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Part Time Auto Detailer Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

Bass Pro Shops

Detailer Part Time

Rancho Cucamonga, CA · On-site

$19.35 - $22.77/hr

The Detailer performs various detailing and transportation of new and pre-owned boats, motors ... Starting Pay Rate: $19.35 - $22.77 Part Time Benefits Summary: Enjoy discounts on retail ...

OPTIMA DEALER SERVICES INC.

Detailer

Fremont, CA · On-site

$20 - $23/hr

Detail Employment Type: Full-Time and/or Part-Time Compensation: $20.00-$23.00 per hour (non-exempt, hourly; based on experience and qualifications) Company: Optima Dealer Services, Inc. About Optima ...

Opulent Ridez

Auto Detail Technician

Sacramento, CA · On-site

$18 - $40/hr

Opulent Ridez Mobile Auto Spa is Sacramento's premier auto detailing service company. We are in ... Positions are part-time to start and will transition into full time employment opportunities. TO ...

Opulent Ridez

Auto Detail Technician

Sacramento, CA · On-site

$18 - $40/hr

Opulent Ridez Mobile Auto Spa is Sacramento's premier auto detailing service company. We are in ... Positions are part-time to start and will transition into full time employment opportunities. TO ...

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All JobsAuto Detailer JobsPart Time Auto Detailer JobsPart Time Auto Detailer Jobs in California

Part Time Auto Detailer information

See California salary details

$10

$16

$22

How much do part time auto detailer jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 15, 2026, the average hourly pay for part time auto detailer in California is $16.23, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $14.23 and $17.07 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What does a part time auto detailer do?

A Part Time Auto Detailer is responsible for cleaning and refurbishing vehicles both inside and out. Their tasks often include washing, waxing, vacuuming, and polishing cars, as well as cleaning windows, wheels, and interior surfaces. They may also apply protective finishes and sometimes perform minor touch-ups. This role is typically physically demanding and may require working evenings or weekends to meet customer needs. Auto detailers help maintain the appearance and value of vehicles for dealerships, rental companies, or private clients.

How much do beginner part time auto detailers make?

Beginner part-time auto detailers typically earn between $9 and $15 per hour, depending on location and experience. Entry-level detailers often start with basic cleaning tasks and may see pay increases with skill development and additional responsibilities.

What skills and qualifications are needed to be a part time auto detailer?

To thrive as a Part Time Auto Detailer, you need attention to detail, manual dexterity, and a basic understanding of automotive cleaning techniques, typically with a high school diploma or equivalent. Familiarity with cleaning tools, buffing machines, polishing compounds, and protective coatings is often required. Strong work ethic, reliability, and good customer service skills help set individuals apart in this role. These abilities are essential for delivering high-quality results, ensuring customer satisfaction, and maintaining the reputation of the detailing service.

What are common challenges faced by part time auto detailers, and how can they be managed?

Part-time auto detailers often encounter challenges such as managing time efficiently during busy periods, handling a variety of vehicle conditions, and maintaining high-quality standards in limited hours. Balancing thoroughness with speed is essential, especially when multiple vehicles need attention in a short shift. To succeed, detailers should prioritize organization, communicate proactively with supervisors about workload, and consistently follow company procedures to ensure best results. Working collaboratively with colleagues can also help distribute tasks and maintain service quality.

What is the difference between Part Time Auto Detailer vs Car Wash Attendant?

AspectPart Time Auto DetailerCar Wash Attendant
CredentialsNone required, some experience preferredNone required
Work EnvironmentAuto shops, dealerships, private garagesCar wash facilities, retail locations
Job DutiesCleaning interiors/exteriors, polishing, detailingOperating wash equipment, assisting customers
Industry UsageAutomotive service and detailing industryCar wash and quick service industry

Part Time Auto Detailers focus on thorough cleaning and detailing of vehicles, often working in auto shops or dealerships. Car Wash Attendants primarily operate washing equipment and assist customers at car wash facilities. While both roles involve vehicle cleaning, auto detailers require more specialized skills and may perform detailed interior and exterior work, whereas car wash attendants typically handle quick, surface-level cleaning tasks.

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

The most popular types of Auto Detailer jobs in California are:

What cities in California are hiring for Part Time Auto Detailer jobs?

Cities in California with the most Part Time Auto Detailer job openings:

Part Time Auto Detailer jobs near you
Infographic showing various Part Time Auto Detailer job openings in California as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 72% Full Time, 21% Part Time, 2% Temporary, and 4% Contract. Highlights an 97% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 2% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $33,765 per year, or $16.2 per hour.

