If you live in California and you want to turn your passion for cars into a rewarding career, the auto mechanic profession is worth exploring.
California is the fifth-highest-paying state for auto mechanics.
According to the United States Bureau of Labor Statistics, Automotive Service Technicians and Mechanics can earn anywhere between less than $28,000 and more than $77,000 per year, with the average calculated at $50,230.
Before being ready to apply for your first job at an auto shop, the first step is to complete your training.
Entry-level auto mechanic skills can be learned at several trade schools and community colleges across the state.
During their training, students learn about topics such as:
- Auto Electrical & Electronics
- Engine Repair
- Braking Systems
- Manual Transmissions & AC
- Automotive Transmissions
- Engine & Emission Controls
- And more
To help you choose the program that best fits your needs, on this page, we have compiled information about the best auto mechanic schools in California and the programs they offer.
#1Golden West College
Golden West College offers 70 degrees in a variety of academic fields.
Courses Offered
The college’s catalog includes an Automotive: Chassis and Drivetrain Specialist program.
Students have two options to prepare for a specialized field of study within the Automotive Technology program:
- Chassis and Drivetrain option
- Engine Performance and Emission option
New students are encouraged to take preparation classes in automotive theory and computer skills before enrolling in the regular required courses for the certificate.
The courses may normally be available in sequential patterns that would allow completion of the certificates within a two-year time frame.
Students provide their own textbooks, personal safety equipment, protective clothing, a basic hand tool set, and project-related materials.
Contact Information
- Address: 15744 Goldenwest Street, Huntington Beach, CA 92647
- Phone: 714-892-7711
- Website: https://www.goldenwestcollege.edu
#2Master Automotive Training
About the School
Master Automotive Training provides students with hands-on automotive training.
The school offers specialized automotive training programs where students learn the necessary skills they need to thrive in the industry.
Students learn in fully-equipped labs consistent with today’s automotive industry environment.
M.A.T. also prepares students for a successful career in the automotive industry by connecting them with job opportunities at industry leaders and recognized dealers, where they can start their career upon graduation.
Courses Offered
The following courses are available at the school:
- Smog Clerk Technician
- Automotive Diagnostics
- Smog Technician Update Training
- Brake and Lamp Training (VSSI)
- Citation Training
Contact Information
- Address: 9253 Archibald Ave, Rancho Cucamonga, CA 91730
- Phone: (909) 539-0114
- Website: https://www.smartautotraining.com
#3San Juaquin Delta College
About the School
San Joaquin Delta College offers an Automotive Mechanics program designed to help students develop a strong base of knowledge and skills that serve as a foundation for further study and/or pursuit of a career.
After completing the Automotive Mechanics Technology Certificate, students demonstrate the skills necessary to work as service managers, shop owners of specialty shops, or as employees in a major automotive corporation.
The following degree options are available:
- Certificate of Achievement:
- Automotive Dealer Technician
- Automotive Lubrication Technician
- Automotive Master Technician
- Automotive Mechanics Technology
- Degree:
- Automotive Technology, Associate of Applied Science
Contact Information
- Address: 5151 Pacific Ave Stockton, CA 95207
- Phone: 209.954.5151
- Website: https://deltacollege.edu
#4San Diego Miramar College
About the School
San Diego Miramar College offers an Automotive Technology program that provides both classroom theory and extensive hands-on entry-level employment training and professional upgrading to people in the automotive industry.
Certificates of Achievement are available in:
- Automotive Chassis
- Automotive Electrical
- Automotive Engine Performance
- Automotive Transmissions
A Certificate of Performance for Advanced Emissions Specialist is also available at the college.
Graduates are able to:
- Accurately diagnose and repair light-duty automotive systems and components
- Identify workplace health and safety compliance
- Research automotive repair data, instructions, and specifications
Contact Information
- Address: 10440 Black Mountain Road, San Diego, CA 92126-2999
- Phone: (619) 388-7800
- Website: https://sdmiramar.edu
#5Penn Foster
Penn Foster helps students prepare for the career they want with training for in-demand industries, from healthcare to skilled trades.
Courses Offered
The Automotive Repair Technician program available at Penn Foster helps students take the next steps toward a career in automotive repair.
Students also prepare for professional certification through the National Institute for Automotive Service Excellence Certification exams.
