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As of September 01, 2026, the average salary for an HVAC Technician in California is $67,661 per year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $33.
However, an HVAC Technician's salary can vary significantly. Here’s a look at the typical salary range:
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HVAC Technician Salaries by Percentile
| Annual Salary |
Monthly Pay |
Weekly Pay |
Hourly Wage |
|
| 75th Percentile | $73,608 | $6,134 | $1,416 | $35 |
| Average | $67,661 | $5,638 | $1,301 | $33 |
| 25th Percentile | $61,147 | $5,096 | $1,176 | $29 |
RTX - Chula Vista, CA
Rockstar Recruiting - Stockton, CA
Qualcomm - Santa Clara, CA
InDyne - Beale Afb, CA
An HVAC Technician's salary isn't a fixed number. It's shaped by several important factors. Below, we'll explore how your years of experience, geographic location and company size can directly affect your earning potential.
Your salary can change significantly depending on where you work. States with a higher cost of living and strong industrial sectors often pay more to attract HVAC Technicians. For example, consider the average annual salaries in these key locations:
Salaries can also vary between different cities. Major metropolitan areas or cities with a high demand for technicians often offer more competitive pay. Here are a few examples of average annual salaries in different U.S. cities:
For HVAC Technician roles, the industry you choose can affect earning potential by as much as 67% (the gap between the highest and lowest paying industries). Data shows that the Internet and Energy & Utilities sectors offer the strongest compensation, at 25% above the average. In contrast, HVAC Technician positions in Transportation or Hospitality & Leisure typically offer lower base pay, as these industries often view HVAC Technician as a support function rather than a direct revenue driver.
| Industry Sector | Average Annual Salary | Average Hourly Rate | Pay vs.Avg |
|---|---|---|---|
| Internet | $84,576 | $41.0 | 25% |
| Energy & Utilities | $81,193 | $39.0 | 20% |
| Pharmaceuticals | $79,840 | $38.0 | 18% |
| Insurance | $74,427 | $36.0 | 10% |
| Healthcare | $73,074 | $35.0 | 8% |
Understanding how an HVAC Technician's annual salary breaks down can help with budgeting. Below, you can see the average hourly rate, weekly pay, and monthly pay for this role. Use the buttons to switch between different pay periods.
| Annual Salary | Monthly Pay | Weekly Pay | Hourly Wage | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 75th Percentile | $73,608 | $6,134 | $1,416 | $35 |
| Average | $67,661 | $5,638 | $1,301 | $33 |
| 25th Percentile | $61,147 | $5,096 | $1,176 | $29 |
Ready to take the next step in your career? Browse thousands of current HVAC Technician job openings on our job board. Use the search bar below to find your perfect match.
Seneca
Los Angeles, CA
Seneca | Los Angeles, CA
Position: HVAC TechnicianLocation: Van Nuys, CAShift: 1st Shift: Monday - Friday: 8:00am to 4:30pmEmployment: Contract to HirePay Rate: Competitive, based ... more
5 Days Ago
Redline Air
Chino, CA
Redline Air | Chino, CA
Benefits:401(k) matchingBonus based on performanceCompany carCompetitive salaryDental insuranceFree uniformsHealth insuranceOpportunity for advancementPaid... more
5 Days Ago
SpaceX
Inglewood, CA
SpaceX | Inglewood, CA
HVAC TechnicianSpaceX was founded under the belief that a future where humanity is out exploring the stars is fundamentally more exciting than one where we... more
5 Days Ago
Tradesmen International
Van Nuys, CA
Tradesmen International | Van Nuys, CA
DescriptionTradesmen International is looking to expand our team of qualified Trade Professionals for current & future projects in and around Van Nuys, CA.... more
5 Days Ago
EMCOR Group
Irvine, CA
EMCOR Group | Irvine, CA
About UsFrom commercial office space and manufacturing to multi-site retail portfolios, we manage and support over 1 billion square feet of facilities spac... more
5 Days Ago
Staffmark Group
Sacramento, CA
Staffmark Group | Sacramento, CA
Now hiring HVAC TechnicianLocation Sacramento, CAPay Rate:$30.00 - $35.00 per hourShift: Monday-Friday, Full-TimePut in the Work, Reap the Rewards:HVAC Tec... more
5 Days Ago
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