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Mechanic Salary in Oakland, CA

U.S. median $49,670/yr ($23.88/hr)

Mechanic wages in Oakland, California can run well above or below the national median once you factor in specialty work, overtime, and union or fleet scale. Here is the real local pay, pulled from active listings.

Checking live local pay...

National benchmarks

Median$49,670/yr ($23.88/hr)
Hourly range$16 to $39/hr
Bottom 10%under $33,660/yr
Top 10%over $80,850/yr

Local pay in Oakland moves with cost of living, union presence, and demand. The live figure above reflects what Oakland employers are posting right now.

Pay by experience

Apprentice / Entry (lube, tire, and helper techs)Where most techs start. Oil changes, tires, inspections, and basic service while you learn the trade and earn your first ASE certs. Pay sits near the BLS bottom 10 percent of $33,660.$16 to $20/hr (about $33,000 to $42,000/yr)
Journeyman / Mid-career (several ASE certs, general repair)You handle brakes, suspension, diagnostics, and most general repair on your own. This is the BLS median zone of $49,670, and flat-rate techs who flag hours efficiently land at the top of it.$21 to $28/hr (about $44,000 to $58,000/yr)
Experienced / ASE Master TechnicianMaster techs, drivability and diagnostic specialists, and top flat-rate producers reach the BLS top 10 percent of $80,850 and beyond. Diesel and EV specialists can clear $90,000.$30 to $40+/hr (about $63,000 to $85,000+/yr)
Shop foreman / Service manager / OwnerForemen and service managers add leadership and diagnostic sign-off pay on top of flat rate. Independent shop owners vary widely with the business, from lean years to six figures.$70,000 to $110,000+/yr

Mechanic jobs in Oakland

See Mechanic jobs hiring in Oakland with pay shown upfront.

Mechanic pay in nearby cities

Los Angeles, CASan Diego, CASan Jose, CASan Francisco, CA

Mechanic pay in Oakland: FAQs

How much do automotive mechanics make?

The median was $49,670 a year, about $23.88 an hour, as of May 2024 (BLS). Most techs earn between roughly $33,660 and $80,850 depending on skill, certifications, and where they work.

Do mechanics make good money?

It is solid skilled-trade pay with no college debt required. Entry pay is modest, but the top 10 percent clear $80,850, and master, diesel, and EV techs earn more. Flat-rate producers can out-earn the median by a wide margin.

What is the highest-paying mechanic job?

Diesel and heavy-truck techs, EV and high-voltage specialists, dealership flat-rate top producers, and fleet or union techs sit at the top, along with shop foremen and service managers.

What does an auto mechanic make per hour?

The median is $23.88 an hour (BLS, May 2024). Pay typically runs from about $16 an hour for entry lube techs to $39 an hour or more for master and specialty techs.

Can you make $100,000 as a mechanic?

Yes, but it is not the norm. Six figures usually comes from top flat-rate production at a busy dealership, master-level diesel or EV work, traveling fleet jobs with per-diem, or moving into service manager or shop owner roles.