They learn about engine repair, automatic transmission/transaxle, manual drive train and axles, suspension and steering, brakes, and electrical/electronic systems.
This program costs $839 if paid in full.
The program includes 12 courses, such as:
- Introduction to Auto Repair
- Engine Repair
- Electrical and Electronic Systems
- Engine Performance
- Alternative Vehicles
- Automotive Brakes
- Suspension and Steering
- Manual Drive Train
- And more
The program leads to a Career Diploma and can be completed in four months by students in the fast track.
Contact Information
- Address: 3133 West Frye Road, Suite 215, Chandler, AZ 85226 USA
- Phone: 800-471-3232
- Website: https://www.pennfoster.edu
#6Advanced Automotive Training
About the School
Advanced Automotive Training is a school located in the Sacramento area that specializes in automotive training.
The program is designed to provide technicians with a better understanding of today’s complex computer-controlled vehicles.
Programs are available in both online and in-person sessions with hands-on training techniques.
Courses Offered
The following classes are available:
- BAR Specific Diagnostic and Repair Training
- Smog Check Repair Technician Update- online only
- Level 1 Inspector Course
- Level 2 Inspector Course
- And more
Costs range from $275 to $1,095, depending on the class.
Contact Information
- Address: 5750 Sunrise Blvd, Suite 130, Citrus Heights, CA 95610
- Phone: 916-804-2980
- Website: https://www.advancedautomotivetraining.com
#7El Camino College
About the School
El Camino College offers Automotive Technology programs that may lead to a degree or certificate.
All programs have earned Automotive Service Excellence accreditation.
Automotive technology students learn safety practices, systems, service, testing, and troubleshooting, among other skills.
Courses Offered
The following Automotive Technician programs are available:
- Automotive Technology Associate of Science Degree
- Automotive Technician I Certificate of Achievement
- Automotive Technician II Certificate of Achievement
- Automotive Accident Reconstruction Certificate of Accomplishment
- Automotive Brakes and Suspension Technician Certificate of Accomplishment
- Automotive Painting and Refinishing Certificate of Achievement
- And more
Contact Information
- Address: 16007 Crenshaw Blvd. Torrance, CA 90506
- Phone: 310-532-3670
- Website: https://www.elcamino.edu
#8Long Beach City College
About the School
Long Beach City College is accredited by the Accrediting Commission for Community and Junior Colleges.
The college offers an Automotive Technology program that provides students with a strong background in automotive technology, hands-on experience, and an understanding of the industry’s requirements for employment.
The classes offer automotive industry certifications, NC3/Snap-On Tools, and prepare students to pass the ASE Certification Exam.
Courses Offered
The following degrees and certificates are available at the college:
- Automotive Technology, Associate in Science
- Automotive Technology, Certificate of Achievement
- Automotive Engine Performance Service, Certificate of Achievement
- Automotive Quick Service, Certificate of Accomplishment
- And more
The Automotive Technology, Certificate of Achievement program includes the following courses:
- Introduction to Automotive Technology
- Automotive Engine Repair
- Automotive Manual Transmission
- Automotive Brake Systems
- Automotive Air Conditioning
- Automotive Fuel Systems
- And more
Contact Information
- Address: 1305 E. Pacific Coast Highway, Long Beach, CA 90806
- Phone: (562) 938-4910
- Website: https://lbcc.edu
#9Reedley College
About the School
The Career and Technical Education programs at Reedley College offer a wide variety of options for Fresno, Madera, and Tulare county residents.
Reedley College offers an Automotive Technology program that provides students with the knowledge and skills to perform diagnosis and repair on foreign and domestic automotive systems.
Courses Offered
The subjects covered by the program include:
- Engine repair
- Engine performance
- Electrical systems
- Brake
- Steering & suspension
- Manual & automatic transmissions
- Air conditioning
- And more
The following degree and certificate programs are available:
- Automotive Technician AS
- Automotive Technician CA
Contact Information
- Address: 995 N. Reed, Reedley, CA 93654
- Phone: (559) 494-3000
- Website: https://www.reedleycollege.edu
#10Fresno City College
Fresno City College is accredited by the Accrediting Commission for Community and Junior Colleges, Western Association of Schools and Colleges.
