Mechanic salary in California
Updated Updated for 2026 tax law
A Mechanic in California earns a median of $64,980 a year ($31.24/hour equivalent), 28.4% above the national median of $50,620. California ranks #2 of 51 states. About 65,420 people do this job in California.
Take-home pay in California
At the California median, a single filer keeps about $51,574 a year after federal, FICA and California taxes — $1,984 every two weeks. Try your own numbers with the California paycheck calculator.
- Gross pay
- $2,499.23
- Federal income tax
- −$216.06
- Social Security (6.2%)
- −$154.95
- Medicare (1.45%)
- −$36.24
- California income tax
- −$75.88
- CA SDI
- −$32.49
- Take-home pay
- $1,983.60
Annual breakdown
- Gross
- $64,980
- Federal
- $5,618
- FICA
- $4,971
- State + local
- $2,818
- Net
- $51,574
- Marginal federal rate
- 12.0%
- Marginal state rate
- 8.0%
2026 federal brackets (Rev. Proc. 2025-32) and 2026 state rules. Estimates assume wages are your only income and use annual liability, so your actual withholding can differ slightly.
How California compares
| Rank | State | Median salary |
|---|---|---|
| #1 | District of Columbia | $68,660 |
| #2 | California | $64,980 |
| #3 | Colorado | $61,280 |
| #4 | Alaska | $60,840 |
| #5 | Massachusetts | $60,760 |
| #49 | Arkansas | $44,160 |
| #50 | Mississippi | $37,820 |
| #51 | West Virginia | $37,660 |
See the national Mechanic salary page for the full pay range and all states.
BLS occupation: Automotive Service Technicians and Mechanics (SOC 49-3023), May 2025, state estimates.
Frequently asked questions
How much does a Mechanic make in California?
The median salary is $64,980 a year and the average is $65,470 (BLS May 2025).
Is California a good state for automotive service technicians and mechanics?
California ranks #2 of 51 states for median pay in this job, 28% above the national median of $50,620.
What is $64,980 after taxes in California?
About $51,574 a year ($1,984 every two weeks) for a single filer in 2026.
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Estimates for information only — not tax, legal or financial advice.