Emissions code · Los Angeles area, California
P0420 repair cost in Los Angeles
P0420 means catalytic converter not working well (bank 1). In the Los Angeles area, California, the most common fix, catalytic converter replacement, has a typical range of $590 to $3,325.
Wide range: this job varies a lot. Itemize your quote for a better answer.
How this range is built
| Part of the job | Low | High |
|---|---|---|
| Parts | $450 | $2,850 |
| Labor: 1.2 to 2.5 hours × $120 to $170 an hour | $144 | $425 |
| Fees: shop supplies, disposal, diagnostics | $0 | $40 |
| Total, rounded | $590 | $3,325 |
The hourly rate is the BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics, May 2025 average pay for this trade in Los Angeles, $30.61 an hour, times 4 to 5.5 to cover what a shop bills (overhead, tools, insurance, profit). Parts are a band from budget aftermarket to the manufacturer part. In California and New York, parts cost more because those states require a California-certified converter. Full method.
Not a repair shop, estimates only. Typical range, estimate. Not a quote. Your car, parts and shop change the number.
Why Los Angeles is different
The parts cost about the same everywhere. The labor rate is what changes. Auto technicians in the Los Angeles area, California earn an average of $30.61 an hour, so a shop there bills roughly $120 to $170 an hour. That moves this repair's total, and the range above already includes it.
Same repair in other areas
| Area | Typical range, estimate |
|---|---|
| Boston area, Massachusetts | $450 to $2,400 |
| New York City area | $560 to $3,125 |
| Chicago area, Illinois | $430 to $2,350 |
| Houston area, Texas | $420 to $2,325 |
| Dallas-Fort Worth area, Texas | $420 to $2,325 |
| Phoenix area, Arizona | $430 to $2,325 |
| Atlanta area, Georgia | $430 to $2,350 |
| Miami area, Florida | $420 to $2,325 |
| Seattle area, Washington | $450 to $2,375 |
What the code means, causes and what to check first are on the P0420 page.
Not a repair shop, estimates only. Typical range, estimate. Prices updated October 2026.