verified BLS-Verified Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) May 2025 release

Auto Mechanic Salary in California

Median Annual in California
$64,980/yr
Median Hourly Wage
$31.24/hr
▲ 28% above U.S. median

Salary Distribution in California

groups Employed in CA
65,420
public U.S. Median
$50,620
savings Real pay (cost-adjusted)
$58,689 #7 of 51

Auto Mechanic pay in California, explained

Auto mechanics in California earn a median of $64,980 per year ($31.24 per hour), which is 28% above the national median of $50,620. Entry-level workers earn around $38,180, while the most experienced auto mechanics reach about $95,280. Pay varies by employer, setting, and metro area within California.

Is $64,980 good pay in California?

Adjusted for California's cost of living (which runs 111% of the U.S. average), that $64,980 is worth about $58,689 in national buying power — ranking California #7 for real pay (vs #2 on the sticker number).

See the full Auto Mechanic Real Pay Index arrow_forward

Auto Mechanic pay by experience in California

Entry level (10th pct)
$38,180
$18.36/hr
Median
Mid-career (50th pct)
$64,980
$31.24/hr
Experienced (90th pct)
$95,280
$45.81/hr

Auto Mechanic pay in neighboring states

StateMedian / yrReal payvs CA
California (here) $64,980 $58,689
Oregon $58,520 $56,617 +$6,460
Arizona $49,570 $49,237 +$15,410
Nevada $48,290 $48,300 +$16,690

Auto Mechanic in California: FAQ

How much do auto mechanics make in California?

Auto mechanics in California earn a median of $64,980 per year ($31.24 per hour), compared with $50,620 nationally.

Does California pay auto mechanics well?

At $64,980, California pays 28% above the national median for auto mechanics. An estimated 65,420 work in the state.

Auto Mechanic salary in other states

All 51 states ranked arrow_forward

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