Home / Pay by state / HVAC Technician / California
49-9021 / HEATING, AIR CONDITIONING, AND REFRIGERATION MECHANICS AND INSTALLERS / CALIFORNIA
HVAC Technician salary in California
California vs. U.S. hvac technician pay
| Measure | California, annual | California, hourly | U.S., annual | U.S., hourly |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 10th percentile | $46,950 | $22.57 | $40,050 | $19.25 |
| 25th percentile | $58,280 | $28.02 | $48,360 | $23.25 |
| Median | $72,560 | $34.88 | $61,010 | $29.33 |
| 75th percentile | $90,780 | $43.65 | $77,060 | $37.05 |
| 90th percentile | $109,060 | $52.44 | $95,210 | $45.78 |
| Mean (average) | $75,370 | $36.24 | $64,780 | $31.14 |
Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS), May 2025, SOC 49-9021 (Heating, Air Conditioning, and Refrigeration Mechanics and Installers), cross-industry. Data as of May 2025. BLS OEWS tables | BLS state data file (May 2025) | BLS national data file (May 2025).
California HVAC technicians earned a mean of $75,370 a year in May 2025, about $10,590 (16%) above the U.S. mean of $64,780. Half earned less than $72,560 and half earned more. By mean annual wage, California ranks 7th of 51 areas (states and D.C.) with published data for this occupation. BLS location quotient for HVAC technicians in California is 0.73, where 1.00 is the national average share of jobs.
These figures cover all HVAC technicians in the state, from newer workers to experienced ones. They are not entry-level offers or a pay promise, and they leave out employer-paid benefits. Pay varies by employer, metro area, union status and license level.
How people become HVAC technicians
- HVAC technicians typically need a postsecondary nondegree award, although some enter with less education, then have a long period of on-the-job training.
- Some train through an apprenticeship, which usually lasts several years.
- Some states and localities require a license. Check your state and locality.
Source: BLS Occupational Outlook Handbook, Heating, Air Conditioning, and Refrigeration Mechanics and Installers (national information; page last modified August 28, 2025; figures there use a 2024 base). Typical entry-level education: Postsecondary nondegree award (some enter with less). Typical training: Long-term on-the-job training. Projected job growth 2024 to 2034: 8% (much faster than average). BLS OOH: Heating, Air Conditioning, and Refrigeration Mechanics and Installers. Find programs on Apprenticeship.gov. Confirm California licensing rules with the state board; this page does not state them.