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Shop Work Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

Shop Custodian

Placentia, CA ยท On-site

$16.90 - $17.50/hr

  • PTO

Provide cleaning for premises including bathrooms, repair shop work area, offices, and trash * Dust, mop, vacuum and perform additional duties as needed * Team Members are expected to willingly lend ...

Shop Custodian

Placentia, CA ยท On-site

$16.90 - $17.50/hr

  • PTO

Provide cleaning for premises including bathrooms, repair shop work area, offices, and trash * Dust, mop, vacuum and perform additional duties as needed * Team Members are expected to willingly lend ...

Expander (86369)

El Monte, CA ยท On-site

$23.97 - $28.88/hr

Fill out shop work order with press times, pin plies, material, and heat-set information * Record labor transactions in SAP. * Record material usage and press times on shop work order. * Perform ...

Expander (86369)

El Monte, CA ยท On-site

$23.97 - $28.88/hr

Fill out shop work order with press times, pin plies, material, and heat-set information * Record labor transactions in SAP. * Record material usage and press times on shop work order. * Perform ...

Expander (86369)

El Monte, CA ยท On-site

$23.97 - $28.88/hr

Fill out shop work order with press times, pin plies, material, and heat-set information * Record labor transactions in SAP. * Record material usage and press times on shop work order. * Perform ...

Facilities Maintenance Assistant

Temecula, CA ยท On-site

$18.50 - $19/hr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • PTO

Experience with manual labor such as welding, soldering, carpentry, automotive mechanics, fabrication, machine shop work, or similar trades. * Willingness to learn specialized tasks and equipment ...

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CNC Programmer/Manufacturing Engineer/Estimator/Planner-Machined Parts

Bell Gardens, CA ยท On-site

$120K - $140K/yr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Life

  • Retirement

Wilcox Machine Company, a Los Angeles based machine shop, is seeking an experienced individual to estimate, plan, and manage job shop machine work on individual components and large assemblies. Job ...

Shop Manager

Rancho Cucamonga, CA ยท On-site

$30.98/hr

Work is Sweet! 'Quality without Compromise' is not just a motto at See's Candies. It is the most ... Summary: As a Retail Shop Manager, you play a crucial role in the success of our See's Candies ...

Service Tech Machine Tool

Los Angeles, CA ยท On-site

$35K - $45K/yr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Retirement

  • PTO

This position offers a combination of shop work and field service, making it an excellent opportunity for someone who enjoys troubleshooting, problem-solving, and working with industrial machinery.

Service Technician

Corona, CA ยท On-site

$25 - $40/hr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

Shop work on parts for crushers * Organize and document service visits Heavy Equipment Mechanic Qualifications: * Crusher or Equipment experience * Ability to handle physical workload * Must be able ...

SHOP FOREMAN

Rancho Cucamonga, CA ยท On-site

$28 - $32/hr

This position is responsible for coordinating technicians, prioritizing repair work, maintaining shop productivity, and ensuring trailers are repaired safely, correctly, and efficiently. The Shop ...

Showing results 21-40

Shop Work information

See California salary details

$8

$16

$26

How much do shop work jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 13, 2026, the average hourly pay for shop work in California is $16.41, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $13.27 and $18.75 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is the difference between Shop Work vs Auto Mechanic?

AspectShop WorkAuto Mechanic
CredentialsHigh school diploma or equivalent; on-the-job trainingHigh school diploma; ASE certification often preferred
Work EnvironmentAuto repair shops, garages, service centersAuto repair shops, dealerships, independent garages
Industry UsageGeneral term for repair tasks performed in a shop settingSpecific role focused on diagnosing and repairing vehicles
Common Search IntentLooking for general shop repair jobsSeeking skilled auto repair positions

Shop Work refers broadly to repair and maintenance tasks performed in an automotive shop environment. An Auto Mechanic is a specific role within Shop Work, focusing on diagnosing and fixing vehicle issues. While all auto mechanics perform Shop Work, not all Shop Work involves the specialized skills of an auto mechanic. Understanding this distinction helps job seekers find the right opportunities based on their skills and certifications.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive in shop work, and why are they important?