Mobile Auto Detailing Technician

Top Shelf Detail LLC

San Luis Obispo, CA • On-site

$20/hr

Part-time

Re-posted 3 days ago

Job description

Position Title: Mobile Auto Detailer

Employment Structure + Compensation & Growth Plan: 
  • Part-Time with potential for Full-Time
  • $20/hr + Tips (100% detailer owned)
  • 25% Commission on Upsells + 12% Commission on Jobs Sold
  • Advancement is earned, not given
  • Pay is structured to reward skill, reliability, and responsibility
  • Bonuses and purely performance-based and tied to quality and independence
  • Clear progression from junior technician → certified technician → lead technician
  • Your income will grow with your standards, speed, and judgement

The Standard We Hold: 
Top Shelf Detail operates at a higher level than typical mobile detailing companies.
You are expected to:
  • Show up early and prepared.
  • Execute all services to perfection.
  • Follow SOPs, not personal shortcuts.
  • Take ownership of outcomes.
  • Communicate clearly and professionally.
  • Care about the finished product as if your name were on the vehicle.
If something is missed, we fix it. If something breaks, we report it. If a customer is unhappy, we address it.
What a Typical Workday Looks Like Pre-Job Preparation:
  • Review your schedule in app.
  • Understand the service, vehicle, and location.
  • Inspect the company truck and ensure tools, towels, chemicals, and machines are loaded correctly.
  • Confirm chemicals are full and equipment is ready.
  • Brief check-in with management when scheduled.

On Arrival:
  • Arrive 10 minutes early to every job, following Fieldd steps.
  • Present yourself professionally.
  • Greet the customer respectfully.
  • Confirm services and fill out the Pre-Detail inspection form on the company iPad.
  • Recommend Upsells as you see fit.
  • Identify and communicate pre-existing damage and document on inspection form.
  • Make sure they know the final price before starting if any add-ons are necessary.

Service Execution:
Exterior Work:
  • Exterior Washes.
  • Waxes and Sealants.
  • Paint Corrections.
  • Ceramic Coatings.
Interior Work:
  • Vacuuming.
  • Wipe Down of all interior surfaces.
  • Glass & Door Jams.
  • Carpet Shampoo & Extraction.
  • Floor Mat Decontamination.
  • Interior Dressing.
  • Interior Ceramic Coating.
Quality Control Is Mandatory.

Before leaving any job:
  • Perform a full walk-around inspection.
  • Correct streaks, residue, or missed areas.
  • Capture required after-photos (Aim for 20 per job (10 Interior 10 Exterior).
  • Confirm the customer is satisfied.

We do not rely on hope or excuses. We rely on process.
Customer Interaction Expectations

You are not required to sell.
You are required to:
  • Be calm, respectful, and confident.
  • Answer questions honestly.
  • Never overpromise or speculate.
  • Identify pain points and recommend a solution to the customer.
  • Professionalism builds trust. Trust builds opportunity.
Equipment & Professional Conduct:
  • Keep vehicles, tools, and workspaces clean.
  • Treat equipment as company assets, not personal toys.
  • Report damage, shortages, or issues immediately.
  • Branded/clean attire required.
  • No smoking, vaping, or loud music on job sites (Headphones are OK and highly recommended).

Time Expectations (Benchmarks, Not Shortcuts):
  • Exterior Wash: ~1 hour
  • Full Interior Detail: 2–3 hours
  • Full Detail: 3–4 hours
  • Ceramic Coating: 3–5 hours
Speed without quality is failure.
Safety & Accountability:
  • Follow chemical handling guidelines.
  • Wear Gloves.
  • Accidents are reported immediately.

How Performance Is Evaluated:
  • Consistency of results.
  • Attention to detail.
  • Reliability and punctuality.
  • Ability to work independently.
  • Customer feedback and comebacks.

What Long-Term Success Looks Like Here:
  • You become trusted to run jobs without supervision.
  • You produce repeatable, high-level results.
  • You advance into higher-skill services.
  • You increase your earning power through competence.

If selected:
  • You will study our systems and standards.
  • You will shadow experienced technicians.
  • You will complete hands-on training.
  • You will start with supervised work.

Top Shelf Detail is a place to build a skill, not kill time. If that aligns with how you see yourself, we move forward.