HVAC Technician Salary in California (2025)

Thinking about becoming an HVAC technician in California?

You’re not alone — and you’re asking the right question:
"What kind of money can I actually make?"

The short answer: HVAC technicians in California enjoy some of the highest wages in the country — and with industry growth expected to continue through 2030, it’s a great time to get trained.

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Quick Salary Snapshot – HVAC Technicians in California (2025)

• 💵 Average Salary: $63,420/year
• ⏱️ Hourly Rate: $30.49
• 📈 Job Growth: +13% projected by 2030
• 👷 Apprentice Pay: $20–$26/hour
• 🏙️ Top-Paying City: San Jose – ~$73,000/year
• 🎓 Training Required: 6 months–2 years (school or apprenticeship)

📊 Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, California EDD

Average HVAC Technician Salary in California

According to the latest U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) data:

Role	Average Hourly Wage	Average Annual Salary
Statewide Average	$30.49	$63,420
Top 10% Earners	$41.00+	$85,280+

📊 Source: BLS – HVAC Technicians in California (SOC 49-9021)

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Top-Paying Cities for HVAC Technicians in California

HVAC pay in California is highest in major metros and coastal regions. Here’s what recent data from Indeed shows as of early 2025:

City / Metro Area	Avg. Hourly Wage	Avg. Annual Salary
San Jose	$35.10	~$73,0081
San Francisco	$34.75	~$72,2802
Los Angeles	$31.45	~$65,4163
San Diego	$30.90	~$64,2724
Sacramento	$29.85	~$62,0885

💡 Annual salaries are calculated using 40 hours/week × 52 weeks.

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Apprentice HVAC Technician Pay in California

Entry-level wages are solid — and apprentices often earn raises every 6–12 months.

Source	Starting Pay	Top Apprentice Pay
SMW Local 104 – Bay Area	$20.18/hr	$30.46/hr
PHCC of California Training Programs	$21.50/hr	$28.75/hr
Indeed Job Listings (avg CA)	$22.00/hr	$26.00/hr

🔎 Sources: SMW Local 104, PHCC California, Indeed

✅ California HVAC apprenticeships often include:

• Paid classroom + on-the-job training
• Health + pension benefits
• Union wage scales

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What Affects Your HVAC Salary in California?

Key factors that determine your pay:

• ✅ Licensing — C-20 HVAC contractors earn more than unlicensed installers.
• ✅ Certifications — EPA 608, NATE, and LEED HVAC credentials boost earnings.
• ✅ Union Affiliation — Union technicians (SMWIA, UA, IBEW) often have superior pay and protections.
• ✅ Region — Bay Area and SoCal salaries outpace rural areas.

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Senior Tech & Business Owner Pay

Experienced HVAC professionals often go well beyond reported averages:

Position	Estimated Salary
BLS 90th Percentile	$85,280
Senior HVAC Technician	$85,000 – $100,000+
HVAC Business Owner w/ Crew	$100,000 – $150,000+

🧾 Want to verify a contractor’s status?
Use the California Contractors State License Board (CSLB) tool.

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California HVAC Technician Job Outlook

According to the California Employment Development Department:

• 📈 Job growth: +13% expected through 2030
• 📊 Drivers: Electrification mandates, Title 24 energy efficiency codes, housing growth, and aging infrastructure

🏗️ California’s push for sustainability = major demand for qualified HVAC pros.

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✅ TL;DR – How Much Do HVAC Techs Make in California?

• 💵 Average salary: $63,420/year
• 📈 Top earners: $85K–$120K+
• 🧰 Apprentice wage: $20–$26/hour
• 🌆 Best-paying areas: San Jose, San Francisco, Los Angeles
• 🔧 Your pay grows with: certs, union membership, region, and experience

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