HVAC Technician Salary in California
HVAC Technicians in California earn an average of $66,494 per year across 6 metro areas. This is +16.0% higher than the national average.
Average Salary
$66,494
per year
Hourly Rate
$31.97
per hour
vs National
+16.0%
$57,300 national
Salary Range
$43,482
to $96,051
Cost of Living Adjusted Salary
Nominal Salary
$66,494
Cost of Living Index
142
100 = national average
Adjusted Salary
$46,827
purchasing power equivalent
After adjusting for California's cost of living (above average), a HVAC Technician's salary of $66,494 has the purchasing power of $46,827 in an average-cost area.
HVAC Technician Salary by City in California
| City | Median Salary | Hourly Rate | Entry Level (P10) | Senior (P90) | Employment |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| San Francisco, CA | $77,281 | $37.15/hr | $51,481 | $109,837 | 560 |
| San Jose, CA | $76,958 | $37.00/hr | $50,514 | $112,020 | 398 |
| Los Angeles, CA | $64,295 | $30.91/hr | $40,941 | $94,092 | 513 |
| San Diego, CA | $64,168 | $30.85/hr | $41,566 | $92,765 | 408 |
| Sacramento, CA | $58,829 | $28.28/hr | $39,433 | $86,774 | 395 |
| Riverside, CA | $57,432 | $27.61/hr | $36,959 | $80,819 | 389 |
Source: Bureau of Labor Statistics OEWS Survey, 2026. Sorted by median salary (highest first).
California vs National Average
HVAC Technician Salary Comparison
Employment in California
There are approximately 2,663 HVAC Technicians employed across 6 metro areas in California.
Key Industries: Technology, Entertainment & Media, Agriculture
State Income Tax: 1% - 13.3%
HVAC Technician Salary Range in California
Entry Level (10th Percentile)
$43,482
Starting salary for new HVAC Technicians
Median (50th Percentile)
$66,494
Mid-career HVAC Technician salary
Senior (90th Percentile)
$96,051
Top earners in the field
Related Occupations in California
HVAC Technician Salary in Neighboring States
Compare HVAC Technician salaries in California with nearby states to find the best opportunities.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the average HVAC Technician salary in California?
The average HVAC Technician salary in California is $66,494 per year ($31.97/hour) based on 2026 data across 6 metro areas. This is 16.0% above the national average of $57,300.
What is the highest paying city for HVAC Technicians in California?
San Francisco, CA is the highest paying city for HVAC Technicians in California, with a median salary of $77,281 per year. The lowest paying metro area is Riverside, CA at $57,432.
What is the salary range for HVAC Technicians in California?
HVAC Technician salaries in California range from $43,482 (entry-level, 10th percentile) to $96,051 (experienced, 90th percentile). The median salary is $66,494 per year.
About This Data
Salary data is sourced from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS) survey. State-level averages are calculated from metro area data within California. Figures represent 2026 estimates and may not reflect all employers or self-employed workers. Cost of living adjustments use regional indices to provide purchasing power context.