verified BLS-Verified Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) May 2025 release

HVAC Technician Salary in California

Median Annual in California
$72,560/yr
Median Hourly Wage
$34.88/hr
▲ 19% above U.S. median

Salary Distribution in California

groups Employed in CA
35,130
public U.S. Median
$61,010
savings Real pay (cost-adjusted)
$65,535 #22 of 51

HVAC Technician pay in California, explained

Hvac technicians in California earn a median of $72,560 per year ($34.88 per hour), which is 19% above the national median of $61,010. Entry-level workers earn around $46,950, while the most experienced HVAC technicians reach about $109,060. Pay varies by employer, setting, and metro area within California.

Is $72,560 good pay in California?

Adjusted for California's cost of living (which runs 111% of the U.S. average), that $72,560 is worth about $65,535 in national buying power — ranking California #22 for real pay (vs #12 on the sticker number).

See the full HVAC Technician Real Pay Index arrow_forward

HVAC Technician pay by experience in California

Entry level (10th pct)
$46,950
$22.57/hr
Median
Mid-career (50th pct)
$72,560
$34.88/hr
Experienced (90th pct)
$109,060
$52.43/hr

HVAC Technician pay in neighboring states

StateMedian / yrReal payvs CA
California (here) $72,560 $65,535
Oregon $62,940 $60,893 +$9,620
Nevada $60,510 $60,523 +$12,050
Arizona $59,400 $59,001 +$13,160

HVAC Technician in California: FAQ

How much do HVAC technicians make in California?

Hvac technicians in California earn a median of $72,560 per year ($34.88 per hour), compared with $61,010 nationally.

Does California pay HVAC technicians well?

At $72,560, California pays 19% above the national median for HVAC technicians. An estimated 35,130 work in the state.

HVAC Technician salary in other states

All 51 states ranked arrow_forward

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