Automotive Technician Salary in California
Statewide median pay from the Bureau of Labor Statistics, and what it costs to get into the trade here.
Median annual
$61,420
statewide
Median hourly
$29.53
per hour
Jobs in state
55,730
people employed
Cost to enter
—
licence + training
Pay in other states
| State | Median annual | Licence cost | Break-even |
|---|---|---|---|
| California | $61,420 | — | — |
| Florida | $49,530 | — | — |
| Texas | $51,250 | — | — |
How to read these numbers
- Median, not average. A handful of very high earners drag the average up; the median is the middle person.
- Statewide. Metro pay in this trade often runs 10–25% above the state figure, and rural areas below it.
- Before overtime. BLS base pay excludes overtime and shift differentials, which matter a lot in this trade.
Sources
- BLS OEWS state table (archive snapshot)Median annual wage for Automotive Technician in California, May 2024
- https://www.bar.ca.gov/get-licensed“Smog Check inspectors, Smog Check repair technicians, and vehicle safety systems technicians”
- https://www.bar.ca.gov/get-licensed“Automotive repair dealer ... Apply online ... Once we approve your application, BAR will issue your license.”