TradesOfficial Payroll Survey · 99/10010+ years
Staff / Lead Automotive Technician Salary in Washington DC
2026 · Staff, lead, and principal-level professionals in the top 10% of earners.
$101,301/yr
Typical range: $99,607 – $117,377
P90 · BLS OEWS employer payroll data
Automotive Technician salary by experience level in Washington DC
Automotive Technician Salary Progression in Washington DC
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 | $59,784 | $4,982 | — |
| Junior | 2 yrs | 2 yrs | $71,409 | $5,951 | +19% |
| Mid-Level | 4 yrs | 4 yrs | $79,159 | $6,597 | +32% |
| Senior | 6 yrs | 6 yrs | $86,687 | $7,224 | +45% |
| StaffThis page | 10 yrs | 10 yrs | $101,301 | $8,442 | +69% |
| Principal | 14 yrs | 14 yrs | $111,930 | $9,328 | +87% |
| Distinguished | 18 yrs | 18 yrs | $114,587 | $9,549 | +92% |
Current Salary
$101,301
Staff / Lead · 10+ years
Hourly: $49/hr
Next Level Target
$111,930
Principal · 14
+$11Kpotential uplift
Career Opportunity
38/100
Below Average
+4% demand · Low AI risk
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the staff / lead Automotive Technician salary in Washington DC, DC?
Staff / Lead Automotive Technicians in Washington DC, DC earn approximately $101K 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 Washington DC, DC?
Based on $101K annually, the hourly rate is approximately $49/hr (2,080-hour work year).
How do I get from staff / lead to senior Automotive Technician in Washington DC, DC?
The typical progression takes 2–4 years with consistent skill development, project leadership, and strategic job moves. A senior Automotive Technician in Washington DC, DC earns $100K–$117K/yr.