Automotive Service Technician Salary in California
Based on 65K+ workers in California
Median Annual Salary (CA)
$64,980
$31.24/hr
vs National Average
$52,179
+24.5% vs national median
Salary Range (10th–90th)
$38K – $95K
65K employed in California
Automotive Service Technician salary in California averages $64,980 annually, placing the state well above the national benchmark. With approximately 65,420 technicians employed across California, this represents a competitive field in the automotive service industry. The median salary reflects strong demand for skilled workers in a state with one of the largest vehicle populations in the country.
Several factors influence Automotive Service Technician salary in California, including experience level, certifications, and specialization in specific vehicle systems or brands. Geographic location within the state matters significantly, as urban centers like Los Angeles and San Francisco typically offer higher wages than rural areas. Additionally, employer type—whether independent shops, dealerships, or large service chains—and individual performance metrics can substantially impact earning potential in this field.
Salary Distribution — Automotive Service Technician in California
| Percentile | Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| 10th percentile | $38,180 |
| 25th percentile | $46,580 |
| Median (50th percentile) | $64,980 |
| 75th percentile | $77,060 |
| 90th percentile | $95,280 |
Top-Paying Industries for Automotive Service Technician (U.S.)
Which industries pay Automotive Service Technicians the most — nationwide figures (industry-level data is not available by state). Automotive Service Technicians in California tend to follow these industry patterns.
| Industry (U.S.) | Median Salary | Employed (U.S.) |
|---|---|---|
| Information | $100,570 | 250 |
| Utilities | $94,910 | 1K |
| Mining, Quarrying, and Oil and Gas Extraction | $76,020 | 370 |
| Transportation and Warehousing | $63,650 | 15K |
| Arts, Entertainment, and Recreation | $61,450 | 4K |
Source: U.S. BLS OEWS National Industry-Specific estimates, May 2025. National figures (not state-specific).
Historical Salary Trend — Automotive Service Technician in California vs National
| Year | Median Salary (California) |
|---|---|
| 2022 | $59,710 |
| 2023 | $61,610 |
| 2024 | $63,370 |
| 2025 | $64,980 |
| 2026 (projected) | $66,631 |
The latest year is a projection based on recent wage trends — BLS has not yet released that year’s data.
| Year | California Median | National Median |
|---|---|---|
| 2022 | $59,710 | $46,532 |
| 2023 | $61,610 | $47,903 |
| 2024 | $63,370 | $50,586 |
| 2025 | $64,980 | $52,179 |
| 2026 (projected) | $66,631 | $53,505 |
Automotive Service Technician Salary by Experience Level in California
| Experience Level | Years | Median Annual Salary |
|---|---|---|
| Junior | 0-2 yrs | $46,580 |
| Mid-level | 3-5 yrs | $64,980 |
| Senior | 6-9 yrs | $77,060 |
| Staff / Lead | 10+ yrs | $95,280 |
Automotive Service Technician Salary in Other States
Related Automotive Service Technician Salaries in California
How other high-demand occupations in California compare to Automotive Service Technician ($64,980 median).
| Occupation | Median Salary | vs Automotive Service Technician | Hourly |
|---|---|---|---|
| Airline Pilot in CA | $353,900 | +444.6% | $170.14/hr |
| Construction Supervisor in CA | $97,680 | +50.3% | $46.96/hr |
| Electrician in CA | $76,160 | +17.2% | $36.62/hr |
| Plumber in CA | $72,830 | +12.1% | $35.01/hr |
| Air Traffic Controller in CA | $62,600 | -3.7% | $30.10/hr |
| Construction Laborer in CA | $60,270 | -7.2% | $28.98/hr |
| Maintenance and Repair Worker in CA | $57,000 | -12.3% | $27.40/hr |
| Audio and Video Technician in CA | $64,620 | -0.6% | $31.07/hr |
| Title Examiner in CA | $67,230 | +3.5% | $32.32/hr |
| Truck Driver in CA | $60,230 | -7.3% | $28.96/hr |
| Mental Health Counselor in CA | $59,250 | -8.8% | $28.49/hr |
| Bookkeeper in CA | $59,230 | -8.8% | $28.48/hr |
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do automotive service technicians make in California?
- Automotive service technicians in California earn a median salary of $64,980 per year, or $31 per hour. This is 24.5% higher than the national average for this profession.
What is the salary range for auto service technicians in California?
- The salary range for automotive service technicians in California spans from $38,180 at the lower end to $95,280 at the upper end, depending on experience and specialization.
How many automotive service technicians work in California?
- There are 65,420 automotive service technicians currently employed in California, making it a substantial sector within the state's workforce.
Is California's auto technician salary above the national average?
- Yes, California's median salary of $64,980 for automotive service technicians is significantly above the national average, representing a 24.5% premium over typical U.S. pay for this position.