1

Diesel Mechanic Trainee Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

Mechanic

Perris, CA · On-site

$28 - $30/hr

... to Mechanic Trainees. * Participate in external, Department and Company-wide trainings to increase skill sets and improve service. Knowledge, Skills & Abilities Knowledge of: * Diesel and/or ...

Mechanic

Perris, CA · On-site

$28 - $30/hr

... to Mechanic Trainees. * Participate in external, Department and Company-wide trainings to increase skill sets and improve service. Knowledge, Skills & Abilities Knowledge of: * Diesel and/or ...

Guides and supports a staff of technicians and trainees. Performs other duties as assigned. Minimum ... diesel, electric, and/or hybrid motorized equipment. Proficient skills in operating a personal ...

Diesel Mechanic Trainee information

See California salary details

$14

$27

$38

How much do diesel mechanic trainee jobs pay per hour?

As of Sep 5, 2026, the average hourly pay for diesel mechanic trainee in California is $27.90, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $23.70 and $31.30 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a diesel mechanic trainee?

A Diesel Mechanic Trainee is an entry-level worker who is learning how to inspect, maintain, and repair diesel engines, commonly found in trucks, buses, and heavy equipment. Trainees work under the supervision of experienced diesel mechanics to gain hands-on experience and develop technical skills. Their duties often include assisting with routine maintenance, troubleshooting engine problems, and learning to use specialized tools and diagnostic equipment. Over time, trainees build the knowledge and experience needed to become fully qualified diesel mechanics.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a diesel mechanic trainee?

To thrive as a Diesel Mechanic Trainee, you need a basic understanding of diesel engine systems, mechanical aptitude, and typically a high school diploma or equivalent. Familiarity with diagnostic tools, hand and power tools, and basic computer systems is often required, while entry-level certifications like ASE Student Certification can be beneficial. Strong attention to detail, willingness to learn, teamwork, and effective communication help trainees excel in hands-on environments. These skills and qualities are essential for maintaining safety, ensuring accurate repairs, and building a successful foundation for advancement in the field.

What types of support and training can a diesel mechanic trainee expect during the initial months on the job?

As a Diesel Mechanic Trainee, you can expect a structured onboarding process that includes hands-on training, shadowing experienced mechanics, and participating in safety briefings. Many employers provide mentorship programs where trainees work closely with senior technicians to learn diagnostic procedures, tool usage, and maintenance protocols. You'll likely receive ongoing feedback and may attend workshops or online courses to build foundational technical knowledge. This supportive environment is designed to help you gradually take on more complex tasks and develop confidence in your role.

What is the difference between Diesel Mechanic Trainee vs Diesel Mechanic?

AspectDiesel Mechanic TraineeDiesel Mechanic
CertificationsMay require basic ASE certifications or on-the-job trainingTypically requires ASE certifications and more advanced credentials
Work EnvironmentTraining environment, often in repair shops or garagesFull-time mechanic working on vehicles and equipment
Job ResponsibilitiesLearning repair procedures, assisting senior mechanicsPerforming repairs, diagnostics, and maintenance independently

In summary, a Diesel Mechanic Trainee is in the learning phase, focusing on gaining skills and certifications, while a Diesel Mechanic is a fully qualified professional performing repairs and maintenance independently.

How fast can you become a diesel mechanic trainee?

Becoming a diesel mechanic trainee can take a few weeks to a few months, depending on the program or employer requirements. Many trainees start after completing a high school diploma or equivalent, and some may pursue technical training or certifications that can accelerate their readiness for the role. Hands-on experience and familiarity with tools are also important for progressing quickly in this field.

What are the most commonly searched types of Diesel Mechanic jobs in California?

The most popular types of Diesel Mechanic jobs in California are:

What are popular job titles related to Diesel Mechanic Trainee jobs in California?

For Diesel Mechanic Trainee jobs in California, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What cities in California are hiring for Diesel Mechanic Trainee jobs?

Cities in California with the most Diesel Mechanic Trainee job openings:

Infographic showing various Diesel Mechanic Trainee job openings in California as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 91% Full Time, 6% Part Time, 1% Contract, and 2% Nights. Highlights an 99% Physical, and 1% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $58,028 per year, or $27.9 per hour.

