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Automotive Service Technicians and Mechanics in California
Considering working as an Automotive Service Technicians and Mechanics in California? Below are the key facts. Diagnose, adjust, repair, or overhaul automotive vehicles. Excludes “Automotive Body and Related Repairers” (49-3021), “Bus and Truck Mechanics and Diesel Engine Specialists” (49-3031), and “Electronic Equipment Installers and Repairers, Motor Vehicles” (49-2096).
What do Automotive Service Technicians and Mechanics Make in California?
For automotive service technicians and mechanics working in California, the median annual wage is $63,370 per year (or roughly $30.47/hour).Pay can range from $38,220 at the 10th percentile to $93,860 at the 90th percentile.
| Wage Statistic | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| 10th percentile | $38,220 | $18.37 |
| 25th percentile | $46,900 | $22.55 |
| Median (50th) | $63,370 | $30.47 |
| 75th percentile | $76,120 | $36.60 |
| 90th percentile | $93,860 | $45.13 |
The job concentration index in California compared to the national average — is 0.77, suggesting fewer automotive service technicians and mechanics per worker than the national average.
National Wage Comparison
Nationally, automotive service technicians and mechanics earn a median of $40,917 per year ($19.67/hour), higher than the California median.
Employment Outlook
Nationally, total employment in this occupation is 157,414 automotive service technicians and mechanics in the U.S.. In California alone, around 62,110 people work in this role. That’s higher than the typical state, which employs around 8,910 automotive service technicians and mechanics.
Top California Metros for Automotive Service Technicians and Mechanics
These are the California metros with the most automotive service technicians and mechanics in California.
| Metro Area | Number Employed | Annual Median Salary |
|---|---|---|
| Los Angeles-Long Beach-Anaheim, CA | 19,620 | $62,820 |
| San Francisco-Oakland-Fremont, CA | 7,620 | $74,590 |
| Riverside-San Bernardino-Ontario, CA | 7,420 | $63,590 |
| San Diego-Chula Vista-Carlsbad, CA | 5,180 | $61,040 |
| Sacramento-Roseville-Folsom, CA | 4,470 | $64,930 |
| San Jose-Sunnyvale-Santa Clara, CA | 3,080 | $77,260 |
| Fresno, CA | 1,660 | $57,270 |
| Oxnard-Thousand Oaks-Ventura, CA | 1,360 | $60,660 |
| Stockton-Lodi, CA | 1,300 | $62,040 |
| Bakersfield-Delano, CA | 1,220 | $56,770 |
| Modesto, CA | 980 | $60,630 |
| Santa Rosa-Petaluma, CA | 920 | $71,360 |
| Vallejo, CA | 730 | $63,440 |
| Visalia, CA | 640 | $45,890 |
| Salinas, CA | 620 | $62,260 |
| Santa Maria-Santa Barbara, CA | 570 | $64,060 |
| San Luis Obispo-Paso Robles, CA | 480 | $61,280 |
| Redding, CA | 390 | $56,740 |
| Santa Cruz-Watsonville, CA | 360 | $66,170 |
| Chico, CA | 340 | $60,670 |
| Merced, CA | 340 | $55,380 |
| El Centro, CA | 290 | $52,950 |
| Yuba City, CA | 280 | $50,610 |
| Napa, CA | 200 | $67,270 |
| Hanford-Corcoran, CA | 190 | $60,040 |
Top States for Automotive Service Technicians and Mechanics Employment
These states have the highest employment of automotive service technicians and mechanics work.
| State | Number Employed |
|---|---|
| Texas | 67,060 |
| California | 62,110 |
| Florida | 46,090 |
| New York | 31,790 |
| Pennsylvania | 29,020 |
| Illinois | 26,710 |
| North Carolina | 25,260 |
| Georgia | 24,000 |
| Ohio | 22,950 |
| Michigan | 20,650 |
| Virginia | 17,740 |
| Arizona | 17,390 |
| New Jersey | 16,820 |
| Missouri | 16,810 |
| Tennessee | 16,390 |
| Indiana | 15,610 |
| Maryland | 14,310 |
| South Carolina | 13,950 |
| Washington | 13,740 |
| Minnesota | 13,500 |
Highest-Paying States for Automotive Service Technicians and Mechanics
The highest-paying states for automotive service technicians and mechanics.
