TradesOfficial Payroll Survey · 99/10010+ years
Staff / Lead Automotive Technician Salary in Chicago
2026 · Staff, lead, and principal-level professionals in the top 10% of earners.
$82,223/yr
Typical range: $80,848 – $95,271
P90 · 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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Entry | 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% |
| StaffThis page | 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
$82,223
Staff / Lead · 10+ years
Hourly: $40/hr
Next Level Target
$90,850
Principal · 14
+$9Kpotential uplift
Career Opportunity
38/100
Below Average
+4% demand · Low AI risk
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the staff / lead Automotive Technician salary in Chicago, IL?
Staff / Lead Automotive Technicians in Chicago, IL earn approximately $82K per year (2026). This corresponds to the P90 range of BLS OEWS employer payroll data.
How much does a staff / lead Automotive Technician make per hour in Chicago, IL?
Based on $82K annually, the hourly rate is approximately $40/hr (2,080-hour work year).
How do I get from staff / lead to senior Automotive Technician in Chicago, IL?
The typical progression takes 2–4 years with consistent skill development, project leadership, and strategic job moves. A senior Automotive Technician in Chicago, IL earns $81K–$95K/yr.