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Entry Level Mechanic Jobs in Riverside, CA (NOW HIRING)

The Entry-Level Process Engineer is responsible for supporting the documentation of the process ... ABET-accredited Bachelor's degree in mechanical, chemical or bioprocess engineeringβ€― * 0 to 3 ...

New

Service Technician I

Placentia, CA Β· On-site

$30 - $35/hr

Supervisory Responsibilities None (entry-level role focused on learning and assisting journeyman and senior technicians). Requirements/Qualifications * Experience : 0-2 years in HVAC, mechanical ...

Showing results 41-60

Entry Level Mechanic information

See Riverside, CA salary details

$13

$26

$39

How much do entry level mechanic jobs pay per hour?

As of Sep 12, 2026, the average hourly pay for entry level mechanic in Riverside, CA is $26.22, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $20.82 and $30.10 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is an entry level mechanic?

Entry level mechanics are technicians who perform basic maintenance and repair tasks on vehicles and machinery under supervision. They typically assist more experienced mechanics with inspections, oil changes, tire rotations, and simple part replacements. Entry level mechanics are often recent graduates of automotive technology programs or individuals with a high school diploma and some vocational training. This role provides foundational experience and skills needed to advance to more specialized or senior mechanic positions.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as an entry level mechanic, and why are they important?

To thrive as an Entry Level Mechanic, you need a basic understanding of automotive systems, mechanical aptitude, and a high school diploma or equivalent, with some employers preferring completion of a vocational training program. Familiarity with diagnostic tools, hand and power tools, and possibly ASE certification is valuable. Attention to detail, problem-solving skills, and a willingness to learn are crucial soft skills that help you progress in this role. These competencies ensure accurate repairs, safety, and a strong foundation for career advancement in the automotive industry.

What are some common challenges faced by entry level mechanics during their first year on the job?

Entry level mechanics often encounter challenges such as adjusting to the fast-paced nature of automotive repair shops, mastering new diagnostic tools, and learning to work efficiently under supervision. Adapting to a variety of vehicle makes and models, while balancing accuracy and speed, can also be demanding. However, these experiences provide valuable hands-on learning opportunities and are supported by mentorship from experienced technicians, helping new mechanics build confidence and skill over time.

What is the difference between Entry Level Mechanic vs Automotive Technician?

AspectEntry Level MechanicAutomotive Technician
Required CredentialsHigh school diploma, basic automotive training, ASE certification (entry level)High school diploma, ASE certifications, technical school often preferred
Work EnvironmentRepair shops, dealerships, garagesRepair shops, dealerships, service centers
Employer & Industry UsageUsed interchangeably in many settings, focusing on basic repairsMore specialized, often implying advanced diagnostics and repairs
Common Search & ComparisonYesYes

Entry Level Mechanics and Automotive Technicians often share similar roles, working in repair shops and dealerships. The main difference lies in the terminology; 'Automotive Technician' may imply a higher skill level or specialization, but both roles typically require similar certifications and work environments. Entry Level Mechanics are usually just starting their careers, focusing on basic repairs, while Automotive Technicians may handle more complex diagnostics and repairs as they gain experience.

How to get into entry level mechanic work with no experience?

To start as an entry-level mechanic with no experience, focus on gaining basic automotive knowledge through online courses or community college classes, and consider obtaining a relevant certification such as the ASE Entry-Level Certification. Volunteering or seeking apprenticeships at repair shops can provide hands-on experience and help build skills needed for entry-level positions.

What can I do to get started as an entry level mechanic?

To start as an entry-level mechanic, obtain a high school diploma or equivalent and consider enrolling in a technical or vocational school to learn automotive systems. Gaining hands-on experience through internships or apprenticeships and earning certifications like the ASE Entry-Level Certification can improve job prospects.

What are the most commonly searched types of Mechanic jobs in Riverside, CA?

The most popular types of Mechanic jobs in Riverside, CA are:

What cities near Riverside, CA are hiring for Entry Level Mechanic jobs?

Cities near Riverside, CA with the most Entry Level Mechanic job openings:

Infographic showing various Entry Level Mechanic job openings in Riverside, CA as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 87% Full Time, 10% Part Time, 1% Contract, and 2% Nights. Highlights an 99% Physical, and 1% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $54,545 per year, or $26.2 per hour.

