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BLS Wage Data · CA

How Much Do HVAC Technicians
Make in California?

The median HVAC technician salary in California is $57,180, which is 17.6% above the national median.

$57,180
Median Salary
$58,760
Mean Salary
$28.25/hr
Hourly Wage
38,420
Employment

Key Takeaways

HVAC technicians in California earn a median $57,180 per year ($28.25/hr mean), which is 17.6% above the U.S. median. Experienced techs (90th percentile) earn $81,370.

  • Entry-level (10th percentile): $38,170/yr
  • Median: $57,180/yr · Mean: $58,760/yr
  • 38,420 HVAC techs employed in California
  • Cost-of-living adjusted wage: $41,322/yr (COL index 142.2)
Distribution
Salary Percentiles
See how HVAC technician pay is distributed across experience levels in California.
90th Percentile
$81,370
75th Percentile
$69,540
Median
$57,180
25th Percentile
$46,290
10th Percentile
$38,170
Real Buying Power
Cost of Living Adjustment
California's cost of living index is 142.2 (national average = 100). After adjusting for cost of living, your effective annual wage is $41,322.
FAQ
HVAC pay questions in California
Answers match the FAQ structured data on this page for search and AI assistants.
How much do HVAC technicians make in California?
The median HVAC technician salary in California is $57,180 per year ($58,760 mean). That is 17.6% above the U.S. median. Entry-level pay (10th percentile) is about $38,170; experienced techs (90th percentile) earn about $81,370.
What is the hourly wage for HVAC technicians in California?
The mean hourly wage for HVAC technicians in California is $28.25. Annual figures assume full-time work; overtime, on-call pay, and certifications can raise effective hourly earnings.
How many HVAC technicians work in California?
BLS OEWS estimates about 38,420 heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanics and installers (SOC 49-9021) employed in California.
Is HVAC pay in California high after cost of living?
California's cost-of-living index is 142.2 (U.S. average = 100). After adjusting the median for purchasing power, the effective wage is about $41,322 per year.
What certifications increase HVAC pay in California?
EPA Section 608 is required to handle refrigerants nationwide. NATE and other industry certifications are associated with higher pay (often a mid-single to low-double-digit premium) and stronger hiring odds with larger California employers.
Related
How to get an HVAC license in California →California HVAC schools →NATE certification & pay →
Data source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS) program, SOC code 49-9021 (Heating, Air Conditioning, and Refrigeration Mechanics and Installers). Wage estimates reflect the most recent annual BLS OEWS release (April 2026, based on May 2025 survey data). Cost-of-living index from the Missouri Economic Research and Information Center (MERIC). Actual wages vary by employer, experience, and certification. View BLS source data ↗
Next Step
Earn More in
California.
Certified HVAC technicians earn 10–15% more on average. Find a training program that preps you for the certifications that boost your pay.
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