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As of August 01, 2026, the average salary for an Automotive Diagnostic Technician in California is $67,449 per year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $32.
However, an Automotive Diagnostic Technician's salary can vary significantly. Here’s a look at the typical salary range:
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Automotive Diagnostic Technician Salaries by Percentile
| Annual Salary |
Monthly Pay |
Weekly Pay |
Hourly Wage |
|
| 75th Percentile | $72,653 | $6,054 | $1,397 | $35 |
| Average | $67,449 | $5,621 | $1,297 | $32 |
| 25th Percentile | $60,568 | $5,047 | $1,165 | $29 |
Future Auto Service - Burbank, CA
Midas - Indio, CA
Midas INDIO - Indio, CA
Protech Automotive Solutions - San Francisco, CA
An Automotive Diagnostic Technician's salary isn't a fixed number. It's shaped by several important factors. Below, we'll explore how your years of experience, geographic location and company size can directly affect your earning potential.
Your salary can change significantly depending on where you work. States with a higher cost of living and strong industrial sectors often pay more to attract Automotive Diagnostic Technicians. For example, consider the average annual salaries in these key locations:
Salaries can also vary between different cities. Major metropolitan areas or cities with a high demand for technicians often offer more competitive pay. Here are a few examples of average annual salaries in different U.S. cities:
For Automotive Diagnostic Technician roles, the industry you choose can affect earning potential by as much as 40% (the gap between the highest and lowest paying industries). Data shows that the Aerospace & Defense and Biotechnology sectors offer the strongest compensation, at 20% above the average. In contrast, Automotive Diagnostic Technician positions in Retail & Wholesale or MFG Nondurable typically offer lower base pay, as these industries often view Automotive Diagnostic Technician as a support function rather than a direct revenue driver.
| Industry Sector | Average Annual Salary | Average Hourly Rate | Pay vs.Avg |
|---|---|---|---|
| Aerospace & Defense | $80,939 | $39.0 | 20% |
| Biotechnology | $80,939 | $39.0 | 20% |
| Financial Services | $80,939 | $39.0 | 20% |
| Healthcare | $80,939 | $39.0 | 20% |
Understanding how an Automotive Diagnostic Technician's annual salary breaks down can help with budgeting. Below, you can see the average hourly rate, weekly pay, and monthly pay for this role. Use the buttons to switch between different pay periods.
| Annual Salary | Monthly Pay | Weekly Pay | Hourly Wage | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 75th Percentile | $72,653 | $6,054 | $1,397 | $35 |
| Average | $67,449 | $5,621 | $1,297 | $32 |
| 25th Percentile | $60,568 | $5,047 | $1,165 | $29 |
Ready to take the next step in your career? Browse thousands of current Automotive Diagnostic Technician job openings on our job board. Use the search bar below to find your perfect match.
Carvana
Livermore, CA
Carvana | Livermore, CA
Job Description. Job Description. We're looking for automotive mechanics with a minimum of 3 years of professional automotive repair experience to join us ... more
1 Day Ago
Euro Car Doctor, Inc
Irvine, CA
Euro Car Doctor, Inc | Irvine, CA
Job Description. Job Description. Join Our Team at Euro Car Doctor – Costa Mesa & Irvine, CA. Brand-new, state-of-the-art facilities. A drama-free culture.... more
2 Days Ago
Euro Car Doctor, Inc
Costa Mesa, CA
Euro Car Doctor, Inc | Costa Mesa, CA
Job Description. Job Description. Position. Automotive Working Technician & Technical Foreman / Shop Lead. We’re looking for a hands-on leader who’s ready ... more
4 Days Ago
Super Service Auto Shops
Aliso Viejo, CA
Super Service Auto Shops | Aliso Viejo, CA
Automotive Diagnostic Technician | $100K–$150K | High-Volume Shop Location: Placentia, CA Schedule: Monday–Friday | 7:30 AM–5:30 PM | Saturday 8:00 AM–5:00... more
2 Days Ago
123 Car Buying
Upland, CA
123 Car Buying | Upland, CA
Job Description. Job Description. Advanced Automotive Diagnostic Technician. $80,000 – $120,000+ Potential | Established High-Tech Shop. Tired of working a... more
3 Days Ago
Midas - Orange, CA 1184
Orange, CA
Midas - Orange, CA 1184 | Orange, CA
Job Description. Job Description. Benefits. Free uniforms. Paid time off. Parental leave. Employee discounts. Lead Automotive Technician / Shop Foreman – D... more
5 Days Ago
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