| State | Annual Median Salary |
|---|---|
| District of Columbia | $71,030 |
| California | $63,370 |
| Alaska | $61,950 |
| Colorado | $59,340 |
| New Hampshire | $58,460 |
| Washington | $57,790 |
| Maryland | $57,560 |
| Massachusetts | $57,470 |
| Minnesota | $57,470 |
| New Jersey | $57,290 |
Skills
Key automotive service technicians and mechanics skills, rated on an importance scale of 0 to 5:
Knowledge Areas
Key knowledge areas for this occupation, rated on an importance scale of 0 to 5:
Abilities
Top abilities for automotive service technicians and mechanics, rated on an importance scale of 0 to 5:
Daily Tasks
Common tasks include:
- Inspect vehicles for damage and record findings so that necessary repairs can be made.
- Test drive vehicles and test components and systems, using equipment such as infrared engine analyzers, compression gauges, and computerized diagnostic devices.
- Test and adjust repaired systems to meet manufacturers' performance specifications.
- Repair, reline, replace, and adjust brakes.
- Review work orders and discuss work with supervisors.
- Estimate costs of vehicle repair.
- Confer with customers to obtain descriptions of vehicle problems and to discuss work to be performed and future repair requirements.
- Align vehicles' front ends.
- Align wheels, axles, frames, torsion bars, and steering mechanisms of automobiles, using special alignment equipment and wheel-balancing machines.
- Tear down, repair, and rebuild faulty assemblies, such as power systems, steering systems, and linkages.
- Perform routine and scheduled maintenance services, such as oil changes, lubrications, and tune-ups.
- Plan work procedures, using charts, technical manuals, and experience.
Work Activities
- Getting Information
- Operating Vehicles, Mechanized Devices, or Equipment
- Updating and Using Relevant Knowledge
- Repairing and Maintaining Mechanical Equipment
- Making Decisions and Solving Problems
- Handling and Moving Objects
- Identifying Objects, Actions, and Events
- Inspecting Equipment, Structures, or Materials
- Working with Computers
- Repairing and Maintaining Electronic Equipment
- Performing General Physical Activities
- Evaluating Information to Determine Compliance with Standards
Tools & Technology
Software and systems commonly involved: Hot technologies: Apple Safari, Microsoft Edge
What Major Will Prepare You For This Career?
Programs that train for this career include:
Related Careers
Careers similar to automotive service technicians and mechanics include:
- Automotive Engineers
- Automotive Engineering Technicians
- Avionics Technicians
- Electric Motor, Power Tool, and Related Repairers
- Electrical and Electronics Installers and Repairers, Transportation Equipment
- Electronic Equipment Installers and Repairers, Motor Vehicles
Also Known As
A/C Tech (Air Conditioning Technician), AC Mechanic (Air Conditioning Mechanic), ASE Master Mechanic (Automotive Service Excellence Master Mechanic), Alternative Fuel Vehicle Maintenance Technician (AFV Maintenance Tech), Alternative Fuel Vehicle Repair Technician (AFV Repair Tech), Ambulance Mechanic, Antenna Installer, Antenna Specialist, Audio Installer, Auto A/C Installer (Automotive Air Conditioning Installer), Auto A/C Mechanic (Automotive Air Conditioning Mechanic), Auto Assistant (Automotive Assistant), Auto Bench Mechanic (Automotive Bench Mechanic), Auto Brake Mechanic (Automotive Brake Mechanic), Auto Clutch Rebuilder (Automotive Clutch Rebuilder).
References
- U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics — https://www.bls.gov/oes/
- O*NET Online — https://www.onetonline.org/
- BLS Employment Projections — https://www.bls.gov/emp/
- O*NET-SOC code: 49-3023.00
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