2024 Data

Automotive Mechanic Salary in Milwaukee, WI: $45,021 (2024)

Official 2024 BLS Data | $21.64/hour | $29,735 - $65,030 range

Median Annual Salary

$45,021

6.8% vs national

Hourly Rate

$21.64

/hour

Jobs in Area

717

employed

Salary Range$29,735 - $65,030
10th %Median90th %

Compare to Other Cities

See All →

Milwaukee, WI

$45,021

San Jose, CA

$67,077

$22,056 more (+49.0%)

in San Jose, CA

Automotive Mechanic Salary Range in Milwaukee, WI

Annual Salary Range

$45k

$30k

10th percentile

$38k

25th

$55k

75th

$65k

90th percentile

Salary Breakdown by Percentile

PercentileAnnual SalaryHourly Rate
10th Percentile (Entry Level)$29,735$14.30
25th Percentile$37,843$18.19
Median (50th Percentile)$45,021$21.64
75th Percentile$54,804$26.35
90th Percentile (Top Earners)$65,030$31.26
Average (Mean)$47,990$23.07

Automotive Mechanic Market Insights for Milwaukee, WI

Compensation Overview

Automotive Mechanic compensation in Milwaukee, WI aligns with regional expectations. The salary range from $29,735 to $65,030 provides a clear picture of earning potential at different career stages.

Local Market Context

Milwaukee, WI offers competitive compensation that aligns closely with national benchmarks. The Wisconsin economy supports a diverse range of industries, providing stable employment opportunities across multiple sectors.

Career Outlook

The Automotive Mechanic profession offers diverse career opportunities across industries. Professional development and continuous learning are key factors in advancing within this field. With a 119% salary range from entry-level to top earners, there is substantial room for financial growth as you advance in your career.

Tips for Increasing Your Salary

  • Develop specialized expertise to command higher compensation—top earners make 44% more than median salaries
  • Build a professional network through industry associations and local business groups
  • Pursue relevant certifications or advanced education to demonstrate expertise

-7%

vs National Avg

-3%

vs State Avg

119%

Salary Range

717

Jobs in Area

Career Path & Salary Progression

Typical Automotive Mechanic salary growth in Milwaukee, WI based on experience level.

🎓

Entry Level

0-2 years

10th percentile

$29,735

/year

📈

Early Career

2-5 years

25th percentile

$37,843

/year

💼

Mid Career

5-10 years

50th percentile

$45,021

/year

🎯

Senior

10-15 years

75th percentile

$54,804

/year

Expert

15+ years

90th percentile

$65,030

/year

Next Career Steps

Common career progressions from Automotive Mechanic:

Note: Career progression and salary growth vary based on company size, industry, skills, and performance. These estimates use percentile data from the BLS as a general guide for typical career paths.

Automotive Mechanic Job Market in Milwaukee, WI

Where Automotive Mechanics Work

Automotive Mechanics work across multiple industries including corporations, government agencies, healthcare organizations, and consulting firms. Each sector offers different compensation structures and career trajectories.

Local Employment Landscape

Employment in this occupation is more limited in Milwaukee, WI compared to larger metros. Professionals may find opportunities concentrated among fewer employers, making employer research and networking particularly valuable.

Types of Employers Hiring

Large Corporations

Typically offer comprehensive benefits, structured advancement, and competitive base salaries with bonus potential

Small to Medium Businesses

May provide more responsibility earlier in your career, flexible work arrangements, and equity opportunities

Government Agencies

Known for job security, excellent benefits packages, pension plans, and work-life balance

Professional Services Firms

Provide client exposure, rapid skill development, and often above-market compensation for top performers

Skills That Increase Earning Potential

Advanced certifications in your specialtyLeadership and team managementData analysis and reportingCommunication and presentation skillsIndustry-specific software proficiency

Job Search Strategy for Milwaukee, WI

  • Research major employers in the Milwaukee-Waukesha area and follow them on LinkedIn for job alerts
  • Join local professional associations for networking and job leads specific to Wisconsin
  • Tailor your salary expectations based on the Milwaukee, WI market rate of $45,021
  • Consider roles at varying experience levels—entry positions start at $29,735 in this market

Frequently Asked Questions

The median automotive mechanic salary in Milwaukee, WI is $45,021 per year ($21.64/hour) as of 2026. This is based on official U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics data. Salaries range from $29,735 for entry-level positions to $65,030 for experienced professionals in the top 10%.

