Washington median pay
$57,270 a year
National median
$50,620
Auto techs in Washington
About 15,370
Key credential
ASE certification
Automotive service technicians diagnose and repair cars and light trucks, from brakes and suspensions to engine controls, electrical systems and hybrids. Washington employs more than 15,000 of them, pays above the national median, and expects about 1,500 openings a year.
Looking for an apprenticeship? Search every registered apprenticeship program in Washington by trade, region and union or non-union, with starting and journey-level pay, in our free Washington Apprenticeship Finder.
Why ASE certification still matters
The National Institute for Automotive Service Excellence (ASE) offers the industry-standard certifications. The car and light truck series runs from A1 (engine repair) to A9 (light vehicle diesel). Passing A1 through A8 earns Master Automobile Technician status. You need hands-on work experience, or a mix of training and experience, to become certified, and certifications are renewed every five years.
From the dean’s desk
ASE certifications still matter a lot. They’re the standard and probably will be for the near future. Every manufacturer wants you to earn their certs too, but ASE is how you show them you have a grasp on the basics so they can teach you the more advanced systems.
— Lester Burkes, Dean of Trades, Transportation & Apprenticeship
Where to train in Washington
- Community and technical college programs: most offer automotive certificates and associate degrees that prepare you for ASE tests.
- Manufacturer programs: Shoreline Community College offers Ford ASSET, GM ASEP, Honda PACT, Mopar CAP and Toyota T-TEN associate degrees, and Renton Technical College offers Ford ASSET. These programs pair school with work at a sponsoring dealership.
- On-the-job training: some shops hire entry-level lube and tire techs and help them work toward ASE certification.
Ask any program how many hours you’ll spend in the shop, whether they prepare you for ASE tests, and which dealerships and shops hire their graduates.
What auto techs earn in Washington
Washington auto techs earned a median of $57,270 in May 2025, compared with $50,620 nationally. Experienced techs at the top of the range earned more than $95,000.
| Area | Median pay (May 2025) | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Portland–Vancouver–Hillsboro | $60,450 | $29.06 |
| Seattle–Tacoma–Bellevue | $59,290 | $28.50 |
| Bellingham | $56,550 | $27.19 |
| Mount Vernon–Anacortes | $55,270 | $26.57 |
| Spokane–Spokane Valley | $54,840 | $26.36 |
| Bremerton–Silverdale–Port Orchard | $53,820 | $25.87 |
| Kennewick–Richland | $53,450 | $25.70 |
| Olympia–Lacey–Tumwater | $51,260 | $24.64 |
| Washington overall | $57,270 | $27.54 |
| United States | $50,620 | $24.34 |
Jobs are projected to grow about 7% in Washington from 2024 to 2034, faster than the 5% national rate projected for 2025 to 2035.
Steps to become an auto tech in Washington
1
Finish high school or a GED
Auto shop, math and electronics classes help.
2
Train in a college or manufacturer program
Learn the fundamentals and get hands-on hours.
3
Get hired and build experience
Start at a dealership, independent shop or fleet.
4
Earn ASE certifications
Start with the areas you work in most, then work toward Master Technician.
5
Add manufacturer training
Once you have the basics, manufacturer courses teach the advanced systems on the vehicles you service.
Frequently asked questions
Do auto techs need a license in Washington?
No state license is required, but ASE certification is the industry standard most employers look for.
How much do auto techs make in Washington?
The median was $57,270 a year in May 2025, and about $59,290 in the Seattle–Tacoma area.
Should I get ASE or manufacturer certifications?
Both, in that order. ASE shows you know the basics, and manufacturers build on that with training on their own systems.
Sources
- ASE: Automobile and light truck certification tests
- Career Bridge: Shoreline Community College automotive programs
- Renton Technical College: Ford ASSET
- BLS Occupational Outlook Handbook: Automotive Service Technicians
- O*NET OnLine: Auto tech wages and outlook in Washington (BLS OEWS May 2025)
Related: Snap-on Student Discount · Diesel Mechanic in Washington · All Washington guides
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