$250/hr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Retirement, PTO

Posted 16 days ago


Cox Communications rating

8.2

Company rating: 8.2 out of 10

Based on 128 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

21st of 101 rated telecommunications companies


Job description

Company

Cox Automotive - USA

Job Family Group

Vehicle Operations

Job Profile

FleeTec Trainee - DOT

Management Level

Individual Contributor

Flexible Work Option 

Can work remotely but need to live in the specified city, state, or region

Travel %

Yes 100% of the time

Work Shift

Variable

Compensation

Hourly base pay rate is $16.44 - $24.62/hour. The hourly base rate may vary within the anticipated range based on factors such as the ultimate location of the position and the selected candidate's knowledge, skills, and abilities. Position may be eligible for additional compensation that may include commission (annual, monthly, etc.) and/or an incentive program.

Job Description

****EOE, including disability/vets****

Cox Fleet keeps your fleet moving.

Headquartered in Indianapolis, Cox Fleet has grown to become one of the largest fleet maintenance companies in the country.

Cox Fleet is the leading provider of on-site mobile maintenance and repair services nationwide, offering mobile on-site fleet service for light medium, and heavy-duty trucks and trailers. Cox Fleet also services customers utilizing its 20+ nationwide service centers; each offering accident repair, painting, refurbishment, and heavy mechanical repair. We are supported by a 24/7 in-house call center and provide scheduled maintenance services and unscheduled services to fleets anywhere, anytime.

  • Have you ever thought about a career as a Diesel Technician?
  • Are you tired of working hard at a dead-end J-O-B and no appreciation for your contributions?
  • Do you want to feel proud of what you do and get on the path to a better and brighter future for you and your family?
  • Did you take apart and put back together that pickup truck in your driveway? Does your compact have an exhaust pipe that is way too loud and a spoiler with enough down force to keep you driving under the speed limit? (Looks nice though).
  • Are you working as a lube tech or other position in the maintenance shop, but your company does not provide education or tools?

FleeTec Academy is apaid educational program that leads to becoming one of our full time Diesel & Trailer Technicians.It was established by us to help people get into Diesel & Trailer Maintenance field who otherwise might not be able to afford to spend over a year of their life at an expensive formal Technical School with all the associated tuition debt and buy all the necessary tools for the job without maxing out their credit card.

That's right, we pay you to go through our program, we give you free education on fundamentals of Diesel Engines and how to fix trucks, along with a set of hand tools with toolbox, to get you on your way to be the best Diesel & Trailer Technician out there!

Sounds too good to be true. What is the catch, right? Here is what we ask from you in return: You must be willing to study hard (and we mean HARD!) for five (5) weeks of full-time schooling at our Academy Campus. Travel expenses are paid by us, along with hotel accommodation and stipend for meals, plus a weekly paycheck. Upon completion of the initial classroom phase, you will be paired up with a Lead Technician in your market for further hands-on training and offered an actual full-time job with us! You will be sent back for another 5 week of further classroom study to keep developing your skill set, and upon successful completion of the full multi-year program, you will be able to call yourself a Diesel Technician! Oh, and keep the tools.

To summarize:

  • 5 weeks paid classroom training in Indianapolis, IN, all travel expenses paid. 8 to 10 weeks of mentorship in the field back home; followed by another 5 weeks paid classroom training in Indianapolis.
  • Free Technical Education
  • Further hands-on training by one of our technicians and a full-time job with us as a Mobile Diesel Mechanic in your market.
  • Our Mobile Technicians are assigned a state-of-the-art vehicle, with all the bells and whistles, which they use to perform vehicle repairs at our customers' locations. You are not going to be doing emergency truck repairs on a side of the road as part of your everyday duties, but rather go to our customers' locations to do preventative maintenance and general repairs onsite, so they can keep their vehicles running efficiently without having to take them to the shop.
  • Real pay rates that you can afford to pay rent with and a predefined pathway for raises.

Pay Details:

    • $13.72/h (or state minimum wages, whichever is greater) + $250 / wk. stipend (taxed)
    • $19/h while you are in mentorship between classes.
    • Then 2ndclass for 5 weeks at Indy at $19/h + $250 / wk. (taxed)
    • Then $21 per hour upon graduation.

Sounds like something you might be interested in. Apply now! Our class size are kept extremely small to ensure we can dedicate the time to teach our future technicians properly. We only have one spot in each geographical market we hire, so it will be competitive. Could that next hire, be you?

