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Car Tech Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

Car Electronics Installer

Bakersfield, CA · On-site

$17.85 - $24.09/hr

As a Car Electronics Installer, you'll install new technology into customers' vehicles in the installation bay of our local Best Buy store. You'll also share advice, best practices and product ...

As a Car Electronics Installer, you'll install new technology into customers' vehicles in the installation bay of our local Best Buy store. You'll also share advice, best practices and product ...

As a Car Electronics Installer, you'll install new technology into customers' vehicles in the installation bay of our local Best Buy store. You'll also share advice, best practices and product ...

Car Electronics Installer

Elk Grove, CA · On-site

$17.31 - $23.36/hr

As a Car Electronics Installer, you'll install new technology into customers' vehicles in the installation bay of our local Best Buy store. You'll also share advice, best practices and product ...

Car Electronics Installer

Torrance, CA · On-site

$16.90 - $22.95/hr

As a Car Electronics Installer, you'll install new technology into customers' vehicles in the installation bay of our local Best Buy store. You'll also share advice, best practices and product ...

Car Wash Associate - Mission

San Diego, CA · On-site

$14 - $17/hr

We are innovative with the latest car wash tech and eco-friendly practices, while giving back to our communities through partnerships, fundraising, and charity work. Join us for clean cars and ...

Car Wash Associate - Mission

San Diego, CA · On-site

$14.25 - $17.25/hr

We are innovative with the latest car wash tech and eco-friendly practices, while giving back to our communities through partnerships, fundraising, and charity work. Join us for clean cars and ...

Car Wash Associate - Wildomar

Wildomar, CA · On-site

$13 - $15.50/hr

We are innovative with the latest car wash tech and eco-friendly practices, while giving back to our communities through partnerships, fundraising, and charity work. Join us for clean cars and ...

Car Wash Associate - Balboa

San Diego, CA · On-site

$14 - $17/hr

We are innovative with the latest car wash tech and eco-friendly practices, while giving back to our communities through partnerships, fundraising, and charity work. Join us for clean cars and ...

Car Wash Associate - Perris

Perris, CA · On-site

$13.50 - $16.25/hr

We are innovative with the latest car wash tech and eco-friendly practices, while giving back to our communities through partnerships, fundraising, and charity work. Join us for clean cars and ...

We are looking for individuals who are passionate about self-driving car technology and its potential impact on humanity, and able to leverage cutting‑edge technologies to solve real‑world ...

New

Used Car Manager

Fremont, CA · On-site

$75K/yr

Experience and desire to work with technology. * High School diploma or equivalent * Clean driving record and valid driver's license Pay Scale * The Used Car Manager Position has a Pay Scale ...

Used Car Manager

Fremont, CA · On-site

$75K/yr

Experience and desire to work with technology. * High School diploma or equivalent * Clean driving record and valid driver's license Pay Scale * The Used Car Manager Position has a Pay Scale ...

Showing results 21-40

Car Tech information

See California salary details

$9

$18

$27

How much do car tech jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 21, 2026, the average hourly pay for car tech in California is $18.35, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $14.95 and $20.38 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a car tech?

Car Techs, short for Car Technicians or Automotive Technicians, are skilled professionals who inspect, maintain, and repair vehicles. Their responsibilities include diagnosing mechanical and electrical issues, performing routine maintenance such as oil changes and tire rotations, and ensuring vehicles are safe and efficient to operate. Car Techs often work in auto repair shops, dealerships, or specialized service centers, using a variety of tools and diagnostic equipment. They play a crucial role in keeping cars running smoothly and addressing any issues before they become major problems.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a car tech?

To thrive as a Car Tech, you need a solid understanding of automotive systems, diagnostics, and repair, often supported by a vocational certificate or associate degree in automotive technology. Familiarity with diagnostic scanners, repair databases, and manufacturer-specific tools is crucial for efficient troubleshooting and service. Strong problem-solving skills, attention to detail, and effective communication with team members and customers set top performers apart. These skills ensure accurate repairs, customer satisfaction, and workplace safety in a fast-evolving automotive industry.

What are some common challenges car techs face when diagnosing modern vehicles, and how can they overcome them?

Car Techs often encounter challenges with the increasing complexity of modern vehicles, especially as more electronic and computerized systems are integrated. Diagnosing issues now frequently requires using specialized diagnostic tools and staying updated with new technologies. To overcome these challenges, techs benefit from ongoing training, collaborating with experienced team members, and accessing updated technical manuals or service bulletins. Many shops also encourage sharing knowledge within the team to quickly solve unusual problems and ensure efficient repairs.

What is the difference between Car Tech vs Auto Technician?

