TradesOfficial Payroll Survey · 99/10010+ years

Staff / Lead Automotive Technician Salary in Seattle

2026 · Staff, lead, and principal-level professionals in the top 10% of earners.

$99,254/yr

Typical range: $97,594 $115,005

P90 · BLS OEWS employer payroll data

Automotive Technician Salary Progression in Seattle

From entry-level through staff — based on BLS OEWS percentile data

Experience LevelYearsPercentileAnnual SalaryMonthlyvs Entry
Entry0 yrs0 yrs$58,576$4,881
Junior2 yrs2 yrs$69,966$5,831+19%
Mid-Level4 yrs4 yrs$77,559$6,463+32%
Senior6 yrs6 yrs$84,936$7,078+45%
StaffThis page10 yrs10 yrs$99,254$8,271+69%
Principal14 yrs14 yrs$109,668$9,139+87%
Distinguished18 yrs18 yrs$112,271$9,356+92%
Current Salary
$99,254
Staff / Lead · 10+ years
Hourly: $48/hr
Next Level Target
$109,668
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 Seattle, WA?

Staff / Lead Automotive Technicians in Seattle, WA 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 Seattle, WA?

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 Seattle, WA?

The typical progression takes 2–4 years with consistent skill development, project leadership, and strategic job moves. A senior Automotive Technician in Seattle, WA earns $98K–$115K/yr.