Courses Offered
The Automotive Technology program at Fresno City College teaches students to perform a wide range of diagnostic, repair, and preventive maintenance on automobiles and light trucks.
Students have extensive hands-on training in engine overhaul, manual and automatic drive train, four-wheel alignment, brake service and repair, and more.
Throughout the program, students complete OEM industry certifications.
The college has state-of-the-art labs, tools, and technologies to ensure students are workforce-ready and qualified for appropriate certifications.
The following degrees and certificates are available:
- Automotive Technology Associate in Science
- Automotive Technology Certificate of Achievement
- Automotive Technology Chassis Technician Certificate of Achievement
- Automotive Technology- Emission Technician Certificate
- Automotive Technology- Powertrain Technician Certificate
- And more
Contact Information
- Address: 1101 East University Ave, Fresno, CA 93741
- Phone: (559) 442-8200
- Website: https://www.fresnocitycollege.edu
Schools Summary Table
Auto Mechanic Salary by Metro Area in California
| Metro Area | Employed | Avg. Annual | Avg. Hourly | Top 10% | Bottom 10% |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Bakersfield-Delano, CA | 1,220 | $57,910 | $27.84 | $80,250 | $36,840 |
| Chico, CA | 340 | $59,840 | $28.77 | $79,280 | $37,370 |
| El Centro, CA | 290 | $57,010 | $27.41 | $77,870 | $38,250 |
| Fresno, CA | 1,660 | $57,200 | $27.50 | $79,040 | $36,810 |
| Hanford-Corcoran, CA | 190 | $58,630 | $28.19 | $76,150 | $37,690 |
| Los Angeles-Long Beach-Anaheim, CA | 19,620 | $62,820 | $30.20 | $88,580 | $37,060 |
| Merced, CA | 340 | $56,170 | $27.00 | $74,420 | $36,780 |
| Modesto, CA | 980 | $59,740 | $28.72 | $78,190 | $37,400 |
| Napa, CA | 200 | $67,500 | $32.45 | $90,600 | $44,940 |
| Oxnard-Thousand Oaks-Ventura, CA | 1,360 | $60,420 | $29.05 | $81,660 | $37,220 |
| Redding, CA | 390 | $56,560 | $27.19 | $76,820 | $36,990 |
| Riverside-San Bernardino-Ontario, CA | 7,420 | $64,300 | $30.91 | $91,730 | $38,220 |
| Sacramento-Roseville-Folsom, CA | 4,470 | $66,500 | $31.97 | $88,880 | $40,060 |
| Salinas, CA | 620 | $64,670 | $31.09 | $90,920 | $38,830 |
| San Diego-Chula Vista-Carlsbad, CA | 5,180 | $62,060 | $29.84 | $81,790 | $37,440 |
| San Francisco-Oakland-Fremont, CA | 7,620 | $73,220 | $35.20 | $105,320 | $44,900 |
| San Jose-Sunnyvale-Santa Clara, CA | 3,080 | $81,620 | $39.24 | $105,790 | $48,920 |
| San Luis Obispo-Paso Robles, CA | 480 | $61,870 | $29.75 | $78,680 | $38,270 |
| Santa Cruz-Watsonville, CA | 360 | $64,720 | $31.11 | $83,650 | $37,060 |
| Santa Maria-Santa Barbara, CA | 570 | $62,990 | $30.28 | $90,420 | $37,440 |
| Santa Rosa-Petaluma, CA | 920 | $66,540 | $31.99 | $82,070 | $41,090 |
| Stockton-Lodi, CA | 1,300 | $60,440 | $29.06 | $79,540 | $39,360 |
| Vallejo, CA | 730 | $63,900 | $30.72 | $81,130 | $39,780 |
| Visalia, CA | 640 | $51,150 | $24.59 | $73,660 | $34,790 |
| Yuba City, CA | 280 | $57,100 | $27.45 | $77,100 | $37,910 |
* Employment conditions in your area may vary.
Final Thoughts
If you want to learn the skills needed for entry-level employment as an auto mechanic, the schools included in our list can get you ready for certification exams and entry-level employment in just a few months.
Now that you have read our selection of the best auto mechanic schools in California, the next step is to continue the research and apply for the program that best fits your lifestyle.
