Auto Technician in Oregon: Salary, License Requirements, and How to Start
Repair and maintenance
Oregon employs 6,990 auto technicians, with a statewide median of $58,520 and wide variation by city and experience. Here is the real wage data, the exact Oregon licensing picture, and where to train.
What Auto technicians Earn in Oregon (May 2025)
- Oregon median pay
- $58,520 (May 2025)
- Starting range (10th percentile)
- $39,590
- Experienced (75th percentile)
- $77,780
- Top earners (90th percentile)
- $92,090
- Employed in Oregon
- 6,990
- U.S. median (for comparison)
- $49,670 (May 2024)
Wages vary substantially by metro. Median annual pay for auto technicians in major Oregon markets:
- Portland
- $60,450 (4,180 employed)
- Salem
- $57,960 (590 employed)
- Medford
- $57,390 (420 employed)
- Bend
- $57,300 (440 employed)
- Albany
- $53,290 (170 employed)
- Eugene
- $51,770 (620 employed)
What That Pay Is Worth in Oregon
Prices in Oregon run about 3% above the national average (cost-of-living index 103.4 vs a U.S. baseline of 100, 2024), so the $58,520 median is worth closer to $56,596 once higher local prices are factored in.
Job Outlook in Oregon (2024–2034)
Oregon is projected to grow auto technicians employment +6.1%, faster than the +4.2% projected nationally. The state expects about 720 openings a year, counting both growth and workers who retire or move on.
Oregon License and Certification Requirements
No state license; ASE certification (voluntary) — regulated by the No license required — ASE certification is the industry standard.
- Oregon does not license auto technicians.
- Train through a community-college automotive program or a dealer/independent shop apprenticeship.
- Earn ASE certifications (A1–A8) as you gain experience — they drive pay and hiring.
Official requirements: No license required — ASE certification is the industry standard →
Training in Oregon
Dealer/manufacturer training plus ASE certs raise your rate fastest. Steady demand across Portland, Salem, and Eugene.
Real training providers and registered apprenticeships in Oregon include:
- Blue Mountain Community College — Certificate / Associate
- Central Oregon Community College — Certificate / Associate
- Chemeketa Community College — Certificate / Associate
- Clackamas Community College — Certificate / Associate
Is This the Right Move for You?
Best for: Mechanical thinkers who like troubleshooting tangible systems.
Think twice if: You want clean, quiet work or dislike changing technology and tight labor times.
Why it's resilient: Vehicles still need physical diagnosis, repair, inspection, and customer trust, even as tools get smarter.
First Steps
Look into ASE-aligned programs, apprenticeships, and entry-level shop roles.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do auto technicians make in Oregon?
The median wage for auto technicians in Oregon is $58,520 per year (May 2025, BLS). Entry-level pay (10th percentile) starts around $39,590, and top earners (90th percentile) make about $92,090. Pay varies by metro and years of experience.
What license or certification do you need to become an Auto Technician in Oregon?
No state license; ASE certification (voluntary), overseen by the No license required — ASE certification is the industry standard. Oregon does not license auto technicians.
Is being an Auto Technician a good career in Oregon?
Vehicles still need physical diagnosis, repair, inspection, and customer trust, even as tools get smarter.
Which Oregon metros pay auto technicians the most?
Among Oregon metro areas, Portland leads at $60,450, followed by Salem ($57,960), Medford ($57,390). Local pay tracks regional demand and cost of living, so the highest-paying metro isn't always the best net move.
Where can I train to become an Auto Technician in Oregon?
Real Oregon options include Blue Mountain Community College, Central Oregon Community College, Chemeketa Community College. Most auto technicians start with an accredited program, then earn the credential the state or employer requires.
Is Auto Technician a growing career in Oregon?
Oregon projects auto technicians employment to change +6.1% from 2024 to 2034, with about 720 openings a year — a growing field in the state.
Sources and Verification
Wage data: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (May 2025), Oregon statewide and metro estimates for SOC 49-3023. Licensing summary compiled from the No license required — ASE certification is the industry standard (2026-06-11). Requirements change — always confirm current rules with the board and verify program costs and outcomes before enrolling.
BLS Occupational Outlook · O*NET Oregon wages · Oregon licensing/certification source
Employment projections: Projections Central / BLS Employment Projections (2024–2034); Cost of living: BEA Regional Price Parities.
Pay percentiles describe current workers, not entry-level offers; training costs and local demand vary, so verify locally before committing money or quitting a job.