Automotive Technician Jobs in California

Automotive Technician jobs in California rank among the most active in the country, concentrated in dealership service departments, independent repair shops, and fleet maintenance operations, with openings at every level from entry-level lube technicians through master diagnostic specialists. The highest volumes of listings are in Los Angeles, the San Francisco Bay Area, and San Diego, where major employers like Penske Automotive Group, AutoNation, and Jiffy Lube maintain large California footprints. The most in-demand specializations right now are advanced diagnostics, hybrid and electric vehicle systems, and diesel fleet service. Find a role that fits below and apply directly.

Find Automotive Technician Jobs

Overview

Open roles102+
Top employerPenske Automotive
Top citySan Jose, CA
Cities hiring50
Work type99% On-site
Top industryAutomotive

Showing 5 of 102+ Automotive Technician jobs

Avis Budget Group
Automotive Technician
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Avis Budget Group
Added 2d ago
Automotive Technician
Avis Budget Group
Ontario, California
Manufacturing Operations
Maintenance & Repair
$33.80/hr
On-Site
None
10,000+

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Avis Budget Group
Mobile Automotive Technician
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Avis Budget Group
Added 3d ago
Mobile Automotive Technician
Avis Budget Group
Rancho Cordova, California
Manufacturing Operations
Maintenance & Repair
$32.00/hr
On-Site
None
10,000+

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Avis Budget Group
Mobile Automotive Technician
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Avis Budget Group
Added 3d ago
Mobile Automotive Technician
Avis Budget Group
Covina, California
Manufacturing Operations
Maintenance & Repair
Skilled Trades
$33.80/hr
On-Site
None
10,000+

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Avis Budget Group
Entry Level Automotive Technician
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Avis Budget Group
Added 3d ago
Entry Level Automotive Technician
Avis Budget Group
South San Francisco, California
Manufacturing Operations
Specialized Engineering
Automotive Engineering
$33.00/hr
On-Site
None
10,000+

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Hertz
Automotive Technician
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Hertz
Added 6d ago
Automotive Technician
Hertz
Stockton, California
Manufacturing Operations
Maintenance & Repair
$24/hr
On-Site
High School

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See All 102+ Automotive Technician Jobs in California

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Automotive Technician Jobs by City in California

Where California roles are concentrated, by current openings.

San Jose
12 jobs
San Diego
9 jobs
Sacramento
6 jobs
Irvine
4 jobs
Pleasanton
4 jobs
Stockton
4 jobs
Fremont
3 jobs
Los Gatos
3 jobs
Valencia
3 jobs

Automotive Technician Job Market in California

A snapshot from current California openings, updated as new roles post.

Who's Hiring

  • Penske Automotive
    Penske Automotive14
  • AutoNation
    AutoNation11
  • Avis Budget
    Avis Budget8
  • Bridgestone Americas
    Bridgestone Americas8
  • Caliber Collision
    Caliber Collision7

Top Industries Hiring

  • Automotive52
  • Energy7
  • Chemicals & Materials5
  • Retail4
  • Technology & Software4

What California Employers Look For

The qualifications that appear most often in automotive technician jobs across California.

  • ASE certification in one or more of the eight automobile service areas
  • Valid California driver's license with a clean driving record required
  • Hands-on experience diagnosing and repairing gasoline, hybrid, or electric vehicles
  • Proficiency with modern scan tools, oscilloscopes, and OEM diagnostic software
  • Ability to perform repairs accurately under flat-rate or flag-hour pay structure
  • High school diploma or equivalent, with vocational or community college training preferred

Automotive Technician Jobs in California: Frequently Asked Questions

How do you become a automotive technician in California?

California does not require a state-issued license to work as an automotive technician, but employers consistently expect ASE certification as the industry standard credential. Most candidates complete an automotive technology program at a California community college or a vocational school approved by the Bureau for Private Postsecondary Education, then enter the field as a lube or tire technician while pursuing ASE certifications in areas like engine repair, brakes, and electrical systems.

How much do automotive technicians make in California?

Automotive technicians in California earn a median of about $48,500 a year, based on May 2025 Bureau of Labor Statistics wage data, ranging from around $34,320 for the lowest 10% to over $88,330 for the top 10%. Pay rises with experience, specialty, and employer.

Which companies hire automotive technicians in California?

Employers hiring automotive technicians in California right now include Penske Automotive, AutoNation, and Avis Budget, based on current listings on Migrate Mate as of June 2026. California's dense dealership network and large commercial fleet operators mean steady openings across both retail auto service and municipal or corporate fleet maintenance departments.

Which California cities have the most automotive technician jobs?

San Jose, San Diego, and Sacramento have the most automotive technician openings in California. Los Angeles dominates by sheer population and vehicle volume, while the Bay Area's concentration of tech company fleets and electric vehicle infrastructure drives consistent demand, and San Diego's large military and commercial vehicle base supports steady service shop hiring across the metro.

Are there remote automotive technician jobs in California?

Yes, but they're rare. About 1% of automotive technician openings tied to California are remote or hybrid as of June 2026, reflecting how hands-on the work fundamentally is. The parts of the role most likely to be performed off-site are service advising, parts coordination, and warranty claims administration rather than vehicle diagnostics or repair work.

How can I get hired as a automotive technician in California with little or no experience?

The most realistic entry path is an apprenticeship or entry-level lube technician position at a dealership or national service chain, where on-the-job training runs alongside study for your first ASE certifications. California community colleges like Los Angeles Trade-Technical College and Sacramento City College offer automotive programs that large dealership groups actively recruit from. Candidates coming from tire installation, parts counter, or service writer roles find it easier to move into technician tracks, and completing even one ASE certification before applying sets you apart from other entry-level applicants.

Where can I find and apply to automotive technician jobs in California?

You can find and apply to automotive technician jobs in California on Migrate Mate, which lists current openings tied to California employers. Search the listings to see what is available, find roles that match your certifications and experience level, and apply directly to the ones that fit.

See All 102+ Automotive Technician Jobs in California

Find roles in California that match your experience and apply in just a few clicks.

Find Automotive Technician Jobs