Automotive Technology
The Job Market
Each year the Bureau of Statistics lists the need for automotive technicians as one
of the nation's highest.
Entry-level AST Certificate holders typically start at $18-25 per hour. Those who
hold the AT Certificate and a California State License in the Bay Area can earn an
average of $35.00 to $63.00 per hour. Students who hope to manage a shop, own their
own automotive-related business, or just want to continue to a four-year school in
their futures should consider the AS degree, which includes the AS Certificate plus
General Education.
Tech Career Path Job Market and Income growth presentation.
Employment estimate and mean wage estimates for this occupation:
| Employment (1) | Employment RSE (3) |
Mean hourly wage |
Mean annual wage (2) |
Wage RSE (3) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 639,700 | 0.7 % | $20.51 | $42,660 | 0.3 % |
Percentile wage estimates for this occupation:
| Percentile | 10% | 25% | 50% (Median) |
75% | 90% |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Hourly Wage | $10.87 | $14.12 | $19.02 | $25.77 | $31.46 |
| Annual Wage (2) | $22,610 | $29,370 | $39,550 | $53,590 | $65,430 |
1) U.S. Department of Labor, Bureau of Labor Statistics
Journeyman Auto Technician in Bay Area $30+ per hour
Auto Technician Job Growth 8.5%
From California Employment Development Department