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Automotive Technician Schools in California

16 accredited Automotive programs in CA

16

Schools in CA

$46,880

Avg. Salary

6-24 months

Program Length

11

Cities

Automotive Technician Schools in California

American River College

4700 College Oak Drive, Sacramento, CA 95841

American River College (ARC) is part of the Los Rios Community College District, located in north Sacramento. ARC offers a Welding Technology AS Degree and several certificates, plus the Sheet Metal Service Technician Apprenticeship AA which trains apprentices in HVAC servicing, start-up, and balancing. The North Highlands Center hosts an additional HVAC Technology program covering heating, ventilation, air conditioning, and refrigeration.

Financial AidGI Bill AcceptedJob PlacementHands-On Training
4.4 (64)

$4,500

24 months

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Cerritos College

11110 Alondra Blvd, Norwalk, CA 90650-6298

Cerritos College is a public community college in Norwalk, California, offering over 180 degrees and certificates in nine divisions. It is recognized for its comprehensive vocational training, particularly in automotive technology, welding, and health sciences.

Financial AidGI Bill AcceptedJob PlacementHands-On Training
4 (65)

$1,346

18-24 months

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East Los Angeles College

1301 Avenida Cesar Chavez, Monterey Park, CA 91754

East Los Angeles College (ELAC) is part of the Los Angeles Community College District serving primarily East LA and the San Gabriel Valley. ELAC is one of the largest community colleges in California, offering certificates and associate degrees across academic transfer, career and technical education (CTE), and continuing education programs. Strong CTE programs include automotive, administration of justice, allied health, and business.

Financial AidGI Bill AcceptedJob PlacementHands-On Training
4.1 (43)

$2,800

24 months

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Los Angeles Trade-Technical College

400 West Washington Blvd, Los Angeles, CA 90015

Los Angeles Trade-Technical College is a public community college specializing in career-technical education and transfer preparation. Established in 1925, it offers over 80 hands-on programs designed to move students into high-demand careers in two years or less.

Financial AidGI Bill AcceptedJob PlacementHands-On Training
4.3 (36)

$2,476

2 years

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Pasadena City College

1570 East Colorado Boulevard, Pasadena, CA 91106

Pasadena City College (PCC) is a public community college in Pasadena, just east of Los Angeles. PCC's Career Technical Education (CTE) division offers strong programs in automotive technology, welding (SMAW, GTAW/TIG, oxy-acetylene), HVAC/R, robotics, and airframe and powerplant (A&P) technology. The 1570 E. Colorado Blvd campus is one of the largest community college campuses in California.

Financial AidGI Bill AcceptedJob PlacementHands-On Training
4.4 (26)

$3,500

24 months

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Sacramento City College

3835 Freeport Boulevard, Sacramento, CA 95822

Sacramento City College is part of the Los Rios Community College District and serves central Sacramento. SCC offers 126 career-focused programs including HVAC Systems Design (32-unit certificate or 60-unit AS), Mechanical-Electrical Technology, welding, and broad allied health and IT offerings. The HVAC curriculum covers energy management, mechanical system commissioning, indoor air quality, building automation, refrigerant recovery, and electronic controls.

Financial AidGI Bill AcceptedJob PlacementHands-On Training
4.4 (52)

$3,500

24 months

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San Diego City College

1313 Park Boulevard, San Diego, CA 92101

San Diego City College is part of the San Diego Community College District, located in downtown San Diego. The Business, Information Technology, Cosmetology, Engineering, and Trades (BICET) Department offers Skilled and Technical Trades certificate programs in electronics, HVAC (Air Conditioning, Refrigeration, and Environmental Control Technology), plumbing, sheet metal, upholstery, welding, and metal fabrication.

Financial AidGI Bill AcceptedJob PlacementHands-On Training
4.1 (47)

$3,500

12-24 months

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San Diego College of Continuing Education (SDCCE)

4343 Ocean View Boulevard, San Diego, CA 92113

San Diego College of Continuing Education (SDCCE) is the adult education division of the San Diego Community College District (SDCCD). SDCCE offers 300+ tuition-free certificate programs and classes across seven campuses in San Diego, from Barrio Logan in the south to Miramar in the north. Skilled and Technical Trades programs include HVAC (Air Conditioning and Heating I & II), welding (SMAW and GTAW), plumbing, electronics, upholstery, and metal fabrication.

GI Bill AcceptedJob PlacementHands-On TrainingOnline Available
4.1 (52)

$0

12-24 months

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UEI College - Bakersfield

3737 Rosedale Highway, Bakersfield, CA 93308

UEI College in Bakersfield provides short-term vocational and technical career training in healthcare, business, and skilled trades. The school focuses on hands-on learning and preparing students for entry-level positions in as little as 10 months.

