TradesOfficial Payroll Survey · 99/10010+ years
Staff / Lead Automotive Technician Salary in Los Angeles
2026 · Staff, lead, and principal-level professionals in the top 10% of earners.
$98,924/yr
Typical range: $97,269 – $114,622
P90 · BLS OEWS employer payroll data
Automotive Technician salary by experience level in Los Angeles
Automotive Technician Salary Progression in Los Angeles
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 | $58,381 | $4,865 | — |
| Junior | 2 yrs | 2 yrs | $69,733 | $5,811 | +19% |
| Mid-Level | 4 yrs | 4 yrs | $77,301 | $6,442 | +32% |
| Senior | 6 yrs | 6 yrs | $84,653 | $7,054 | +45% |
| StaffThis page | 10 yrs | 10 yrs | $98,924 | $8,244 | +69% |
| Principal | 14 yrs | 14 yrs | $109,303 | $9,109 | +87% |
| Distinguished | 18 yrs | 18 yrs | $111,897 | $9,325 | +92% |
Current Salary
$98,924
Staff / Lead · 10+ years
Hourly: $48/hr
Next Level Target
$109,303
Principal · 14
+$10Kpotential uplift
Career Opportunity
38/100
Below Average
+4% demand · Low AI risk
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the staff / lead Automotive Technician salary in Los Angeles, CA?
Staff / Lead Automotive Technicians in Los Angeles, CA earn approximately $99K 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 Los Angeles, CA?
Based on $99K annually, the hourly rate is approximately $48/hr (2,080-hour work year).
How do I get from staff / lead to senior Automotive Technician in Los Angeles, CA?
The typical progression takes 2–4 years with consistent skill development, project leadership, and strategic job moves. A senior Automotive Technician in Los Angeles, CA earns $97K–$115K/yr.