Here is what you bring to the table:

  • Desire to start a career as a Diesel & Trailer Technician and become one of our Mobile Mechanics.
  • Willingness and ability to study hard.
  • Dedicate ten (10) weeks away from home to be with us.
  • Maturity level to focus on the task at hand. This is not a summer camp, but a start of your career path.
  • Technical aptitude and a passion for fixing vehicles.
  • Ability to operate iPad.
  • A High-School Diploma or an equivalent combination of education is preferred, but not required.
  • This position follows regulations issued by the Department of Transportation's (DOT) Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA). Candidate must be able to successfully complete and pass a DOT-regulated pre-employment background screening and DOT physical prior to employment.
  • A current and valid DOT medical card with more than four (4) months remaining until its expiration may be submitted in leu of a DOT physical. If the DOT medical card has four (4) months or less of validity remaining, a DOT physical will be required.
  • Due to interstate operating authority commerce regulations, candidates must be at least 21 years or older.
  • Safe drivers needed; valid driver's license required. Candidate must hold a valid state-of-residence driver's license, be able to obtain and maintain their Driver Qualification File.
  • We conduct background checks, driving records checks, pre-employment drug testing and physical.
  • If you have just separated from Active Military Duty and are looking for that next step in your life, we want to hear from you!

Benefits:

  • Health, dental, vision insurance starts DAY ONE of employment.
  • 401(k) matching starts after 90 days, 100% match up to 6% contribution and an additional 2% discretionary contribution by the company.
  • Accrue up to 200 hours (5-weeks) of Paid Time Off based on your tenure with the company
  • Tuition Assistance/Reimbursement
  • Adoption/Surrogacy assistance
  • Pet Insurance
  • Multiple ERG, diversity groups, and company paid volunteer hours.
  • Employee discounts on new vehicle purchases, cellphone plans, ridesharing, home/rental insurance, wellness/fitness incentives and much more.

Benefits

Employees are eligible to receive a minimum of sixteen hours of paid time off every month and seven paid holidays throughout the calendar year. Employees are also eligible for additional paid time off in the form of bereavement leave, time off to vote, jury duty leave, volunteer time off, military leave, and parental leave.

About Us

Through groundbreaking technology and a commitment to stellar experiences for drivers and dealers alike, Cox Automotive employees are transforming the way the world buys, owns, sells - or simply uses - cars. Cox Automotive employees get to work on iconic consumer brands like Autotrader and Kelley Blue Book and industry-leading dealer-facing companies like vAuto and Manheim, all while enjoying the people-centered atmosphere that is central to our life at Cox. Benefits of working at Cox may include health care insurance (medical, dental, vision), retirement planning (401(k)), and paid days off (sick leave, parental leave, flexible vacation/wellness days, and/or PTO). For more details on what benefits you may be offered, visit our benefits page. Cox is an Equal Employment Opportunity employer - All qualified applicants/employees will receive consideration for employment without regard to that individual's age, race, color, religion or creed, national origin or ancestry, sex (including pregnancy), sexual orientation, gender, gender identity, physical or mental disability, veteran status, genetic information, ethnicity, citizenship, or any other characteristic protected by law. Cox provides reasonable accommodations when requested by a qualified applicant or employee with disability, unless such accommodations would cause an undue hardship.EOE, including disability/vetsApplicants must currently be authorized to work in the United States for any employer without current or future sponsorship. No OPT, CPT, STEM/OPT or visa sponsorship now or in future.




What Cox Communications employees say

Pay

Benefits

Hours and flexibility

Workplace

Get the full story on Breakroom


Cox Communications logo

About Cox Communications

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

Cox Communications is the largest private telecom company in America, serving six million homes and businesses. That's a lot, but we also proudly serve our employees. Our benefits and our award-winning culture are just two of the things that make Cox a coveted place to work. If you're interested in bringing people closer through broadband, smart home tech and more, join Cox Communications today! Cox empowers employees to build a better future and has been doing so for over 120 years. With exciting investments and innovations across transportation, communications, cleantech and healthcare, our family of businesses - which includes Cox Automotive and Cox Communications - is forging a better future for us all. Ready to make your mark?

Industry

Media and telecom

Company size

10,000+ Employees

Headquarters location

Atlanta, GA, US