FLEET EQUIPMENT SERVICE WORKER

Riverside, CA β€’ On-site

$53K - $64K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 14 days ago


Job description

Salary : $53,448.00 - $64,968.00 Annually
Location : Corporation Yard 8095 Lincoln Street, Riverside, CA
Job Type: Full-time
Job Number: 26-5290-01
Department: General Services
Division: GEN SERV - CENTRAL GARAGE
Opening Date: 07/30/2026
Closing Date: Continuous
The Position
The City of Riverside is accepting applications for the position of Fleet Equipment Service Worker to fill vacancies in the Central Garage Division of the General Services Department. The eligibility list established may be used to fill the current and/or upcoming vacancies within this classification for up to six (6) months.
Under general supervision, a Fleet Equipment Service worker performs and provides a variety of limited skilled office, and perform general maintenance, mechanical repair and tire repair and replacement and other miscellaneous tasks for the fleet management and service activities of the City. Retrieves automobile and equipment parts from vendors and delivers them as required.
Work Performed
Duties may include, but are not limited to, the following:
  • Perform on and off-site preventative maintenance inspections, entry level to semi-skilled diagnosis and repair mechanical defects on all but not limited to light and heavy duty vehicles, forklifts, refuse trucks, utility lifts and crane trucks, towed equipment, para-transit bus, sweepers, construction equipment, fire apparatus, police, and standby generators.
  • Assist and participate in minor engine tune-ups, general repair and maintenance of a variety of automotive mechanical equipment.
  • Perform brake inspections and replacements, cooling system services, engine, transmission and differential oil changes, tune-ups and valve adjustments.
  • Inspect, maintain, breakdown, repair, mount and balance tires on various city vehicles and equipment.
  • Participate in formal training as well as hands-on cross-training consisting of more complex vehicle and equipment repairs to increase skills and knowledge.
  • Perform inspection and data information collection of newly purchased vehicles and equipment.
  • Prepare vehicles for decommissioning and sales.
  • Occasionally assist with emergency field repairs to vehicles and equipment.
  • Maintain accurate computer based time and material records as well as work performed on all work.
  • Perform routine, basic preventative maintenance on fire equipment and apparatus, compressed natural gas filling station and dispensing equipment on an as-needed basis.
  • Perform other duties as assigned.

Qualifications
Education: High school graduation or satisfactory equivalent (GED). Supplemental specialized training in the maintenance and repair of gas and diesel-powered equipment is highly desirable
Experience: One (1) year of experience in automotive servicing work. Experience servicing heavy-duty vehicles and equipment is highly desirable.
Necessary Special Requirements
Licenses and Certifications:
  • Possession of an appropriate, valid Class "C" California Motor Vehicle Operator's License.
  • Possession of an appropriate, valid Class "A" California Motor Vehicle Commercial Operator's License by the end of the probationary period (12 months).
  • Possession of a current, valid, Automotive Service Excellence (ASE) certificate is highly desirable.
  • Successful completion of any two (2) ASE Series certification tests is required by the end of the probationary period (12 months). An additional two (2) ASE tests of the incumbents choosing within two (2) years of hire date.
  • The incumbent must maintain all certifications acquired throughout employment.

Physical Demands and Working Conditions: Work is done in a standard office environment and in the field with exposure to faulty devices, chemicals, tools, and potentially hazardous conditions. Employees may interact with staff and/or public and private representatives and will provide professional customer service.
Selection Process
DOCUMENTS REQUIRED AT THE TIME OF APPLICATION:
1) Completed Employment Application
2) Completed Supplemental Questionnaire
FOR GENERAL INFORMATION ON COMPLETING YOUR ON-LINE APPLICATION, CLICK HERE: (Application Guide).
The selection process will begin with an employment application package screening, with the best qualified candidates being invited to participate further in the assessment process. This process may include any combination of written, performance, and oral assessments to evaluate job-related education, experience, knowledge, skills, and abilities. Those who successfully complete the selection process will be placed on the eligibility list for this classification.
IMPORTANT INFORMATION ON SCHEDULING ASSESSMENTS:
If you are selected to move forward in the assessment process, you may be required to self-schedule your appointment. You will be notified via email of your status and provided with self-scheduling instructions. Please check your email regularly following the closing date of this recruitment.
Positions that require, or may require, a are considered Safety Sensitive and are monitored by the U.S. Department of Transportation. Any candidate being considered for a Safety Sensitive position must submit authorization forms to the City immediately upon request to begin the pre-employment process.
It is the responsibility of candidates with a disability requiring accommodation in the assessment process to contact the Human Resources Department in writing to request such accommodation prior to the closing date of this recruitment.
Appointment may be subject to the successful completion of a pre-employment background investigation, drug screen, and/or medical/physical examination.
NOTE: The City reserves the right to modify selection devices and test instruments in accordance with accepted legal, ethical, and professional standards. Candidates may reapply when there is a posting to establish an eligibility list.
EDUCATIONAL REQUIREMENTS:
Proof of education listed in your application will be requested at the time of conditional offer. Acceptable documentation consists of transcripts or degree, if applicable, by the accredited U.S. college or university.
Education obtained outside the United States (US) require one of the following options:
  1. An equivalency statement from an evaluation company certified by the National Association of Credential Evaluation Services (NACES) at or the Association of International Credential Evaluators Inc. (AICE) at
  2. An advanced-level degree from an accredited US college or university.

