How to Become An Auto Mechanic in Washington
Washington employs approximately 12,930 auto mechanics according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, with a median annual wage of $57,270 1. Nationally, auto mechanic employment is projected to grow 4.2% from 2024 to 2034, with about 70,000 openings per year 2. This page covers how to become an auto mechanic in Washington, including requirements, training programs, and salary data.
Quick Answers About Becoming An Auto Mechanic in Washington
How do I become an auto mechanic in Washington? Complete a training program or apprenticeship, gain work experience, and meet any state or employer requirements for auto mechanics in Washington.
How long does it take? Most paths take 1 to 5 years depending on whether you choose trade school, an apprenticeship, or a combination of both.
What do auto mechanics earn in Washington? The median annual wage for auto mechanics in Washington is $57,270 according to BLS data. Entry-level wages start around $39,470 and experienced professionals can earn $95,620 or more 1.
At a Glance
- Training paths: trade school, community college, or apprenticeship
- Typical timeline: 1 to 5 years depending on the path
- Median wage (Washington): $57,270 per year 1
Auto Mechanic Apprenticeship Information in Washington
Apprenticeships combine paid on-the-job training with classroom instruction and typically last 3 to 5 years. Washington’s apprenticeship program is administered by the Washington State of Labor and Industry - Apprenticeship 3.
Contact Information:
- Office: Washington State Department of Labor & Industries
- Address: 7273 Linderson Way SW, Tumwater, WA 98501-5414
- Phone: (360) 902-5320
- Email: [email protected]
Auto Mechanic Wages by Metro Area in Washington
Automotive Service Technicians and Mechanics Wages by Metro Area in Washington
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (2025 OES data), automotive service technicians and mechanics wages in Washington vary by metro area.
| Metro Area | Employment | Median Annual Wage | Avg. Annual Wage | Entry Level (10th pctile) | Experienced (90th pctile) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Washington-Arlington-Alexandria | 12,030 | $61,860 | $66,510 | $38,110 | $97,460 |
| Seattle-Tacoma-Bellevue | 6,860 | $59,290 | $64,460 | $43,750 | $99,190 |
| Portland-Vancouver-Hillsboro | 4,180 | $60,450 | $66,310 | $40,040 | $93,310 |
| Spokane-Spokane Valley | 1,100 | $54,840 | $57,710 | $37,880 | $85,080 |
| Kennewick-Richland | 590 | $53,450 | $60,180 | $39,860 | $94,320 |
| Bremerton-Silverdale-Port Orchard | 470 | $53,820 | $61,670 | $40,770 | $97,350 |
| Olympia-Lacey-Tumwater | 450 | $51,260 | $58,870 | $38,870 | $81,710 |
| Yakima | 410 | $50,150 | $57,870 | $37,480 | $93,360 |
| Bellingham | 360 | $56,550 | $61,200 | $38,810 | $89,530 |
| Mount Vernon-Anacortes | 280 | $55,270 | $62,850 | $38,370 | $98,150 |
| Longview-Kelso | 230 | $54,080 | $61,580 | $39,430 | $95,610 |
| Wenatchee-East Wenatchee | 230 | $50,940 | $57,080 | $37,960 | $86,650 |
| Lewiston | 190 | $48,870 | $54,610 | $37,290 | $77,580 |
| Walla Walla | 90 | $50,090 | $54,560 | $36,850 | $77,530 |
Wages reflect survey data and vary based on experience, credentials, employer, and local market conditions. Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS), May 2025.
Top Metros for Auto mechanics in Washington
The metropolitan areas listed below report the highest auto mechanic employment within Washington according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (May 2025).
| Metro Area | Employment | Median Annual Wage |
|---|---|---|
| Seattle-Tacoma-Bellevue | 6,860 | $59,290 |
| Spokane-Spokane Valley | 1,100 | $54,840 |
| Kennewick-Richland | 590 | $53,450 |
| Bremerton-Silverdale-Port Orchard | 470 | $53,820 |
| Olympia-Lacey-Tumwater | 450 | $51,260 |
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Frequently Asked Questions
What is the job outlook for auto mechanics in Washington? Washington currently employs approximately 12,930 auto mechanics 1. Nationally, auto mechanic employment is projected to grow 4.2% from 2024 to 2034 2.
What training programs are available in Washington? Options include trade schools, community colleges, and apprenticeship programs. Use the school finder above to search for accredited programs in Washington. You can also contact the Washington State of Labor and Industry - Apprenticeship for apprenticeship opportunities.
How much do auto mechanics earn in Washington compared to the national average? The median annual wage for auto mechanics in Washington is $57,270, which is $7,600 above the national median of $49,670 according to BLS data 1.
Citations
About this guide: Researched and written by the TradeCareerPath Editorial Team. Our editorial team researches and sources every trade school and career guide using federal labor and education data, including BLS OEWS and Employment Projections, DOL apprenticeship records, IPEDS, College Scorecard, and state licensing boards. We follow the editorial standards documented at /editorial-policy/.
References
Bureau of Labor Statistics - Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics: https://www.bls.gov/oes/ ↩︎ ↩︎ ↩︎ ↩︎ ↩︎
Bureau of Labor Statistics - Employment Projections: https://www.bls.gov/emp/ ↩︎ ↩︎
Washington State of Labor and Industry - Apprenticeship: https://secure.lni.wa.gov/arts-public/#/ ↩︎
Data sources
Figures on this page are sourced from the federal and state datasets below. Methodology: how we rank and source data.
| Data | Provider | Vintage |
|---|---|---|
| Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS) | U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics | May 2025 |
| Employment Projections | U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics | 2024-2034 |
| Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System | National Center for Education Statistics (IPEDS) | 2024 |
| College Scorecard (school-level outcomes) | U.S. Department of Education | latest release |
| College Scorecard (field-of-study earnings) | U.S. Department of Education | latest release (updated 2026-06-12) |
| Occupational licensing requirements | CareerOneStop (U.S. Department of Labor) | latest release (updated 2026-02-22) |
| Registered apprenticeship programs | CareerOneStop / Apprenticeship.gov (U.S. Department of Labor) | latest release (updated 2025-10-25) |
| O*NET occupation profiles (skills, tasks, tools, job zones) | U.S. Department of Labor (O*NET / Employment & Training Admin.) | O*NET 29.1 (updated 2026-06-13) |