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State Guide · CA

HVAC Schools
in California

Your complete guide to becoming an HVAC technician in California: compare 48 accredited schools, salary data, licensing requirements, and apprenticeships.

48
Schools
$57,180
Median Salary
38,420
HVAC Jobs
Required
State License
Overview
HVAC Careers in California
The median HVAC technician salary in California is $57,180, 17.6% above the U.S. median. California requires HVAC licensing, regulated by the Contractors State License Board (CSLB). California employs roughly 38,420 HVAC mechanics and installers, and demand is driven by ongoing construction, equipment replacement cycles, and the R-410A to A2L refrigerant transition.
Schools
Top HVAC Schools in California
Accredited programs in California, listed alphabetically for neutral comparison.
Trade SchoolAccredited

American College of Healthcare and Technology

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

ATA College

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

Baldwin Park Adult & Community Education

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

Brownson Technical School

Anaheim, California
Programs
1
Starting Tuition
Not published
Shortest Track
10 mo
View Programs
Browse all 48 California schools →
Explore California
Salary, Licensing & More
California HVAC Salary →
Median $57,180/yr · percentiles & cost-of-livingCalifornia License Requirements →
License required — exams, experience & how to applyCalifornia Apprenticeships →
Earn-while-you-learn paid training pathsBest HVAC Schools in California →
Top-ranked programs by tuition, accreditation & outcomesWhat HVAC school costs in California →
Median tuition, range, and sample size from the directory
Cities
HVAC Training by City
Explore HVAC schools and job markets in California's largest metros.
HVAC Schools in Los Angeles →
Median $73,800 · 1,180 openings/yrHVAC Schools in Riverside →
Median $64,300 · 490 openings/yrHVAC Schools in San Diego →
Median $74,900 · 370 openings/yrHVAC Schools in Sacramento →
Median $66,700 · 290 openings/yrHVAC Schools in Fresno →
Median $62,600 · 180 openings/yrHVAC Schools in Bakersfield →
Median $66,400 · 100 openings/yr

Key Takeaways

To become an HVAC technician in California, complete training at one of 48 accredited schools, earn EPA Section 608 certification, and meet state requirements. The median HVAC technician salary in California is $57,180, 17.6% above the U.S. median.

  • 48 accredited HVAC schools in California
  • Median pay $57,180/yr · top earners $81,370/yr
  • California requires HVAC licensing, regulated by the Contractors State License Board (CSLB).
  • Registered apprenticeships available — get paid while you train
FAQ
Common Questions
Quick answers about HVAC training, pay, and licensing in California.
How many HVAC schools are there in California?
HVACSchoolGuide.com tracks 48 accredited HVAC schools in California, offering certificate, diploma, and associate-degree programs as well as EPA 608 exam prep.
How much do HVAC technicians make in California?
The median HVAC technician wage in California is $57,180 per year ($28.25/hr mean). Top earners (90th percentile) make $81,370.
Do you need a license to do HVAC work in California?
California requires HVAC licensing, regulated by the Contractors State License Board (CSLB).
How long does HVAC school take in California?
Most HVAC certificate and diploma programs take 6–12 months, while associate degrees take 18–24 months. Apprenticeships run 3–5 years but pay you while you train.
Are HVAC apprenticeships available in California?
Yes. California offers registered HVAC apprenticeships that combine paid on-the-job training with classroom instruction, and the hours can count toward state licensing experience requirements.
Next Step
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in California.
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