Pay data / HVAC Technicians / Salary / California
HVAC Technician Salary
in California
HVAC Technicians in California (CA) earn a median of $73,300 a year, about $35 an hour. That runs roughly 28% above the national median for hvac technicians, with most earning between $47,000 and $117,200.
Bottom 10%
$47,000
CA Median
$73,300
Top 10%
$117,200
HVAC Technician pay by experience in California
- Apprentice / Helper$45,400$22/hr
Assisting installs and learning the trade.
- Service Technician$73,300$35/hr
EPA-certified and running calls solo.
- Lead / Senior Tech$101,200$49/hr
Commercial, controls, and crew-lead work.
HVAC Technician pay in California metros
- Los Angeles$77,200$37/hr
- San Francisco$76,700$37/hr
- San Diego$74,300$36/hr
Licensing in California
HVAC techs need a federal EPA Section 608 certification to handle refrigerant, and most states add their own license to install or service systems.
Frequently asked
- How much do hvac technicians make in California?
- HVAC Technicians in California earn a median of $73,300 per year, about $35 per hour. That is roughly 28% above the national median. Most earn between $47,000 and $117,200.
- What is the highest-paying place for hvac technicians in California?
- Among California's major metros, Los Angeles tends to pay hvac technicians the most, near $77,200 a year.
- Do you need a license to work as a hvac technician in California?
- Yes. HVAC techs need a federal EPA Section 608 certification to handle refrigerant, and most states add their own license to install or service systems. Licensing in California is handled at the state level, and a licensed person is required to permit and sign off on most work.
HVAC Technician pay in other states
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Figures are estimates for 2026, anchored to national wage data and localized for California by cost of living and market conditions. Actual pay varies by employer, certification, and project.