All applicants will be notified via e-mail or telephone of their application status and the assessment dates/times/locations after the closing date of this announcement.
THE PROVISIONS OF THIS JOB ANNOUNCEMENT DO NOT CONSTITUTE AN EXPRESSED OR IMPLIED CONTRACT.
Service Employees International Union (SEIU) - General Unit
The City offers an attractive benefits package, the central provisions of which are as follows:
  • Retirement for Classic Members - For employees hired after 1/1/2013 who are CLASSIC MEMBERS of California Public Employees' Retirement System (CalPERS) or a reciprocal agency as of 12/31/12 and have not been separated from service from such agency for six months or more, the retirement benefit shall be 2.7 % @ age 55; 3-year final compensation. The required employee contribution is 8%. The City does not participate in Social Security; thus, employees do not bear this additional 6.2% expense.
  • Retirement for New Members - For employees hired 1/1/2013 or later and who ARE NOT a member of the California Public Employees' Retirement System (CalPERS) or a reciprocal agency as of 12/31/12, or those who have been separated from a public agency which contracts with CalPERS or a reciprocal agency for six months or more, the retirement benefit shall be 2% at age 62; 3 year final compensation. The required employee contribution is 50% of the normal cost and is subject to change per CalPERS every fiscal year. The City does not participate in Social Security; thus, employees do not bear this additional 6.2% expense.
  • Health Insurance - The City offers six health insurance plans and contributes up to $1,687 per month for HMO plans (family coverage).
  • Dental Insurance - The City provides three dental insurance plans and contributes up to $85 per month.
  • Vision Insurance - The City provides vision coverage through Vision Service Plan (VSP) for employees and their dependents that are enrolled in medical coverage.
  • Life Insurance - The City provides and pays for term life insurance equal to $100,000. Additional Life Insurance is available and voluntary for employees and eligible dependents (up to $300k).
  • Deferred Compensation - The City contributes $50 a month with a minimum employee contribution of $12.50 per check. Participation in the deferred compensation plan is optional.
  • Leave Benefits - Includes vacation leave, sick leave, bereavement leave, and holiday benefits. Please refer to the SEIU MOU for specific details.
  • Flexible Spending Account - The City offers a Health Care and Dependent Care Flexible Spending Plan for optional participation.
  • State Disability Insurance - Automatic coverage administered by the Employee Development Department (EDD) of the State of California
  • Vacation Accrual - 0-4 yrs. = 80hrs, 5-9 yrs. = 120hrs, 10+ yrs. = 160 hrs.

For other special compensation, refer to the
For additional benefits information, please visit the following website:
For part-time, benefitted positions the insurance and other benefits (leave accruals, holidays, etc.) are pro-rated based on Β½ or ΒΎ time status.
01
Instructions: The information on the application and your responses to the following supplemental questions will be used to determine whether you meet the minimum and/or highly desirable qualifications for the position in which you are applying. Detailed responses must be provided for each question in order to ensure qualifications are properly considered.
(*Do not refer to a resume in lieu of completing the supplemental questions).
Employers listed on this questionnaire must also be listed and fully detailed in the work experience section of your application.
  • I understand.

02
Please indicate the highest level of education you have completed.
  • Less than High School Diploma or GED
  • High School Diploma or GED
  • Some college coursework completed
  • Associate's Degree
  • Bachelor's Degree
  • Master's Degree
  • PhD

03
Please indicate the amount of experience you possess in automotive servicing work.
  • One (1) year or more
  • Less than one (1) year
  • None

04
Do you possess specialized training in the maintenance and repair of gas and diesel-powered equipment?
  • Yes
  • No

05
Please indicate the following regarding your experience listed above, or relevant work experience: Employer: Job Title: Years of Experience: Examples of Duties: If you answered "None", please list "N/A"
06
Do you possess experience in servicing heavy-duty vehicles and equipment?
  • Yes
  • No

07
Please indicate the type of valid driver's license you currently possess.
  • None
  • Class A
  • Class B
  • Class C
  • Out of State License

08
Do you possess a current, valid, Automotive Service Excellence (ASE) certificate? (please attach to the application)
  • Yes
  • No

09
I have read and understand the following: (check box to agree)
  • Incumbent must possess an appropriate, valid Class "A" California Motor Vehicle Commercial Operator's License by the end of the probationary period (12 months).
  • Incumbent must successfully complete any two (2) ASE Series certification tests by the end of the probationary period (12 months).
  • An additional two (2) ASE tests of the incumbents choosing must be completed within two (2) years of hire date.
  • The incumbent must maintain all certifications acquired throughout employment.

10
Certification: I understand that I cannot update my application once it has been submitted. Therefore, I have fully completed ALL sections, provided full descriptions of my duties and responsibilities for each employer, and have fully answered ALL questions on the Supplemental Questionnaire. Do not refer to a resume or other documentation, as it will not be reviewed in lieu of completing the Supplemental Questionnaire. Note: Employers and/or experience noted on the Supplemental Questionnaire must also be included and fully detailed on the Application.
  • I understand.

Required Question