Automotive technician jobs in California: what to know
What an automotive technician does
Automotive technicians inspect, maintain and repair cars and trucks. The work runs from oil changes, brakes and tires to diagnosing engine lights with a scan tool and repairing hybrid and electric vehicles. California has a huge number of vehicles, dealerships, independent shops and fleets, and more and more electric cars, so skilled technicians are always needed.
Types of jobs
- Lube or express technician: oil changes, fluids, filters and tires. A common first job.
- General service technician: brakes, suspension, maintenance and basic repairs.
- Master or diagnostic technician: engine, electrical and computer-system problems.
- Diesel and fleet technician: trucks, buses and company vehicles.
- EV technician: hybrid and electric vehicles, with high-voltage safety training.
- Smog check technician: state emissions inspections and repairs.
Licenses and certificates
- ASE certifications: voluntary national certificates by system (brakes, electrical, engine performance and more). Many employers pay more as you earn them.
- Smog check licenses: to do smog inspections or repairs in California, you need a Smog Check Inspector or Smog Check Repair Technician license from the Bureau of Automotive Repair.
- EPA Section 609: needed to work on vehicle air conditioning refrigerant.
Skills employers look for
- Using scan tools, multimeters and service information.
- Following repair procedures and torque specs.
- Working safely with lifts, jacks and high-voltage systems.
- A valid driver's license to move and road-test vehicles.
How to get hired
- Start as a lube or tire technician if you're new, and learn from the techs around you.
- Take automotive classes at a community college or trade school, and earn ASE certificates over time.
- Many shops expect technicians to build their own tool set over time. Ask about tool programs.
- Dealerships often offer factory training for their brand.
Questions people ask
How are auto techs paid?
Some shops pay hourly; others pay "flat rate," meaning a set number of hours per job. Ask how pay works before you accept an offer.
Should I learn electric vehicles?
Yes. California has more EVs than any other state, and technicians with high-voltage training are in demand.
Your pay and breaks in California
- Minimum wage: the statewide minimum is $16.90 an hour in 2026, and many cities set a higher local minimum. Some healthcare employers have their own, higher minimum wage schedule.
- Overtime: most hourly workers earn 1.5 times their pay after 8 hours in a day or 40 hours in a week, and double pay after 12 hours in a day.
- Breaks: a 30-minute meal break when you work more than 5 hours, and a paid 10-minute rest break for every 4 hours worked (or major part of 4 hours).
- Pay in job posts: employers with 15 or more workers must include a pay range in their job posts, so check the listing before you apply.
Questions about pay or breaks? The California Labor Commissioner explains your rights and how to file a claim.
Related job guides
- Electronics technician jobs in California
- Maintenance technician jobs in California
- HVAC technician jobs in California
- All job guides
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