Auto mechanic schools in California
Looking for automotive technician schools in California? There are 83, including 71 public colleges, 2 private nonprofit schools, and 10 private career schools. Auto mechanics in California earn a median $64,980 a year, according to the BLS.
- Schools
- 83
- Public colleges
- 71
- Median pay in CA
- $64,980
- Cities with schools
- 47
24 automotive technician schools
School results
Antelope Valley Community College District
Lancaster, CA · Public
- Automotive technician
- Electrician
- HVAC technician
- +13
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Baldwin Park Adult & Community Education
Baldwin Park, CA · Public
- Automotive technician
- Electrician
- HVAC technician
- +5
Barstow Community College
Barstow, CA · Public
- Automotive technician
- Welding
- Diesel & heavy equipment mechanic
- +5
Citrus College
Glendora, CA · Public
- Automotive technician
- Diesel & heavy equipment mechanic
- Practical nursing (LPN/LVN)
- +5
City College of San Francisco
San Francisco, CA · Public
- Automotive technician
- Electrician
- HVAC technician
- +23
College of Alameda
Alameda, CA · Public
- Automotive technician
- Diesel & heavy equipment mechanic
- Dental assistant
- +2
College of the Canyons
Santa Clarita, CA · Public
- Automotive technician
- Welding
- Nursing assistant (CNA)
- +9
Auto mechanic schools by city
- Los Angeles (17 within 30 mi)
- San Diego (7 within 30 mi)
- San Jose (6 within 30 mi)
- Sacramento (5 within 30 mi)
- Long Beach (19 within 30 mi)
- Oakland (9 within 30 mi)
- Anaheim (21 within 30 mi)
- Riverside (6 within 30 mi)
- Irvine (13 within 30 mi)
- Santa Clarita (5 within 30 mi)
- Fremont (7 within 30 mi)
- San Bernardino (7 within 30 mi)
- Glendale (18 within 30 mi)
- Rancho Cucamonga (12 within 30 mi)
- Oceanside (4 within 30 mi)
- Roseville (6 within 30 mi)
- Pomona (22 within 30 mi)
- Simi Valley (4 within 30 mi)
- Concord (8 within 30 mi)
- Vallejo (6 within 30 mi)
- Fairfield (3 within 30 mi)
- Menifee (5 within 30 mi)
- Murrieta (6 within 30 mi)
- Ventura (3 within 30 mi)
- Downey (19 within 30 mi)
- West Covina (21 within 30 mi)
- Vacaville (3 within 30 mi)
- San Mateo (9 within 30 mi)
- Hesperia (6 within 30 mi)
- Tracy (4 within 30 mi)
- Livermore (8 within 30 mi)
- Napa (4 within 30 mi)
- Camarillo (4 within 30 mi)
- Lodi (3 within 30 mi)
- Brentwood (4 within 30 mi)
- Woodland (4 within 30 mi)
- San Clemente (5 within 30 mi)
- Santa Cruz (6 within 30 mi)
- Montebello (20 within 30 mi)
- Gilroy (3 within 30 mi)
- San Rafael (6 within 30 mi)
- Beaumont (4 within 30 mi)
- Petaluma (4 within 30 mi)
- Cathedral City (3 within 30 mi)
- Oakley (4 within 30 mi)
- Sanger (3 within 30 mi)
- Imperial Beach (4 within 30 mi)
What auto mechanics earn in California
Median pay means half earn more and half earn less. Pay grows with experience, certifications and overtime.
Auto mechanic salary in CaliforniaHow to become an auto mechanic
- Median pay
- $64,980
- $31.24 an hour
- Typical range
- $38,180–$95,280
- 10th to 90th percentile
- Jobs in CA
- 65,420
- Job growth, 2025–35
- +5%
- 66,200 openings a year (U.S.)
Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics, May 2025, and Employment Projections.
Hear from the best fits near California
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- Compare real costs and start dates
- Ask about financial aid and apprenticeships
- Your info goes only to the schools you're matched with
Step 1 of 3: Your trade
Frequently asked questions
How many automotive technician schools are in California?
We list 83 schools in California with automotive technician programs: 71 public colleges, 2 private nonprofit schools, and 10 private career schools. Campuses are in Sacramento, Bakersfield, Chula Vista, Oceanside, and San Jose.
Are there community college automotive technician programs in California?
Yes. 71 public colleges in California offer automotive technician. Public programs often cost less and are usually eligible for federal financial aid. Confirm costs and aid with each school.
How much does automotive technician school cost in California?
Among the 81 schools here that report it to the U.S. Department of Education, the average yearly net price (after grants and scholarships) ranges from $480 to $29,253. That figure covers the whole school, not just this program, so ask each school for the program's total cost.
How much do auto mechanics make in California?
The median pay for auto mechanics in California is $64,980 a year, and most earn between $38,180 and $95,280, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics.
How do I choose a automotive technician school in California?
Ask each school about accreditation, total cost after financial aid, hands-on lab hours, certification exam prep, class sizes and job placement. Request info from two or three schools so you can compare their answers side by side.
Other programs in California
- Medical assistant schools (152)
- Cosmetology schools (119)
- Criminal justice programs (109)
- Dental assistant schools (83)
- LPN programs (83)
- IT schools (83)
- Esthetician schools (76)
- HVAC schools (71)
- Welding schools (69)
- Barber schools (68)
- Pharmacy technician schools (66)
- Medical billing and coding schools (63)
- Industrial maintenance schools (60)
- Electrician schools (58)
- Fire science programs (57)
- Construction schools (56)