California median pay
$64,980 a year
National median
$50,620
Auto techs in California
About 76,200
Openings per year
About 6,600
Auto mechanics, or automotive service technicians, diagnose and repair cars and light trucks. California has more than 76,000 of them, pays about $14,000 above the national median, and expects about 6,600 openings a year. With electric vehicles everywhere in California, many new techs wonder whether they should specialize in EVs right away.
EVs or the basics first?
From the dean’s desk
Basics first. We’re still at a point where dealers will train you on EVs once you get hired, if you’re a good mechanic.
— Lester Burkes, Dean of Trades, Transportation & Apprenticeship
Brakes, suspension, steering, electrical diagnostics, engine performance and HVAC are on every vehicle, including hybrids and EVs. Strong fundamentals get you hired, and once you’re in, dealership and manufacturer training programs teach high-voltage safety and EV systems on the vehicles they sell.
Certifications and licenses in California
- ASE certification: the industry standard. The A1–A8 tests cover the core systems, and passing all eight makes you a Master Automobile Technician.
- Smog Check Technician license: California’s Bureau of Automotive Repair (BAR) licenses technicians who inspect and repair emissions systems. It requires ASE certification plus training or experience, a $45 exam and a $20 application fee, and it renews every two years.
- Manufacturer certifications: earned through dealer training once you’re hired, including EV and hybrid systems.
Shops themselves must be registered with BAR as Automotive Repair Dealers, but you don’t need a state license to work as a general auto tech.
Where to train in California
- Community college automotive programs: many California community colleges offer certificates and associate degrees that prepare you for ASE tests and Smog Check licensing.
- Manufacturer-sponsored programs: some colleges partner with automakers on programs that combine school with paid dealership work.
- Entry-level shop jobs: lube, tire and service jobs let you learn while you work toward ASE certification.
What auto techs earn in California
California auto techs earned a median of $64,980 in May 2025, compared with $50,620 nationally. The Bay Area and Sacramento pay the most.
| Area | Median pay (May 2025) | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| San Jose–Sunnyvale–Santa Clara | $77,840 | $37.42 |
| San Francisco–Oakland–Fremont | $76,030 | $36.55 |
| Sacramento–Roseville–Folsom | $72,020 | $34.63 |
| San Diego–Chula Vista–Carlsbad | $64,320 | $30.92 |
| Riverside–San Bernardino–Ontario | $64,210 | $30.87 |
| Los Angeles–Long Beach–Anaheim | $62,820 | $30.20 |
| Bakersfield–Delano | $62,450 | $30.02 |
| Fresno | $52,000 | $25.00 |
| California overall | $64,980 | $31.24 |
| United States | $50,620 | $24.34 |
Auto tech jobs in California are projected to grow about 4% from 2024 to 2034.
Steps to become an auto mechanic in California
1
Finish high school or a GED
Auto shop, math and electronics classes help.
2
Train in an automotive program
Focus on the fundamentals and get hands-on hours.
3
Get hired and build experience
Dealerships, independent shops and fleets all hire entry-level techs.
4
Earn ASE certifications
Work toward Master Technician, and add a Smog Check license if you want emissions work.
5
Add EV and manufacturer training
Once you’re hired, take the dealer training on EVs and advanced systems.
Frequently asked questions
Should new auto techs specialize in EVs?
Master the basics first. Dealers still train good mechanics on EV systems after they’re hired.
Do auto mechanics need a license in California?
No license is required for general repair work, but a BAR Smog Check Technician license is required to perform Smog Check inspections and repairs.
How much do auto mechanics make in California?
The median was $64,980 a year in May 2025, and about $77,840 in the San Jose area.
Sources
- California EDD: Smog Check Technician license
- ASE: Certification tests
- BLS Occupational Outlook Handbook: Automotive Service Technicians
- O*NET OnLine: Auto tech wages and outlook in California (BLS OEWS May 2025)
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