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State Guide · CA

HVAC Schools
in California

Your complete guide to becoming an HVAC technician in California: compare 6 accredited schools, salary data, licensing requirements, and apprenticeships.

6
Schools
$57,180
Median Salary
38,420
HVAC Jobs
Required
State License

Key Takeaways

To become an HVAC technician in California, complete training at one of 6 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.

  • 6 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
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, ranked by rating and reviews.
Trade SchoolAccredited

UEI College - Reseda

Reseda, California
Programs
1
Starting Tuition
$21,500
Shortest Track
10 mo
Job Placement
78%
EPA 608
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Trade SchoolAccredited

San Joaquin Valley College - Visalia

Visalia, California
Programs
1
Starting Tuition
$26,377
Shortest Track
10 mo
Job Placement
81%
EPA 608NATE Prep
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Community CollegeAccredited

Los Angeles Trade-Technical College

Los Angeles, California
Programs
2
Starting Tuition
$3,600
Shortest Track
12 mo
Job Placement
84%
EPA 608NATE Prep
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Community CollegeAccredited

Laney College

Oakland, California
Programs
3
Starting Tuition
$2,400
Shortest Track
8 mo
Job Placement
83%
EPA 608NATE Prep
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Community CollegeAccredited

Citrus College

Glendora, California
Programs
2
Starting Tuition
$1,800
Shortest Track
12 mo
Job Placement
83%
EPA 608NATE Prep
View Programs
Trade SchoolAccredited

InterCoast Colleges - Anaheim

Anaheim, California
Programs
2
Starting Tuition
$17,800
Shortest Track
9 mo
Job Placement
79%
EPA 608
View Programs
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 HVAC Programs →
Compare accredited training programs & tuitionCalifornia Apprenticeships →
Earn-while-you-learn paid training paths
Cities
HVAC Training by City
Explore HVAC schools and job markets in California's largest metros.
HVAC Schools in Los Angeles →
Median $72,400 · 2,100 openings/yr
FAQ
Common Questions
Quick answers about HVAC training, pay, and licensing in California.
How many HVAC schools are there in California?
HVACSchoolGuide.com tracks 6 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
Start Your HVAC Career
in California.
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