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General Mechanic Salary in California

How much does a General Mechanic make in California? As of September 01, 2026, the average salary for a General Mechanic in California is $68,642 per year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $33.

However, a General Mechanic's salary can vary significantly. Here's a look at the typical salary range:

  • Top Earners (90th percentile): $87,125
  • Majority Range (25th-75th percentile): $61,547 to $78,317
  • Entry-Level (10th percentile): $55,086
Salary Factors Salary by Experience Related Job Salaries Top Paying Cities Explore Related Jobs

Check out General Mechanic Job Openings in California

Key Factors That Influence General Mechanic Salaries

A General Mechanic's salary isn't a fixed number. It's shaped by several important factors. Below, we'll explore how your years of experience, geographic location and company size can directly affect your earning potential.

How Experience Level Affects General Mechanic Salaries?

Experience is a primary driver of a General Mechanic's salary. As you build your skills and take on more complex tasks, your compensation generally increases. Here's how the average salary grows at different career stages:

  • Entry-Level (less than 1 year): $59,967
  • Early Career (1-2 years): $66,627
  • Mid-Level (2-4 years): $74,374
  • Senior-Level (5-8 years): $85,492
  • Expert (over 8 years): $92,537
Job RoleYears of ExperienceAverage Salary
Facilities Mechanic Technician I less than 1 year $59,967
General Mechanic 1-2 years $66,627
Facilities Mechanic Technician III 2-4 years $74,374
Facilities Mechanic Technician IV 5-8 years $85,492
Facilities Mechanic Supervisor over 8 years $92,537

How Do General Mechanic Salaries Vary from State to State?

Your salary can change significantly depending on where you work. States with a higher cost of living and strong industrial sectors often pay more to attract General Mechanics. For example, consider the average annual salaries in these key locations:

  • District of Columbia: $68,904.
  • California: $68,642.
  • Massachusetts: $67,728.

Top Paying Cities for General Mechanic

Salaries can also vary between different cities. Major metropolitan areas or cities with a high demand for technicians often offer more competitive pay. Here are a few examples of average annual salaries in different U.S. cities:

  • Los Angeles: $68,761
  • West Hollywood: $68,711
  • Dodgertown: $68,760

General Mechanic Salary by Industry: Top Paying Sectors

For General Mechanic roles, the industry you choose can affect earning potential by as much as 80% (the gap between the highest and lowest paying industries). Data shows that the Software & Networking and Pharmaceuticals sectors offer the strongest compensation, at 40% above the average. In contrast, General Mechanic positions in Telecom or Media typically offer lower base pay, as these industries often view General Mechanic as a support function rather than a direct revenue driver.

The top paying industries for a General Mechanic

Industry Sector Average Annual Salary Average Hourly Rate Pay vs.Avg
Software & Networking $96,099 $46.0 40%
Pharmaceuticals $89,235 $43.0 30%
Internet $85,803 $41.0 25%
Financial Services $82,371 $40.0 20%
Energy & Utilities $78,939 $38.0 15%

General Mechanic Salary: Hourly Rate, Weekly Pay, and Monthly Pay

Understanding how a General Mechanic's annual salary breaks down can help with budgeting. Below, you can see the average hourly rate, weekly pay, and monthly pay for this role. Use the buttons to switch between different pay periods.

  • Yearly
  • Monthly
  • Weekly
  • Hourly
  • Table View
Last Updated on September 01, 2026
$61,547
Average $68,642/year
$78,317
$5,129
Average $5,720/month
$6,526
$1,184
Average $1,320/week
$1,506
$30
Average $33/hour
$38
Annual Salary Monthly Pay Weekly Pay Hourly Wage
75th Percentile $78,317 $6,526 $1,506 $38
Average $68,642 $5,720 $1,320 $33
25th Percentile $61,547 $5,129 $1,184 $30

Find Your Next General Mechanic Job

Ready to take the next step in your career? Browse thousands of current General Mechanic job openings on our job board. Use the search bar below to find your perfect match.

  • Blackwatch International | Ridgecrest, CA

    Diesel Engine Specialist General Mechanic

    Blackwatch International | Ridgecrest, CA

    Job Description. Job Description. Blackwatch International Corporation (Blackwatch), a small business founded in 2010, is a small business dedicated to sup... more

    7 Days Ago

  • RTL Networks Inc | Ridgecrest, CA

    Diesel Engine Specialist General Mechanic

    RTL Networks Inc | Ridgecrest, CA

    Job Description. Job Description. Description.   . Location. Ridgecrest, CA. Status. Part-Time to Full-Time - On-site. Compensation. $ 27.50 - $32.00 hour.... more

    9 Days Ago

  • US Foods | DALTON GARDENS, ID

    General Building Maintenance Mechanic

    US Foods | DALTON GARDENS, ID

    US Foods is seeking a General Building Maintenance Mechanic to keep our high-volume foodservice distribution facility operating safely and reliably. In thi... more

    9 Days Ago

  • US Foods | WORLEY, ID

    General Building Maintenance Mechanic

    US Foods | WORLEY, ID

    US Foods is seeking a General Building Maintenance Mechanic to keep our high-volume foodservice distribution facility operating safely and reliably. In thi... more

    9 Days Ago

  • US Foods | COEUR D ALENE, ID

    General Building Maintenance Mechanic

    US Foods | COEUR D ALENE, ID

    US Foods is seeking a General Building Maintenance Mechanic to support our fast-paced wholesale foodservice distribution facility. In this role, you will p... more

    9 Days Ago

  • US Foods | PLUMMER, ID

    General Building Maintenance Mechanic

    US Foods | PLUMMER, ID

    US Foods is seeking a General Building Maintenance Mechanic to keep our high-volume foodservice distribution facility operating safely and reliably. In thi... more

    9 Days Ago

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Where Does Our Salary Data Come From?

Salary.com salary estimates, histograms, trends, and comparisons are derived from both employer job postings and third-party data sources. We also provide multiple percentiles of salary information for your reference, click here to know Why the Salary Midpoint Formula Is Crucial to Getting Pay Equity Right. With more online, real-time compensation data than any other website, Salary.com helps you determine your exact pay target.

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