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BLS Wage Data · CA

How Much Do HVAC Technicians
Make in California?

The median HVAC technician salary in California is $72,560, which is 18.9% above the national median. See HVAC schools in Los Angeles and HVAC schools in Riverside.

$72,560
Median Salary
$75,370
Mean Salary
$36.24/hr
Hourly Wage
35,130
Employment

Key Takeaways

HVAC technicians in California earn a median $72,560 per year ($36.24/hr mean), which is 18.9% above the U.S. median. Experienced techs (90th percentile) earn $109,060.

  • Entry-level (10th percentile): $46,950/yr
  • Median: $72,560/yr · Mean: $75,370/yr
  • 35,130 HVAC techs employed in California
  • Cost-of-living adjusted wage: $53,003/yr (COL index 142.2)
Distribution
Salary Percentiles
See how HVAC technician pay is distributed across experience levels in California.
90th Percentile
$109,060
75th Percentile
$90,780
Median
$72,560
25th Percentile
$58,280
10th Percentile
$46,950
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 $53,003.
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 $72,560 per year ($75,370 mean). That is 18.9% above the U.S. median. Entry-level pay (10th percentile) is about $46,950; experienced techs (90th percentile) earn about $109,060.
What is the hourly wage for HVAC technicians in California?
The mean hourly wage for HVAC technicians in California is $36.24. 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 35,130 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 $53,003 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). State wage figures are U.S. BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS) estimates for HVAC mechanics and installers (SOC 49-9021), May 2025 OEWS. Metro pages use May 2025 OEWS, published 2026-05-15 for metropolitan areas. A state figure and a metro figure describe different places and should not be averaged. 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 (May 2025 OEWS) ↗
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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