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Velvet Digest

How much do smog techs make in California?

Author

William Brown

Updated on May 13, 2026

Compared to California, the national mean hourly wagefor environmental science and protection technicians in 2010 was$21.36, and the mean annual wage was $44,440, according tothe BLS. The median hourly wage was $19.90, and the median annualsalary was $41,380.

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Correspondingly, how do I become a smog technician in California?

Complete the BAR (Bureau of Automotive Repair) specifieddiagnostic and repair training, and have two years of workexperience. Complete Level 1 engine and emission control training(68 hours), and Level 2 smog check Training (28 hours), aswell as pass the state licensing exam within the past twoyears.

Furthermore, how much does smog check cost in California? The normal price range of the average smog testis between $29.95 and $69.95 depending on the county you live in,the type of vehicle you own car, truck, van, SUV, or motorhome, andthe type of smog inspection your vehiclerequires.

Secondly, how long does it take to become a smog technician?

Smog Repair TechnicianLicense Show proof of having a certificate in an automotivetechnology program of at least 720 hours (with at least 280 hoursof engine performance related courses) AND at least one year ofrepair shop experience.

Do you need a license to be a mechanic in California?

Thankfully throughout the State of California, agood auto technician is not required to have alicense to repair vehicles! However, just becausethere is no structured or national criteria does not meanvirtually all technicians are equally skilled for a job in anautomobile repair shop.

Related Question Answers

What is Star certified smog?

STAR certified smog station duties andresponsibilities They are not allowed to perform any smogrepairs. A Test Only center's main obligation is to performa non-bias and accurate smog inspection. They arecertified to inspect all DMV requiredvehicles.

How do I become a licensed smog technician?

The steps below indicate the way to obtain your smoginspection technician license.
  1. Step 1: Complete level 1 technical training.
  2. Step 2: Complete level 2 training.
  3. Step 3: Pass the state-administered smog technician exam.
  4. Step 1: Complete the application requirements for smog repairtechnician.

How do I get a smog license in Nevada?

Becoming certified as a smogtechnician To become certified in Nevada as a smogtechnician, you'll need to take a class on the rules andregulations enforced by the Silver State. Upon completion, you'llbe administered a test which you must pass with a score of at least80%.

What does a smog technician do?

California smog technicians are professionalsthat work with the government, as well as the public, to clean upCalifornia's air. Common duties include inspecting, diagnosing,adjusting, repairing and certifying the emissions control systemsof vehicles in the state of California.

Do you need a Licence to be a mechanic?

In a word, yes. Rules vary from state to state, but withthe exception of a few outliers such as Texas, automechanics are required to carry not one but severallicenses to operate. In addition, many states requiremechanics to obtain a state business licensespecifically to run a repair shop.

How do you get your mechanic's license?

How to Get a Mechanic's License
  1. Complete A Program. Complete an automotive technician program,which can be either a post-secondary certification program or aprogram leading to a degree as an associate of applied science, orA.A.S.
  2. Acquire More Experience.
  3. Get Certified.
  4. Prepare For The Test.
  5. Do Research.
  6. Be On Time.
  7. Stay Up To Date.

What year car does not need smog in California?

1975

How old does a car have to be in California to be smog exempt?

30 years old

How much should a smog check cost?

It will normally range anywhere between $29.95 to $89.95depending on the county you live in and the type of smoginspection your vehicle requires. This price may or may not includethe State's Certificate Fee of $8.25, which is charged onlyand if your vehicle passes the test.

What happens if I fail smog test in California?

If your vehicles smog check doesn't pass,you have two choices: repairing the faulty components or stopdriving your car. Your DMV registration can't be renewed ifyour smog check fails. Now, your failed smog testmight cost you in repairs.

Are smog checks free?

DO NOT go to a smog check station that does notoffer a FREE re-test. The computer on board of yourvehicle, hoses, and wiring under the hood, are all part of asmog inspection as required by the State.

What do they check for smog test?

A Smog Check may include any of the followingtests: Visual inspection of emission control components andsystems. Functional inspection of the vehicle's check enginelight, ignition timing, exhaust gas recirculation system, fuelevaporative system, and gas cap. Tailpipe emissionsinspection.