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Mechanic Apprentice Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

XPO

Diesel Apprentice

Santa Fe Springs, CA

$32.25/hr

What you'll need to succeed as a Mechanic Apprentice at XPO Minimum qualifications: * 1 year of experience in tractor and trailer inspection and repair -OR- a technical school degree with ...

Power Pro Plumbing

Auto Mechanic

Cerritos, CA · On-site

PTO, Medical, Vision and Dental Care Benefits If you're a Mechanic or a Mechanic's Apprentice looking for growth with a company that will help you perfect your craft and continue to invest in you ...

Power Pro Plumbing

Auto Mechanic

Cerritos, CA · On-site

PTO, Medical, Vision and Dental Care Benefits If you're a Mechanic or a Mechanic's Apprentice looking for growth with a company that will help you perfect your craft and continue to invest in you ...

Power Pro Plumbing

Auto Mechanic

Cerritos, CA · On-site

PTO, Medical, Vision and Dental Care BenefitsIf you're a Mechanic or a Mechanic's Apprentice looking for growth with a company that will help you perfect your craft and continue to invest in you ...

Power Pro Plumbing

Mechanic's Helper

Cerritos, CA · On-site

$18.50 - $22.75/hr

PTO, Medical, Vision and Dental Care BenefitsIf you're a Mechanic or a Mechanic's Apprentice looking for growth with a company that will help you perfect your craft and continue to invest in you ...

Quanta Services

Mechanic

Escondido, CA

Tasks may vary depending on level of mechanic experience (Lead, Mechanic, and Mechanic Apprentice). * Diagnose vehicles and equipment based on observational and mechanical testing as well as ...

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All JobsMechanic Apprentice JobsMechanic Apprentice Jobs in California

Mechanic Apprentice information

See California salary details

$12

$21

$36

How much do mechanic apprentice jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 21, 2026, the average hourly pay for mechanic apprentice in California is $21.73, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $17.07 and $23.70 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a mechanic apprentice?

Mechanic apprentices are individuals who are learning the trade of automotive repair and maintenance under the supervision of experienced mechanics. They typically work in repair shops or dealerships, where they assist with tasks such as oil changes, brake repairs, and diagnostics while gaining hands-on experience. Apprenticeships usually combine on-the-job training with classroom instruction, allowing apprentices to develop the technical skills and knowledge needed to become fully qualified mechanics. This entry-level role is an essential first step for those pursuing a career as an automotive technician.

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

To thrive as a Mechanic Apprentice, you need a basic understanding of automotive systems, mechanical aptitude, and often a high school diploma or equivalent. Familiarity with diagnostic tools, hand and power tools, and sometimes entry-level certifications like ASE Student Certification are valuable. Strong attention to detail, a willingness to learn, and good communication skills help you excel in this hands-on environment. These skills and qualities are essential for safely performing repairs, supporting experienced technicians, and building a solid foundation for a future career in automotive repair.

What are some common challenges a mechanic apprentice might face during their training period?

As a Mechanic Apprentice, one of the most common challenges is adapting to the fast-paced environment while learning a wide range of technical tasks. Apprentices often need to quickly grasp diagnostic procedures, use specialized tools, and understand complex vehicle systems, all while ensuring safety and quality. Balancing hands-on learning with studying for certification exams can also be demanding. However, supportive mentors and structured training programs help apprentices overcome these hurdles and build confidence in their skills.

What is the difference between Mechanic Apprentice vs Automotive Technician?

AspectMechanic ApprenticeAutomotive Technician
CredentialsOn-the-job training, some may pursue certifications like ASEHigh school diploma; ASE certifications often required
Work EnvironmentLearning environment, supervised tasks, entry-levelFull-time, independent repair work in garages or dealerships
Industry UsageTraining stage within automotive repair industryProfessional, fully qualified repair role

Mechanic Apprentices are in training, gaining skills under supervision, while Automotive Technicians are fully qualified professionals performing repairs independently. The apprenticeship prepares individuals for a career as an Automotive Technician.

