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

Solar Installer Salary in California

Median Annual in California
$60,600/yr
Median Hourly Wage
$29.14/hr
▲ 14% above U.S. median

Salary Distribution in California

groups Employed in CA
6,830
public U.S. Median
$53,140
savings Real pay (cost-adjusted)
$54,733 #12 of 32

Solar Installer pay in California, explained

Solar installers in California earn a median of $60,600 per year ($29.14 per hour), which is 14% above the national median of $53,140. Entry-level workers earn around $47,070, while the most experienced solar installers reach about $83,770. Pay varies by employer, setting, and metro area within California.

Is $60,600 good pay in California?

Adjusted for California's cost of living (which runs 111% of the U.S. average), that $60,600 is worth about $54,733 in national buying power — ranking California #12 for real pay (vs #8 on the sticker number).

See the full Solar Installer Real Pay Index arrow_forward

Solar Installer pay by experience in California

Entry level (10th pct)
$47,070
$22.63/hr
Median
Mid-career (50th pct)
$60,600
$29.14/hr
Experienced (90th pct)
$83,770
$40.27/hr

Solar Installer pay in neighboring states

StateMedian / yrReal payvs CA
California (here) $60,600 $54,733
Nevada $67,810 $67,824 −$7,210
Oregon $66,320 $64,163 −$5,720
Arizona $51,160 $50,816 +$9,440

Solar Installer in California: FAQ

How much do solar installers make in California?

Solar installers in California earn a median of $60,600 per year ($29.14 per hour), compared with $53,140 nationally.

Does California pay solar installers well?

At $60,600, California pays 14% above the national median for solar installers. An estimated 6,830 work in the state.

Solar Installer salary in other states

All 32 states ranked arrow_forward

Related careers in California