Financial AidGI Bill AcceptedJob PlacementHands-On Training
4.1 (25)

$21,500

10 months

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UEI College - Chula Vista (San Diego area)

1261 3rd Avenue, Suite A, Chula Vista, CA 91911

UEI College Chula Vista serves the south San Diego County market with diploma programs in healthcare, business, and trades. Programs include Medical Assistant, Dental Assistant, Electrician Technician, Automotive Technician, HVAC Technician, Medical Billing & Insurance Coding, and Criminal Justice. Most programs can be completed in as little as 10 months. The HVAC program uses a hybrid format with online classes plus in-person lab work two days per week.

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4.3 (50)

$19,500

10 months

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UEI College - Fresno

3602 N. Blackstone Ave, Suite O268, Fresno, CA 93726

UEI College in Fresno provides short-term vocational training in healthcare, business, and skilled trades. The campus offers hybrid programs that combine online learning with hands-on lab sessions, typically completed in 10 months.

Financial AidGI Bill AcceptedJob PlacementHands-On Training
4.5 (66)

$21,500

10 months

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UEI College - Gardena

661 West Redondo Beach Blvd, Gardena, CA 90247

UEI College in Gardena provides short-term vocational training programs in healthcare, business, and skilled trades. The campus focuses on hands-on learning and hybrid schedules to prepare students for entry-level careers in as few as 10 months.

Financial AidGI Bill AcceptedJob PlacementOnline Available
4.2 (54)

$21,500

10 months

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UEI College - Huntington Park (Los Angeles area)

6055 Pacific Boulevard, Huntington Park, CA 90255

UEI College Huntington Park is one of multiple UEI campuses in the Los Angeles metro (also Gardena and Reseda). UEI offers diploma programs in healthcare (Medical Assistant, Dental Assistant, Medical Billing & Insurance Coding, Medical Office Specialist), business, and trades (HVAC, Automotive Technician, Criminal Justice, Electrician Technician, Welding). Most programs can be completed in as little as 10 months.

Financial AidGI Bill AcceptedJob PlacementHands-On Training
4.3 (61)

$17,500

10 months

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Universal Technical Institute

4175 East Conant Street, Long Beach, CA 90808

Universal Technical Institute in Long Beach provides hands-on technical training for careers in the automotive, diesel, collision repair, welding, and electrical industries. The 142,000 square-foot facility features modern labs and industry-standard equipment to prepare students for entry-level technician roles.

Financial AidGI Bill AcceptedJob PlacementHands-On Training
4.1 (29)

$46,480

51 weeks

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Universal Technical Institute of California Inc.

9494 Haven Avenue, Rancho Cucamonga, CA 91730

UTI Rancho Cucamonga provides hands-on technical training for careers in the automotive, diesel, and welding industries. The campus features a 147,000 square-foot facility with specialized labs and classrooms designed to prepare students for entry-level technician roles.

Financial AidGI Bill AcceptedJob PlacementHands-On Training
4.3 (44)

$56,600

51 weeks

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Universal Technical Institute of Northern California Inc

4100 Duckhorn Dr, Sacramento, CA 95834

UTI Sacramento provides hands-on technical training for careers in the automotive, diesel, welding, and HVACR industries. The campus features industry-specific labs and manufacturer-specific advanced training programs to prepare students for entry-level technician roles.

Financial AidGI Bill AcceptedJob PlacementHands-On Training
4.4 (23)

$45,390

51 weeks

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Automotive Technician Training in California

California offers excellent opportunities for aspiring automotive technicians. With 16 accredited training programs across the state, you can find a program that fits your schedule and budget.

The average automotive technician in California earns around $46,880 per year, with experienced professionals earning significantly more. Job growth in this field is projected at 4% over the next decade, making it a strong career choice for job security and long-term earning potential.

Most Automotive programs in CA take 6-24 months to complete. Upon finishing your training, you'll be prepared to pursue industry certifications such as ASE Certification, Manufacturer Certifications, EV/Hybrid Specialist, which can increase your employability and starting salary.

What to Expect from Automotive Training

Automotive Technician programs combine classroom instruction with practical, hands-on training. You'll learn both the theory and the real-world skills needed to succeed in this field. Here's what a typical program covers:

  • Technical fundamentals: Core concepts, safety procedures, and industry standards that form the foundation of your training.
  • Hands-on practice: Lab sessions and shop time where you apply what you've learned using industry-standard tools and equipment.
  • Certification prep: Focused preparation for exams like ASE Certification and Manufacturer Certifications that employers look for.
  • Career readiness: Resume building, interview prep, and job placement assistance to help you transition into the workforce.