Automotive Service Technicians and Mechanics in the Portland-Vancouver-Hillsboro, OR-WA area earn an impressive average annual salary of $61,630. This figure significantly surpasses the national average of $54,910, indicating a robust demand and potentially higher operational costs influencing compensation in this metropolitan region. The local job market dynamics and specific economic factors contribute to this elevated pay scale.
Executive Summary
- Average Salary: $61,630 per year.
- Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 21.1% ↗ over the last 5 years.
- Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $81,140.
- Outlook: With a local workforce of 4,060 Automotive Service Technicians and Mechanics, the Portland-Vancouver-Hillsboro area demonstrates a substantial presence in this skilled trade. The Location Quotient of 0.75 suggests that while the concentration is slightly below the national average, the sheer volume of jobs indicates a stable and active market for these professionals. This suggests a healthy demand that supports the current employment levels.
Salary Overview
The average Automotive Service Technicians and Mechanics in Portland-Vancouver-Hillsboro, OR-WA earns+12.2%above the national average.
$29.6
$1,185
$5,136
Automotive Service Technicians and Mechanics Salary Trends (2020-2024)
While specific historical data for this role in Portland-Vancouver-Hillsboro is not provided, it's reasonable to assume a general trend of salary growth over the past four years, mirroring national patterns. Economic recovery, increased vehicle complexity, and a persistent need for skilled technicians typically drive upward pressure on wages in this sector, suggesting that the $61,630 average may have seen incremental increases.
Automotive Service Technicians and Mechanics Salary Distribution in Portland-Vancouver-Hillsboro, OR-WA
Salary progression for Automotive Service Technicians and Mechanics is strongly tied to experience and specialization. Entry-level technicians typically start at the lower end of the pay scale, while those with several years of experience, advanced certifications, and expertise in diagnostics or specific vehicle makes can command significantly higher salaries. The percentile gaps in earnings clearly signify career progression opportunities and the value placed on accumulated knowledge and skill.
| Experience Level | Market Percentile | Annual Wage | Hourly Rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| ApprenticeLearning trade under supervision. Classroom + OJT. | 10% (Entry) | $38,610 | $18.6 |
| JourneymanLicensed/Certified. Works independently on standard tasks. | 25% (Junior) | $46,223 | $22.2 |
| Senior TechnicianHandles complex installations & troubleshooting. | 50% (Median) | $59,390 | $28.6 |
| Foreman / MasterSupervises crews, handles permits & code compliance. | 75% (Senior) | $77,038 | $37 |
| SuperintendentSite management, business owner, or master tradesman. | 90% (Expert) | $81,140 | $39 |
Detailed Automotive Service Technicians and Mechanics Market Analysis
Relocation Context
Nominal Salary
$61,630
Gross Pay
Real Wage (Purchasing Power)
$61,630
Adjusted for COL (100)
The average annual salary of $61,630 in Portland-Vancouver-Hillsboro aligns perfectly with the national average Cost of Living Index of 100. This means that the purchasing power of an Automotive Service Technician's salary in this region is comparable to the national average. While the nominal salary is higher than the national average, the cost of living does not present a disadvantage, making the compensation quite competitive.
Job Market Context
4,060
Total Jobs
3.348
Per 1K Jobs
0.75
Location Quotient
Portland-Vancouver-Hillsboro, OR-WA has 0.75x the national average concentration of Automotive Service Technicians and Mechanics jobs. This means there are fewer opportunities per capita here compared to the U.S. average — competition for roles may be higher.
A Location Quotient of 0.75 indicates that Automotive Service Technicians and Mechanics are employed in the Portland-Vancouver-Hillsboro area at a rate slightly lower than the national average relative to the overall workforce. However, with 3.348 jobs per 1,000 workers, the market is still active and provides ample opportunities. This suggests a healthy, albeit not exceptionally concentrated, demand for these skilled professionals.
Nearby Job Markets
Nearby Cities for Automotive Service Technicians and Mechanics
| City | Salary | Dist. |
|---|---|---|
| Salem, OR Automotive Service Technicians and Mechanics Salary | $56,170↓ 9% | 44 mi |
| Longview-Kelso, WA Automotive Service Technicians and Mechanics Salary | $56,100↓ 9% | 46 mi |
| Albany, OR Automotive Service Technicians and Mechanics Salary | $56,070↓ 9% | 65 mi |
| Corvallis, OR Automotive Service Technicians and Mechanics Salary | $49,740↓ 19% | 72 mi |
| Coast Oregon nonmetropolitan area Automotive Service Technicians and Mechanics Salary | $56,740↓ 8% | 72 mi |
Comparing salaries near Portland-Vancouver-Hillsboro, OR-WA
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Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a Automotive Service Technicians and Mechanics make in Portland-Vancouver-Hillsboro, OR-WA?
The median annual salary for a Automotive Service Technicians and Mechanics in Portland-Vancouver-Hillsboro, OR-WA is $61,630. This typically ranges from $38,610 for entry-level positions to $81,140 for top-level roles.
How does the salary compare to the national average?
The average salary for this role in Portland-Vancouver-Hillsboro, OR-WA is 12.2% higher than the national median of $54,910.
Is Portland-Vancouver-Hillsboro, OR-WA a lucrative place for Automotive Service Technicians and Mechanics?
Yes, it is a lucrative place.The average salary of $61,630 significantly exceeds the national average, and the cost of living is on par with the national average, offering strong purchasing power.
Is Portland-Vancouver-Hillsboro, OR-WA a good place to live for Automotive Service Technicians and Mechanics?
The Cost of Living Index in Portland-Vancouver-Hillsboro, OR-WA is 100. While higher than average, this often correlates with higher wages.
Where are the highest paying cities near Portland-Vancouver-Hillsboro, OR-WA?
Some top paying nearby cities include Salem, OR ($56,170) and Longview-Kelso, WA.
How does the salary compare to the national average?
The average salary for Automotive Service Technicians and Mechanics in Portland-Vancouver-Hillsboro is $61,630, which is notably higher than the national average of $54,910.
What is the concentration of Automotive Service Technicians and Mechanics in this area?
The Location Quotient is 0.75, meaning the concentration of these professionals is slightly below the national average, but the absolute number of jobs indicates a significant local presence.
Does the cost of living affect the value of the salary?
No, the Cost of Living Index is 100, which is the national average. This means the $61,630 salary offers purchasing power equivalent to the national average.
How many Automotive Service Technicians and Mechanics work in Portland-Vancouver-Hillsboro?
There are approximately 4,060 Automotive Service Technicians and Mechanics employed in the Portland-Vancouver-Hillsboro, OR-WA metropolitan area.
Methodology: Salary data is derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) OEWS 2024 release. Figures represent gross pay before taxes. Analysis includes 4,060 employees in the Portland-Vancouver-Hillsboro, OR-WA area with a job density of 3.348 per 1,000 jobs. Cost of Living data is estimated based on state and metro averages.
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Semantic Salary Analysis for Automotive Service Technicians and Mechanics • Data source: BLS OEWS 2024 •Jobs in Portland-Vancouver-Hillsboro, OR-WA