To thrive in Shop Work, you need basic mechanical aptitude, familiarity with hand and power tools, and often a high school diploma or vocational training. Knowledge of safety protocols, experience with equipment like saws or drills, and sometimes certifications such as OSHA are commonly required. Reliability, attention to detail, teamwork, and effective communication are essential soft skills. These abilities ensure safe, efficient operations and contribute to a productive and harmonious shop environment.

What is shop work?

Shop work refers to tasks performed in a workshop or industrial setting, often involving the use of tools and machinery to build, repair, or maintain equipment and products. It can include activities such as woodworking, metalworking, welding, assembly, and equipment maintenance. People who do shop work may be employed in manufacturing, automotive repair, construction, or educational settings like school workshops. The skills required typically include mechanical aptitude, attention to safety, and hands-on problem-solving abilities.

What are some common challenges faced when working in a shop environment, and how can they be managed effectively?

Working in a shop often involves multitasking between customer service, inventory management, and maintaining store displays. Common challenges include handling busy periods with high customer traffic, managing stock shortages, and addressing customer concerns promptly. Effective communication with team members, staying organized, and being proactive about restocking and cleanliness can help manage these challenges. Many shops also provide training to help staff develop problem-solving skills and adapt to fast-paced situations.
What cities in California are hiring for Shop Work jobs? Cities in California with the most Shop Work job openings:
Infographic showing various Shop Work job openings in California as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 77% Full Time, 17% Part Time, 2% Temporary, and 3% Contract. Highlights an 93% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 5% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $34,135 per year, or $16.4 per hour.

Experienced Auto Body Shop Estimator

Smart Prep Automotive Reconditioning, Inc

Riverside, CA โ€ข On-site

Full-time

Retirement, PTO

Posted 22 days ago


Job description

Benefits:
  • 401(k)
  • 401(k) matching
  • Bonus based on performance
  • Competitive salary
  • Paid time off

Smart Prep Automotive Reconditioning is looking for an experienced estimator to add to our team. We are looking for a team member with great customer relation skills and who is willing and able to handle insurance claims as well as customer pay projects.
The ideal team member will have at least 2 years of experience estimating in a body shop. They will be communicative and easy to work with. They will be knowledgeable in dealing with insurance companies and adjustors. They will know how to use an estimating system. The ideal team member will be fluent in handling insurance claims and customer communications. We are looking for an active participant in the shop work flow, so the ideal candidate must be able and willing to move around the shop and office areas.
Job Responsibilities
  •  Communicate with customers every step of the way.
  •  Answer customer calls, schedule and check in their vehicles. Schedule Pick-ups and ensure delivery.
  •  Inspect, analyze and evaluate damaged vehicles to create a comprehensive and accurate damage report. Use this information to assemble estimates and supplements appropriately.
  • Communicate with body shop personnel to ensure that estimates are understood and that all repairs are known and carried out by all team members.
  • Oversee repair process of each individual unit to ensure that any and all supplements are correct and submitted.
  • Acquire parts needed based off estimates as well as what is found by body shop team.
  • Inspect vehicle after repairs are completed to ensure that all repairs have been done, that vehicle is safety compliant, and that no further supplements are needed.
  • Ability to work outside during summer months when vehicles need inspection or repair plan updates.
  • Estimator is responsible for the vehicle's appearance upon deliver. Ability to thoroughly QC a finish vehicle is vital.

 Required Experience 
  • Minimum 2 years experience as an automotive estimator.
  • Knowledge of CCC1 estimating system.
  • Knowledge in all aspects of automotive repair and maintenance
  • Willing to submit to a background check and drug screen prior to employment.
  • Valid driver's license and clean driving record that is acceptable to our policies.
  • Experience with Microsoft suite
Preferred Experience 
  • Knowledge of Mitchell estimating system.
  • Previous experience with fleet accounts (i.e. Fleet Response, Hertz, U-Haul, etc)
  • Knowledge of DRP procedures
  • Knowledge of price matching software (OPS Trax)
  • Knowledge of AllData and ability to verify OE procedural repairs

Smart Prep is a family owned and operated Collision shop. We pride ourselves on our work environment and the happiness of our team. We are looking for a team member who understands the importance of the relationships both in the office and out in the shop.
Our schedule is M-F 8am-5pm. 
Please let us know any certifications you may have.
Resumes are required and interviews will be in person on location. 
We look forward to meeting you!