As of July 01, 2026, the average salary for an Automotive Electrical Technician in the United States is $74,084 per year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $36.
However, an Automotive Electrical Technician's salary can vary significantly. Here’s a look at the typical salary range:
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An Automotive Electrical Technician's salary isn't a fixed number. It's shaped by several important factors. Below, we'll explore how your years of experience, geographic location, education and company size can directly affect your earning potential.
Experience is a primary driver of an Automotive Electrical Technician's salary. As you build your skills and take on more complex tasks, your compensation generally increases. Here's how the average salary grows at different career stages:
| Levels | Salary |
|---|---|
| Entry Level Automotive Electrical Technician | $73,570 |
| Intermediate Level Automotive Electrical Technician | $73,878 |
| Senior Level Automotive Electrical Technician | $74,599 |
| Specialist Level Automotive Electrical Technician | $76,672 |
| Expert Level Automotive Electrical Technician | $77,639 |
What Am I Worth?
Your salary can change significantly depending on where you work. States with a higher cost of living and strong industrial sectors often pay more to attract Automotive Electrical Technicians. For example, consider the average annual salaries in these key locations:
Demanded Skills for the Role:
| Skills | Demand Percentage |
|---|---|
| Troubleshooting | 8.65% |
| Wiring Diagram | 2.33% |
| Technical Skills | 0.75% |
| Skill | Salary | Salary % Increase |
|---|---|---|
|
Analysis
|
$82,974 |
12%
|
|
Security Clearance
|
$78,529 |
6%
|
|
Adaptability
|
$78,529 |
6%
|
|
System Integration
|
$77,788 |
5%
|
|
Mechanical Systems
|
$77,788 |
5%
|
|
Commitment
|
$77,788 |
5%
|
For Automotive Electrical Technician roles, the industry you choose can affect earning potential by as much as 40% (the gap between the highest and lowest paying industries). Data shows that the MFG Durable and Transportation sectors offer the strongest compensation, at 20% above the average. In contrast, Automotive Electrical Technician positions in Aerospace & Defense or Software & Networking typically offer lower base pay, as these industries often view Automotive Electrical Technician as a support function rather than a direct revenue driver.
| Industry Sector | Average Annual Salary | Average Hourly Rate | Pay vs.Avg |
|---|---|---|---|
| MFG Durable | $88,901 | $43.0 | 20% |
| Transportation | $81,493 | $39.0 | 10% |
Your level of education can impact your salary potential. While many Automotive Electrical Technicians enter the field with a High School Diploma or Technical Certificate degree, higher education can lead to more specialized and higher-paying roles.
According to our 100% employer-reported salary data, the median salary for an Automotive Electrical Technician with a High School Diploma or Technical Certificate is between $67,738 and $73,124).
Automotive Electrical Technician Salaries by Degree Level
| Degree Level | % of user with this level of education |
|---|---|
| No Diploma | 1.9% |
| High School | 44.9% |
| Associates | 29.5% |
| Bachelors | 19.9% |
| Masters | 3.2% |
| Doctorate | 0.6% |
Understanding how an Automotive Electrical Technician's annual salary breaks down can help with budgeting. Below, you can see the average hourly rate, weekly pay, and monthly pay for this role. Use the buttons to switch between different pay periods.
Last Updated on July 01, 2026Salaries for an Automotive Electrical Technician can change over time, reflecting shifts in market demand and the overall economy. The median salary increased from $55,768 in 2023 to around $56,511 in 2025, reflecting changes in demand, location, experience, and the wider economy. For a detailed analysis of Automotive Electrical Technician salary trends, .
| Year | Average Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| 2022 |
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|
| 2023 | $55,768 |
| 2024 | $56,710 |
| 2025 | $56,511 |
| 2026 |
View More
|
| 2027 |
View More
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