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Gardena, CA area

HVAC Schools & Training in
Gardena, CA

Find accredited HVAC training programs near Gardena. Compare schools by tuition, program length, certifications, and training format — then request info for free.

$57,180
Median HVAC Salary
+6%
Job Growth Rate
576+
Annual Openings
Required
California License
Programs Near Gardena
Accredited HVAC Schools in California
These accredited programs serve the Gardena metro area. Filter by format, cost, or certification focus to narrow your results.

Prioritizing schools with campus presence in or near Gardena.

Trade SchoolAccredited

American College of Healthcare and Technology

Huntington Park, California
Programs
1
Starting Tuition
$17,995
Shortest Track
9 mo
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Trade SchoolAccredited

American College of Healthcare and Technology

Riverside, California
Programs
1
Starting Tuition
$17,995
Shortest Track
9 mo
View Programs
Community CollegeAccredited

American River College

Sacramento, California
Programs
1
Starting Tuition
$2,760
Shortest Track
24 mo
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Trade SchoolAccredited

ATA College

El Cajon, California
Programs
1
Starting Tuition
$18,345
Shortest Track
11 mo
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Technical InstituteAccredited

Baldwin Park Adult & Community Education

Baldwin Park, California
Programs
1
Starting Tuition
$1,135
Shortest Track
9 mo
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Trade SchoolAccredited

Brownson Technical School

Anaheim, California
Programs
1
Starting Tuition
Not published
Shortest Track
10 mo
View Programs
American College of Healthcare and Technology— full profile & programs →American College of Healthcare and Technology— full profile & programs →American River College— full profile & programs →ATA College— full profile & programs →Baldwin Park Adult & Community Education— full profile & programs →Brownson Technical School— full profile & programs →
Top Programs

HVAC Programs Near Gardena

DiplomaIn-Person

HVAC Diploma (1–2 years)

UEI College-Gardena

UEI College-Gardena conferred 86 awards at a 1- to 2-year certificate or diploma in HVAC/R (CIP 47.0201) in 2023-24 (IPEDS Completions 2023-24 (provisional,…

Duration
9 mo
Tuition
$21,500
Financial Aid
Learn More
California HVAC Career Guide
Local Market
HVAC in Gardena
Gardena and the surrounding California market rely on year-round heating and cooling demand. Accredited HVAC programs in the region prepare technicians for residential service, commercial installs, and EPA 608 certification.
Salary Range
$38,170 entry-level to $81,370+ for experienced technicians. Median: $57,180/year.

Source: BLS OEWS SOC 49-9021

Job Outlook
+6% projected growth with approximately 576 annual openings in the Gardena, CA area. Demand outpaces supply in most submarkets.
Top Employers
and dozens of independent contractors hiring entry-level technicians in the Gardena area.
Licensing
California HVAC License Requirements
Understanding your state's licensing rules before choosing a program helps you pick a curriculum that meets the requirements.
California License: Required
California requires a C-20 license for HVAC contractors. Technicians working under a licensed contractor do not need an individual state license. Local permits are required for most installations.
Full California license requirements →
EPA 608 Certification Guide
Your Path
From Training to $57,180+/Year
Here's a realistic timeline from starting HVAC school to earning the median salary in the Gardena market.
01
Enroll in a Certificate Program
6–12 months. Learn HVAC fundamentals, refrigeration, electrical, and get EPA 608 certified. Most Gardena-area programs cost $8,000–$18,000 with financial aid available.
02
Get EPA 608 Certified
Required by federal law before handling refrigerants. Most certificate programs include exam prep. The exam costs $20–$40 and certification never expires.
03
Land Your First Tech Role
Entry-level positions in Gardena typically start at $38,170–$47,713/year. Many employers offer sign-on bonuses given the current technician shortage.
04
Earn NATE Certification
NATE-certified techs earn 10–20% more on average. Specialize in residential, commercial, or refrigeration to command premium rates in the Gardena market.

Key Takeaways

HVAC technicians in Gardena earn a median $57,180/year with 6% job growth and ~576 annual openings in the Gardena, CA area. Prioritizing schools with campus presence in or near Gardena.

  • Salary range: $38,170–$81,370+
  • California license: required for contracting
  • 1 programs and 6 schools listed for this metro
FAQ
HVAC Schools in Gardena — Common Questions
Answers to what people searching for HVAC training in Gardena ask most.
How much do HVAC technicians make in Gardena?
The median HVAC technician salary in the Gardena, CA area is $57,180 per year, according to BLS OEWS data. Entry-level technicians typically earn $38,170–$47,675 while experienced technicians and journeymen can earn $81,370+.
Do I need a license to work as an HVAC technician in California?
California requires a C-20 license for HVAC contractors. Technicians working under a licensed contractor do not need an individual state license. Local permits are required for most installations.
How long does HVAC training take in Gardena?
Most HVAC certificate programs take 6–12 months. Associate degree programs take 18–24 months. HVAC apprenticeship programs in Gardena typically take 4–5 years but pay wages from day one. The fastest route to employment is a certificate program followed by an entry-level tech position.
Is the HVAC job market good in Gardena?
Yes. The Gardena, CA area is projected to add approximately 576 HVAC job openings per year, with 6% employment growth through 2032 — above the national average of 6%. Gardena and the surrounding California market rely on year-round heating and cooling demand. Accredited HVAC programs in the region prepare technicians for residential service, commercial installs, and EPA 608 certification.
What certifications do I need to work HVAC in Gardena?
EPA Section 608 certification is required by federal law for anyone handling refrigerants, and is mandatory in Gardena as elsewhere. Most employers also prefer or require NATE (North American Technician Excellence) certification. California also requires an HVAC contractor license for independent contracting work.
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