How to get into a mechanic apprentice ship?

To enter a mechanic apprenticeship, typically you need a high school diploma or equivalent, basic mechanical skills, and a valid driver's license. Many programs require passing a skills assessment and may prefer candidates with some related coursework or experience; apprentices usually work under supervision while gaining hands-on training and may pursue certifications like ASE during the program.

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

The most popular types of Mechanic jobs in California are:

What cities in California are hiring for Mechanic Apprentice jobs?

Cities in California with the most Mechanic Apprentice job openings:

Mechanic Apprentice jobs near you
Infographic showing various Mechanic Apprentice 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 $45,206 per year, or $21.7 per hour.

Passenger Rail Mechanic Apprentice

Drummac, Inc.

San Luis Obispo, CA • On-site

$25 - $27/hr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 16 days ago

Job description

COMPANY DESCRIPTION:

Drummac, Inc. is an integrated railroad services company that specializes in providing mechanical and janitorial services to the transportation industry. With operations located across the United States, the services we perform range in scope from routine mechanical maintenance, inspections, repairs, audits, cleaning, and specialty railroad services to providing equipment and supplies for the transportation industry with a niche in passenger rail. We provide these services using in-house resources, which enables us to provided best-in-class quality control.

JOB SUMMARY:

A Mechanical Apprentice, known at Drummac as Qualified Person (QP) must be able to work in compliance while maintaining and repairing passenger rail cars and locomotives while working under the supervision of our Passenger Rail Mechanic. They must adhere to and maintain strict compliance with corporate/office policies and procedures, established health and safety protocols, and all applicable local, state, and federal regulations.

JOB RESPONSIBILITIES:
  • Performs air brake inspection of passenger cars, private cars and have knowledge of air brake systems
  • Performs locomotive daily inspection; able to troubleshoot and handle repair/replacement of parts
  • Troubleshoots passenger cars including but not limited to toilet systems, air conditioning systems, doors, panels, lights, electrical systems and brake systems along with making any necessary repairs
  • Ability to fill out regulatory, client and Company-required paperwork
  • Performs necessary electrical tests, removes, disassembles, replaces, repairs, modifies, rebuilds, assembles, adjusts, and maintains batteries and all electrical equipment or components on locomotives
  • Communicates written and/or verbal findings of inspections to Supervisor
  • Ability to work overtime, weekends, holidays, and on-call is required
  • Flexible schedule to accommodate dynamic train schedules
  • Ability to work outdoors in inclement work conditions is required
  • Wears and uses required protective equipment while working
  • Takes responsibility for own safety while on the job
  • Performs other related duties as required or assigned
QUALIFICATIONS:
  • Requires High School Diploma or GED (or equivalent reading, writing and reasoning skills
  • Valid driver's license is required.
  • Trade school or formal railroad locomotive or diesel mechanical maintenance training required.
  • Knowledge of locomotive mechanical or locomotive electrical or industrial heavy equipment mechanical experience is required.
  • Successful completion of a pre-employment screening process.

Hourly rate range for Passenger Rail Mechanic Apprentice candidates in San Luis Obispo, California: $25-$27. Actual hourly rate offered will be determined based on multiple factors which include relevant skills and experience. In addition to hourly wage, full-time employees will be offered the following benefits:

  • Medical
  • Dental
  • Vision
  • Life Insurance
  • Flexible Spending Account (FSA)
  • Long-Term Disability coverage
  • Short-Term Disability coverage
  • Employee Assistance Program (EAP)
  • 401(k) with employer matching
  • Newly hired employees will accrue PTO at a rate of 1 hour for every 30 worked

Drummac is committed to providing equal employment opportunities in a drug free work environment to all employees and applicants without regard to race, religion, color, sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, national origin, ancestry, citizenship status, uniform service member status, marital status, pregnancy, age, protected medical condition, genetic information, disability or any other protected status in accordance with all applicable federal, state and local laws.

Drummac is an Equal Opportunity Employer.