Automotive Mechanic Apprenticeship in District of Columbia

Wages, programs & career outlook
DC Median Salary
$71,030/yr
+43% vs. national
National Median
$49,670/yr
DC Employment
270
Automotive Mechanics employed
DC Sponsors
145
Registered programs

District of Columbia Wage Spread

Annual wages for Automotive Mechanics in District of Columbia across all experience levels.

10th %ile
$43,800
25th %ile
$55,690
Median
$71,030
75th %ile
$80,270
90th %ile
$90,250

Automotive Mechanic Apprenticeship in District of Columbia

At $71,030/yr, District of Columbia Automotive Mechanics earn a meaningful premium over the $48,060 national average — 48% more without requiring a bachelor's degree.

Compared to the $49,670 national median for Automotive Mechanics, District of Columbia pays 43% more. The state ranks among the top-paying markets for this trade nationally.

The 4.2% projected growth rate for Automotive Mechanics signals steady demand — not a boom, but reliable. 70,000 openings per year keep the pipeline of opportunities flowing.

The Automotive Mechanic workforce in District of Columbia (270 workers, 0.0% of national employment) is relatively small. Fewer employers means fewer apprenticeship slots — competition for available programs can be stiffer.

At 8,000 hours over 4 years, the Automotive Mechanic apprenticeship is comprehensive. You'll spend most of your time working alongside certified professionals, supplemented by classroom training in vehicle diagnostics, engine systems, and manufacturer certifications. Every hour is paid.

Apprenticeship seekers in District of Columbia can contact any of 145 registered sponsors. Coverage is solid in metro areas, though rural regions may have fewer options for specific trades.

Apprentices entering the Automotive Mechanic trade in District of Columbia start near the $43,800 floor but have a clear path to $90,250 — a $46,450 arc that reflects how the trade values experience and skill accumulation.

Registered Apprenticeship Sponsors in District of Columbia

145 registered apprenticeship sponsors in District of Columbia. Contact directly for program availability and application details.

Organization City County
A Little More Support Washington
AMC Industries, Inc. Washington
AMERICAN HOTEL AND LODGING ASSOC. Washington
Admiral Construction, LLC Washington
Agave Lounge Washington
Alcoa & Concrete & Masonry of DC LLC Washington
Aleman Construction LLC Washington
American Hotel & Lodging Association Washington District Of Columbia
American Job Center (Headquarters) Washington
American Job Center Northeast Washington
American Medical Response Mid-Atlantic, Inc Washington
AppleTree Early Learning Public Charter School Washington
Aquil Mechanical Works, LLC Washington
Arctic Innovation System, LLC Washington
BALTIMORE CEMENT MASONS JAC Washington
Blueridge of DC, Inc Washington
Bridges PCS Washington
Build Within (Illinois) Washington District Of Columbia
BuildWithin Washington
BuildWithin, Inc Washington
Building Hope Washington
CAP Innovation Design Washington
CVS Health Washington District Of Columbia
Capital Carpets, Inc Washington
Capital City PCS Washington
+ 5 more sponsors in District of Columbia

Frequently Asked Questions

What do Automotive Mechanics earn in District of Columbia?
Automotive Mechanics in District of Columbia earn a median salary of $71,030/yr according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (May 2024). This is above the national median of $49,670 for the trade.
How many years does it take to become a Automotive Mechanic through apprenticeship?
Most Automotive Mechanic apprenticeships run 4 years. Apprentices work under a journeyman while attending classes, typically earning wages from day one with scheduled increases.
What's the difference between a Automotive Mechanic apprenticeship and trade school?
Apprenticeships offer paid training with no tuition, while trade school requires upfront costs but may be shorter. Many Automotive Mechanics combine both — starting with trade school basics before entering an apprenticeship.
Is there demand for Automotive Mechanics?
Demand for Automotive Mechanics is steady, with 4.2% projected growth through 2034. An aging workforce creates replacement openings even in slower-growth scenarios.
Where can I apply for a Automotive Mechanic apprenticeship in District of Columbia?
There are 145 registered apprenticeship sponsors in District of Columbia. Start with your local IBEW, UA, or trade union office. You can also check apprenticeship.gov for listings and contact sponsors directly.
How much do Automotive Mechanic apprentices earn?
Apprentices are paid employees from the start. In District of Columbia, a first-year Automotive Mechanic apprentice might earn around $35,515/yr (roughly half the $71,030 journeyman median), with scheduled raises throughout the 4-year program.

Automotive Mechanic in Other States

Other Apprenticeships in District of Columbia

Data: Bureau of Labor Statistics OEWS May 2024, DOL RAPIDS Registered Apprenticeship database, ApprenticeshipUSA Sponsor Directory.