AspectCar TechAuto Technician
CertificationsASE Certification, manufacturer-specific trainingASE Certification, state licensing
Work EnvironmentRepair shops, dealerships, service centersRepair shops, dealerships, independent garages
Job ResponsibilitiesDiagnosing, repairing, and maintaining vehicles, often focusing on electronics and systemsPerforming repairs, diagnostics, and maintenance on vehicles, including mechanical and electrical systems

Car Tech and Auto Technician roles often overlap in certifications and work environments. Car Techs typically focus on electronic systems and diagnostics, while Auto Technicians handle broader mechanical repairs. Both roles are essential in automotive service industries and require similar credentials, but their specific focus areas differ slightly.

How much do car technicians get paid?

Car technicians typically earn a median annual salary of around $40,000 to $60,000, depending on experience, certifications, and location. Entry-level technicians may start lower, while experienced or specialized technicians can earn higher wages, especially with ASE certifications and advanced skills.

What job categories do people searching Car Tech jobs in California look for?

The top searched job categories for Car Tech jobs in California are:

What cities in California are hiring for Car Tech jobs?

Cities in California with the most Car Tech job openings:

Infographic showing various Car Tech job openings in California as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 51% Full Time, 46% Part Time, and 3% Contract. Highlights an 99% Physical, and 1% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $38,174 per year, or $18.4 per hour.

Car Electronics Installer

Best Buy

Bakersfield, CA • On-site

$17.85 - $24.09/hr

Part-time

Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 5 days ago


Best Buy rating

6.8

Company rating: 6.8 out of 10

Based on 1,784 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

14th of 30 rated technology retailers


Job description


As a Car Electronics Installer, you'll install new technology into customers' vehicles in the installation bay of our local Best Buy store. You'll also share advice, best practices and product recommendations with customers and other employees. If you have a passion for cars and tech, we'll provide the trainings and certifications you need to perform at an expert level. Internally, this role is known as an Autotech Agent, and it provides opportunities to advance to Autotech Agent Level 2.
What you'll do
  • Install car electronics, including T-harness remote starts, stereos, speakers, dash cameras, backup cameras, amplifiers and in-dash units
  • Use provided guides to identify compatible mobile electronic products and complete installation projects
  • Verify vehicle make and model and communicate any compatibility concerns prior to installation
  • Provide a high level of customer service
  • Complete required trainings and certifications

Basic qualifications
  • Current, valid driver's license
  • Have and maintain a driving record that meets Best Buy's safety standards (e.g., minimal number of violations/accidents)

Preferred qualifications
  • Prior experience installing car electronics
  • Prior retail experience

What's in it for you
We're committed to helping our people thrive at work and at home. Best Buy offers a range of benefits to support your overall well-being and provide support as you need it, especially at key moments in your life.
Our benefits include:
  • Competitive pay
  • Great employee discount
  • Financial savings and retirement resources
  • Support for your physical and mental well-being

Best Buy provides different types of leaves of absence (LOA) and potential pay sources to employees based on eligibility. The length of your LOA depends on your situation, where you live, your full-time or part-time employment status, and federal and state regulations. Intermittent or reduced-schedule leave is also available for certain medical or family care leaves. Paid time off (vacation or PTO) is offered to full-time and part-time employees based on work location, employment status, salary or hourly status (exempt/non-exempt), and years of continued or bridged service.
Certain roles, where market norms demand it, are eligible for various forms of incentive pay to drive performance and offer recognition for achieving financial and strategic results. For more information about our incentive pay plans, including eligibility, please refer to our Incentive Programs Summary.
For more information about benefits, LOA and paid time off, please refer to our Benefits Guide.
About us
As part of the Best Buy team, you'll help us fulfill our purpose to enrich lives through technology. We bring that to life every day by humanizing and personalizing tech solutions for every stage of life - in our stores, online and in customers' homes.
Our culture is built on deeply supporting and valuing our amazing employees who make it all possible. We're committed to being a great place to work, where you can unlock unique career possibilities. Above all, we aim to provide a place where you can bring your full, authentic self to work now and into the future. Tomorrow works here.™
Best Buy is an equal opportunity employer.
Application deadline: Minimum of 5 days from the posting date. You can find that date above the job title at the top of the page.
Benefits
Best Buy offers a range of benefits to support your overall well-being, as outlined in the Benefits Guide. Eligibility may vary.

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BEST BUY logo

About BEST BUY

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

As part of the Best Buy team, you'll help us fulfill our purpose to enrich lives through technology. We bring that to life every day by humanizing and personalizing tech solutions for every stage of life -- in our stores, online and in customers' homes. Our culture is built on deeply supporting and valuing our amazing employees who make it all possible. We're committed to being a great place to work, where you can unlock unique career possibilities. Above all, we aim to provide a place where you can bring your full, authentic self to work now and into the future. Tomorrow works here.™

Industry

Retail

Company size

10,000+ Employees

Headquarters location

Richfield, MN, US

Year founded

1966