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Verified by WA Board of Trades

Automotive Service Technicians and Mechanics Licensing in Washington

Review current requirements, exam details, renewal cycle, and salary outlook for automotive service technicians and mechanics in Washington, including See agency and board contact links.

Last verified: Feb 18, 2026

Current

Application Fee

See agency

Exam Requirement

Both state and third-party exams required

Renewal Cycle

See board renewal rules

Licensing Blueprint for Automotive Service Technicians and Mechanics in Washington

Estimated timeline: 8 years

Core Requirements

  1. 1

    Education: No educational requirements.

  2. 2

    Experience: Work experience required.

  3. 3

    Background/Criminal Review: No criminal record prohibitions.

  4. 4

    License Type: Stand-alone license.

  5. 5

    Individuals must pass the engineer-in-training examination, pass the principles and practices of engineering examination for the mechanical branch, have 8 years of professional-level experience under the direct supervision of a licensed engineer, send in a completed application and pay the required fee.

Exam and processing details

  • pass the engineer-in-training examination, pass the principles and practices of engineering examination for the mechanical branch, have 8 years of professional-level experience under the direct supervision of a licensed engineer, send in a completed application and pay the required fee

Continuing education and program notes

  • No continuing education requirement to maintain license

Application Snapshot

  1. Licensing Authority

    Department of Licensing

  2. Current Filing Fee

    See agency

  3. Renewal Cycle

    See board renewal rules

  4. Salary Position

    $57,790 median (16% above national)

  5. State Salary Rank

    #5 of 50 states

Step-by-Step Process (7)

  1. 1. Meet Washington eligibility requirements for Automotive Service Technicians and Mechanics licensure.
  2. 2. Complete required education or training: No educational requirements.
  3. 3. Document required supervised experience: Work experience required.
  4. 4. Pass required examination steps: Both state and third-party exams required pass the engineer-in-training examination, pass the principles and practices of engineering examination for the mechanical branch, have 8 years of professional-level experience....
  5. 5. Prepare supporting documentation (background check: No criminal record prohibitions; Background/Criminal Review: No criminal record prohibitions.; Individuals must pass the engineer-in-training examination, pass the principles and practices of engineering examination for the mechanic...).
  6. 6. Submit the application to Department of Licensing and monitor board communications.
  7. 7. Maintain post-licensure compliance (continuing education: No continuing education requirement to maintain license).

Salary Insights in Washington

With a median salary of $57,790, Automotive Service Technicians and Mechanicss in Washington earn 16% above the national median of $49,670. Washington ranks #5 among 50 states. The typical licensing timeline is 8 years.

State Hiring Climate (QCEW)

Rising

QoQ Employment Change

+2.3%

Average Weekly Wage

$1,837

Median annual salary

$57,790

Hourly estimate

$27.78
16% above national median

Difference: +$8,120

Percentile Distribution

Annual compensation
  • P1010th percentile$38,530
  • P2525th percentile$46,240
  • P50Median$57,790
  • P7575th percentile$75,360
  • P9090th percentile$86,990

State vs National Median

State: $57,790
National: $49,670

Total employment: 13,740 | Annual openings: N/A

Automotive Service Technicians and Mechanics Salary Ranking

#5 of 50 statesfor Automotive Service Technicians and Mechanics median salary
RankStateMedian Salary
#1California$63,370
#2Alaska$61,950
#3Colorado$59,340
#4New Hampshire$58,460
#5Washington$57,790

Nearby States Comparison

Automotive Service Technicians and Mechanics licensing across the region
StateMedian SalaryEducationExamTimeline
Washington$57,790No educational requirementsBoth state and third-party exams required8 years
Idaho$47,420Degree requiredThird-party exam requiredVaries by board
Oregon$56,720Varies by state boardState-approved examVaries by board

License by Endorsement

Transfer requirements are state-specific. Use this quick matrix as a planning signal, then verify final endorsement rules with each board.

StateReciprocity ScoreTierNotes
Washington54LowState-specific exam conditions may apply. Documented experience may be required.
Idaho54LowState-specific exam conditions may apply. Documented experience may be required.
Oregon78HighBoard-specific review required.
  • License status indicator: Active.
  • Continuing education indicator: No continuing education requirement to maintain license.
  • Reciprocity and transfer rules vary by state board. Verify directly with the agency.

Official Licensing Agency

Official website verified

Department of Licensing

2000 4th Ave W, Olympia, WA, 98502

Phone: 3606646488

Related Careers in Washington

ProfessionMedian SalaryEducationTimeline
Aircraft Mechanics and Service Technicians$85,010No educational requirements8 years
Carpenter$73,260Degree requiredVaries by board
Construction and Building Inspector$89,360Specific course requiredVaries by board
Crane Operator$96,870Degree required1-4 years

FAQ

How long does it take to become a Automotive Service Technicians and Mechanics in Washington?

Most applicants finish the licensing path in about 8 years, but timing can change based on education track, exam scheduling, and board processing.

What exams are required for Automotive Service Technicians and Mechanicss in Washington?

Washington lists Both state and third-party exams required as part of the licensure process for Automotive Service Technicians and Mechanicss.

What education do you need to become a Automotive Service Technicians and Mechanics in Washington?

The board typically expects No educational requirements for Automotive Service Technicians and Mechanics licensure in Washington.

What is the typical Automotive Service Technicians and Mechanics salary in Washington?

The median annual salary for Automotive Service Technicians and Mechanicss in Washington is $57,790. Salaries range from $38,530 (10th percentile) to $86,990 (90th percentile).

How does the Automotive Service Technicians and Mechanics salary in Washington compare to the national average?

Automotive Service Technicians and Mechanicss in Washington earn 16% above the national median of $49,670, with a state median of $57,790.

How many Automotive Service Technicians and Mechanicss work in Washington?

Washington employs approximately 13,740 Automotive Service Technicians and Mechanicss according to BLS data.

Can I transfer my Automotive Service Technicians and Mechanics license to Washington from another state?

Transfer requirements vary by board. License status indicator: Active. Continuing education indicator: No continuing education requirement to maintain license. Reciprocity and transfer rules vary by state board. Verify directly with the agency.

Who is the licensing agency for Automotive Service Technicians and Mechanicss in Washington?

The licensing agency is Department of Licensing. Review agency details at https://dol.wa.gov/about/contact-us/business-and-professional-licensing-contact-information.

How often do you renew a Automotive Service Technicians and Mechanics license in Washington?

Current guidance indicates a renewal cycle of See board renewal rules.