Entry-level automotive mechanics in Milwaukee, WI typically start at around $29,735 per year ($14.30/hour), representing the 10th percentile. New graduates and those with less than 2 years of experience fall into this range. With experience and skill development, salaries can progress to the median of $45,021 within 3-5 years.

Automotive Mechanics in Milwaukee, WI earn a median hourly wage of $21.64 per hour. Hourly rates range from $14.30/hour at entry-level (10th percentile) to $31.26/hour for top earners (90th percentile). Based on a standard 2,080-hour work year, this translates to annual salaries between $29,735 and $65,030.

The median automotive mechanic salary of $45,021 in Milwaukee, WI is slightly below the national median of $48,320 (6.8% lower). The cost of living is also 6% below average. This salary places you at the 50th percentile, meaning half of automotive mechanics in the area earn more and half earn less.

Automotive Mechanics in Milwaukee, WI earn slightly below the national average. The local median salary of $45,021 is 6.8% lower than the national median of $48,320. The cost of living is also 6% below average. When adjusted for cost of living, the effective salary is approximately $47,793.

The top 10% of automotive mechanics in Milwaukee, WI earn $65,030 or more per year ($31.26/hour). These top earners typically have 10+ years of experience, advanced certifications, specialized expertise, or hold senior/management positions. The 75th percentile earns $54,804, which is a realistic goal for mid-career professionals.

Key skills that can boost automotive mechanic salary in Milwaukee, WI include: Strong mechanical aptitude and problem-solving abilities, Proficiency with computerized diagnostic equipment, Knowledge of automotive electrical and computer systems, Manual dexterity and physical stamina. Professionals with these skills often earn above the median of $45,021, potentially reaching the 75th percentile ($54,804) or higher. ASE certifications and manufacturer-specific training

Milwaukee, WI has a moderate job market for automotive mechanics, with approximately 717 professionals employed in the area. The median salary of $45,021 is slightly below the national average. The cost of living is also 6% below average. Job seekers should consider both salary and local industry demand when evaluating opportunities.

Compare your automotive mechanic salary to these Milwaukee, WI benchmarks: 10th percentile (entry-level): $29,735, 25th percentile: $37,843, 50th percentile (median): $45,021, 75th percentile: $54,804, 90th percentile (top earners): $65,030. If you earn more than $45,021, you're above average for the area.

Beyond the $45,021 median base salary, automotive mechanics in Milwaukee, WI typically receive comprehensive benefits including health insurance (medical, dental, vision), retirement plans (401k with employer matching), paid time off (15-25 days), and potentially bonuses or profit-sharing. Total compensation including benefits typically adds 25-40% to base salary value.

Experienced automotive mechanics with 5-10 years in Milwaukee, WI typically earn $54,804 (75th percentile) to $65,030 (90th percentile) per year. Senior professionals with 10+ years, certifications, or management roles can reach the top 10% at $65,030. Mid-career professionals (3-5 years) usually earn around the median of $45,021.

Automotive Mechanics in Milwaukee, WI can see significant salary growth over their careers. Entry-level ($29,735) to median ($45,021) typically takes 3-5 years. Reaching the 90th percentile ($65,030) may take 10+ years and often requires specialized skills, certifications, or leadership experience. That's a potential growth of $35,295 over a career.

Data Source & Methodology

Official government statistics you can trust

Primary Source

U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics

Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS) Program

Visit Official BLS Website

Data Year

2024

2 Years Old

Geographic Area

Milwaukee-Waukesha

Metropolitan Statistical Area

Occupation Code

49-3023

SOC Classification

Sample Size

717

Employees Surveyed

How This Data Is Collected

The OEWS program produces employment and wage estimates annually for over 800 occupations across all metropolitan and nonmetropolitan areas. Approximately 1.1 million establishments are surveyed over a three-year period, representing the most comprehensive wage data available for the U.S. labor market.

Note: Percentile wages represent actual reported wages and may differ from individual compensation packages that include benefits, bonuses, and equity.

Last updated: January 23, 2026

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Automotive Mechanic in Milwaukee, WI

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Median: $45,021/yr

How Milwaukee, WI Compares

vs National Average

$48,320

-6.8%

vs Wisconsin Average

$46,455

-3.1%

Cost-of-Living Adjusted

$47,793

+6.2%

Cost of living in Milwaukee, WI is 5.8% below the national average.

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