Automotive Service Technicians and Mechanics Salary in Chicago, IL-IN

BLS Occupational Employment & Wage Statistics • May 2025 • Chicago-Naperville-Elgin, IL-IN

Median annual salary $58,340 +17.5% vs national
Median hourly $28.05
10th percentile $34,960
90th percentile $91,670
Employed locally 18,180
National median $49,670

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    In Chicago and the surrounding areas of Illinois and Indiana, automotive service technicians and mechanics earn a median annual salary of $58,340, which is higher than the national median of $49,670. This indicates that workers in this occupation within this region tend to have better earning potential compared to their counterparts across the United States. However, when examining local economic conditions, the median income for automotive service technicians and mechanics falls below the area's median household income of $88,850. This suggests that while these professionals earn a respectable wage relative to national figures, they generally do not reach the broader average earnings of households in their locality.

    For entry-level automotive service technicians and mechanics, salaries can start around the 10th percentile mark at approximately $34,960 annually, which corresponds to an hourly rate close to $16.80 based on a full-time work schedule. In contrast, more experienced professionals often see significant increases in pay, with earnings reaching up to the 90th percentile of around $91,670 annually, translating to nearly $44.10 per hour. The substantial difference in earnings between entry-level and experienced workers can be attributed to several factors including skill level, specialization, tenure within the field, demand for specific expertise, and performance. Experienced technicians may also benefit from additional training or certifications that increase their value in a competitive job market, further driving salary disparities.

    Salary percentile breakdown

    10th
    $34,960
    25th
    $39,340
    50th (median)
    $58,340
    75th
    $79,230
    90th
    $91,670

    Chicago economic context

    Unemployment rate 5.10% 2024 annual avg • BLS LAUS
    Median household income $88,850 2023 • Census ACS
    Automotive Service Technicians and Mechanics salary vs area income 66% Median Automotive Service Technicians and Mechanics salary is 34% below the area median household income

    Frequently asked questions

    How much do Automotive Service Technicians and Mechanics make per hour in Chicago?

    The median hourly wage for Automotive Service Technicians and Mechanics in Chicago, IL-IN is $28.05, based on BLS OEWS 2025 data. Top earners (90th percentile) make $44.45 or more per hour.

    Is Chicago above or below average for Automotive Service Technicians and Mechanics salaries?

    The median Automotive Service Technicians and Mechanics salary in Chicago, IL-IN is 17.5% above the national median of $49,670. The national figure is from BLS OEWS 2025 data covering all US metropolitan areas.

    What is the entry-level salary for Automotive Service Technicians and Mechanics in Chicago?

    Entry-level Automotive Service Technicians and Mechanics (10th percentile) earn around $34,960 per year in Chicago, IL-IN. The 25th percentile — typically workers with 1–3 years of experience — earn approximately $39,340.