project leadership, and strategic job moves. A senior Automotive Technician in Chicago, IL earns $81K–$95K/yr.