Automotive Service Technician Salary in District of Columbia
Based on 310+ workers in District of Columbia
Median Annual Salary (DC)
$68,660
$33.01/hr
vs National Average
$52,179
+31.6% vs national median
Salary Range (10th–90th)
$46K – $90K
310 employed in District of Columbia
Automotive Service Technician salary in District of Columbia averages $68,660 per year, significantly outpacing the national average by 32%. The District currently employs approximately 310 automotive service technicians. This robust compensation reflects the region's high cost of living and strong demand for skilled automotive professionals in the urban market.
Salary variations for automotive service technicians in this location depend on several key factors, including years of experience, certifications, and specialization in specific vehicle systems or brands. Employer size and type—whether independent shops, dealerships, or fleet services—also influence compensation. Additionally, technicians' diagnostic skills, customer service ratings, and ability to manage complex repairs can lead to higher earnings within the local market.
Salary Distribution — Automotive Service Technician in District of Columbia
| Percentile | Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| 10th percentile | $46,230 |
| 25th percentile | $56,530 |
| Median (50th percentile) | $68,660 |
| 75th percentile | $78,770 |
| 90th percentile | $89,960 |
Top-Paying Industries for Automotive Service Technician (U.S.)
Which industries pay Automotive Service Technicians the most — nationwide figures (industry-level data is not available by state). Automotive Service Technicians in District of Columbia tend to follow these industry patterns.
| Industry (U.S.) | Median Salary | Employed (U.S.) |
|---|---|---|
| Information | $100,570 | 250 |
| Utilities | $94,910 | 1K |
| Mining, Quarrying, and Oil and Gas Extraction | $76,020 | 370 |
| Transportation and Warehousing | $63,650 | 15K |
| Arts, Entertainment, and Recreation | $61,450 | 4K |
Source: U.S. BLS OEWS National Industry-Specific estimates, May 2025. National figures (not state-specific).
Historical Salary Trend — Automotive Service Technician in District of Columbia vs National
| Year | Median Salary (District of Columbia) |
|---|---|
| 2022 | $63,290 |
| 2023 | $62,940 |
| 2024 | $71,030 |
| 2025 | $68,660 |
| 2026 (projected) | $68,660 |
The latest year is a projection based on recent wage trends — BLS has not yet released that year’s data.
| Year | District of Columbia Median | National Median |
|---|---|---|
| 2022 | $63,290 | $46,532 |
| 2023 | $62,940 | $47,903 |
| 2024 | $71,030 | $50,586 |
| 2025 | $68,660 | $52,179 |
| 2026 (projected) | $68,660 | $52,179 |
Automotive Service Technician Salary by Experience Level in District of Columbia
| Experience Level | Years | Median Annual Salary |
|---|---|---|
| Junior | 0-2 yrs | $56,530 |
| Mid-level | 3-5 yrs | $68,660 |
| Senior | 6-9 yrs | $78,770 |
| Staff / Lead | 10+ yrs | $89,960 |
Automotive Service Technician Salary in Other States
Related Automotive Service Technician Salaries in District of Columbia
How other high-demand occupations in District of Columbia compare to Automotive Service Technician ($68,660 median).
| Occupation | Median Salary | vs Automotive Service Technician | Hourly |
|---|---|---|---|
| Plumber in DC | $101,020 | +47.1% | $48.57/hr |
| Construction Supervisor in DC | $86,520 | +26.0% | $41.60/hr |
| Electrician in DC | $78,970 | +15.0% | $37.97/hr |
| Maintenance and Repair Worker in DC | $60,310 | -12.2% | $29.00/hr |
| Construction Laborer in DC | $50,020 | -27.1% | $24.05/hr |
| Tutor in DC | $66,430 | -3.2% | $31.94/hr |
| Securities Sales Agent in DC | $72,010 | +4.9% | $34.62/hr |
| Bookkeeper in DC | $65,180 | -5.1% | $31.34/hr |
| Security Guard in DC | $64,210 | -6.5% | $30.87/hr |
| Truck Driver in DC | $64,170 | -6.5% | $30.85/hr |
| Social Worker in DC | $73,310 | +6.8% | $35.25/hr |
| Licensed Practical Nurse in DC | $75,740 | +10.3% | $36.41/hr |
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do automotive service technicians make in Washington DC?
- Automotive service technicians in District of Columbia earn a median salary of $68,660 per year, or $33 per hour. This is significantly higher than the national average, representing a 31.6% premium for working in the DC area.
What is the salary range for auto technicians in DC?
- The salary range for automotive service technicians in District of Columbia spans from $46,230 at the lower end to $89,960 at the upper end. This range reflects variation based on experience, certifications, and specific employer.
Is working as an auto technician in DC better paid than the national average?
- Yes, automotive service technicians in District of Columbia earn 31.6% more than the national average, with a median salary of $68,660 compared to lower national figures. This makes DC one of the higher-paying markets for this profession.
How many automotive service technicians are employed in Washington DC?
- There are approximately 310 automotive service technicians currently employed in District of Columbia. This represents the total workforce size for this occupation in the DC area.