Best HVAC Schools in Atascadero, California (2025)

Updated November 21, 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 Atascadero, 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 Atascadero.

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

HVAC Schools near Atascadero

#1

California Polytechnic State University-San Luis Obispo

San Luis Obispo, CA 12.8 miles away
Tuition Contact school for pricing
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Source: IPEDS Scorecard ACCSC

#4

San Joaquin Valley College-Bakersfield

Bakersfield, CA 91.9 miles away
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Source: IPEDS Scorecard ACCSC

#5

UEI College-Bakersfield

Bakersfield, CA 92.4 miles away
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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 Atascadero 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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