Best HVAC Schools in Alameda, California (2025)

Updated October 30, 2025 | Brad Fishbein Table of Contents

California HVAC Technician Salary Snapshot

California
California Median Pay $65,290 $31.39 per hour
U.S. Median Pay $59,810 $28.75 per hour
Data Year: 2024 Source: BLS OEWS

HVAC technicians Training in Alameda, California

HVAC techs in California enjoy steady demand, competitive salaries, and excellent job stability.

While there are many ways to become a HVAC technician, one of the most effective is enrolling in a top-rated training program. Below we've outlined how to get started, plus a few of the best HVAC schools near Alameda.

Affordable Online HVAC Programs Now Accepting Students in Alameda, California:

HVAC Schools near Alameda

#1

Laney College

Oakland, CA 1.9 miles away

Located in Oakland, CA Laney College is a institution focused on career-ready training. Signature programs include Beauty Cosmetology, Accounting Technology, and Bookkeeper.

Tuition Contact school for pricing
Contact

Source: IPEDS Scorecard ACCSC

#2

City College of San Francisco

San Francisco, CA 10.4 miles away

Located in San Francisco, CA City College of San Francisco is a institution focused on career-ready training. Signature programs include Aviation Maintenance Technology, Auto Body and Collision Repair, and Automotive Technician.

Tuition Contact school for pricing
Contact

Source: IPEDS Scorecard ACCSC

#3

California State University-East Bay

Hayward, CA 13.9 miles away

Located in Hayward, CA California State University-East Bay is a institution focused on career-ready training. Signature programs include Construction Manager, Criminal Justice, and Art and Design Foundations. The campus serves roughly 10,422 learners.

Tuition
  • In-state tuition: $7,055
  • Out-of-state tuition: $18,935
Contact

Source: IPEDS Scorecard ACCSC

#4

Stanford University

Stanford, CA 24.1 miles away

Located in Stanford, CA Stanford University is a institution focused on career-ready training. Signature programs include Environmental Science Technology, Film and Video Production, and Art and Design Foundations.

Tuition Contact school for pricing
Contact

Source: IPEDS Scorecard ACCSC

#5

Foothill College

Los Altos Hills, CA 29 miles away

Located in Los Altos Hills, CA Foothill College is a institution focused on career-ready training. Signature programs include Accounting Technology, Bookkeeper, and Computer Programming.

Tuition Contact school for pricing
Contact

Source: IPEDS Scorecard ACCSC

Licensing Steps in California

  1. Complete an approved HVAC trade school, community college program, or registered apprenticeship.
  2. Earn EPA 608 certification to handle refrigerants.
  3. Meet state or local mechanical/HVAC licensing requirements and pass any required exams.

Tips for Choosing a School

  • Tour the lab to see refrigeration trainers, heat pumps, and controls.
  • Compare schedules β€” many Alameda programs offer evening, weekend, or accelerated tracks.
  • Confirm the program includes EPA 608 exam prep and apprenticeship hour tracking.

California HVAC Tech Salary & Job Outlook

Based on BLS occupation: Heating, Air Conditioning, and Refrigeration Mechanics and Installers (49-9021)
Data Year: 2024 • California

Median Pay (2024) $65,290 $31.39 per hour

Mean Pay (2024)

$74,470 per year $35.80 per hour

Wage Percentiles

10th Percentile $46,980

$22.59 per hour

25th Percentile $55,730

$26.79 per hour

75th Percentile $84,720

$40.73 per hour

90th Percentile $107,600

$51.73 per hour

California vs U.S.

Median Wage +9.2%
$65,290

$31.39 per hour

Mean Wage +18.8%
$74,470

$35.80 per hour

Percent difference vs U.S.

Employment Outlook

2024 34,020

Employment: 34,020 jobs

Additional Details

Employment per 1,000 Jobs
1.88
Employment RSE
5.9%
Total Employment (BLS sample)
34,020 jobs

Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS), May 2024. www.bls.gov/oes

Next Steps

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Brad Fishbein Licensed Mold Assessor

Meet the author: Brad Fishbein is a Florida Licensed Mold Assessor and council-certified Microbial Investigator. He’s the founder of TradeCareerPath.com and has completed over 5,000 mold inspections since 2009. Brad now helps homeowners and tradespeople make smart decisions about mold, licensing, and skilled career paths.

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