HVAC Technician Salary in California
Statewide median pay from the Bureau of Labor Statistics, and what it costs to get into the trade here.
Median annual
$70,050
statewide
Median hourly
$33.68
per hour
Jobs in state
35,630
people employed
Cost to enter
$650
licence + training
What the licence costs against the pay
At the state median, the licence and training pay for themselves in roughly 0.1 months of work. That is the number to compare when you are choosing between states — a cheaper licence in a lower-paying state can still be the slower route to break even.
Pay in other states
| State | Median annual | Licence cost | Break-even |
|---|---|---|---|
| California | $70,050 | $650 | 0 mo |
| Florida | $52,220 | $535 | 0 mo |
| Texas | $54,640 | $50 | 0 mo |
How to read these numbers
- Median, not average. A handful of very high earners drag the average up; the median is the middle person.
- Statewide. Metro pay in this trade often runs 10–25% above the state figure, and rural areas below it.
- Before overtime. BLS base pay excludes overtime and shift differentials, which matter a lot in this trade.
Sources
- BLS OEWS state table (archive snapshot)Median annual wage for HVAC Technician in California, May 2024
- https://www.cslb.ca.gov/About_Us/Library/Licensing_Classifications/“C-20 - Warm-Air Heating, Ventilating and Air-Conditioning”
- https://www.cslb.ca.gov/Resources/GuidesAndPublications/GetLicensedToBuild.pdf“Any construction project in California valued at $500 or more in labor and materials combined must be performed by a contractor licensed by CSLB.”
- https://www.cslb.ca.gov/Resources/GuidesAndPublications/GetLicensedToBuild.pdf“The qualifier must have at least four years of experience within the past 10 years as a journeyperson, foreperson, supervising employee, or contractor”
- https://www.cslb.ca.gov/About_Us/Library/Fees.aspx“Original Application (exam or waiver for one classification) $450 Initial License Fee (Sole Owner) $200”
- https://www.cslb.ca.gov/Resources/GuidesAndPublications/GetLicensedToBuild.pdf“A contractor license is initially issued, whether active or inactive, for a two-year period.”
- https://www.cslb.ca.gov/Resources/GuidesAndPublications/GetLicensedToBuild.pdf“CSLB does have reciprocity agreements with Arizona, Louisiana, and Nevada. Under certain conditions the CSLB registrar may waive the written trade exam”
- https://www.cslb.ca.gov/Resources/GuidesAndPublications/GetLicensedToBuild.pdf“The qualifier must pass two computer-based exams—a law and business exam and a trade exam”
- https://www.cslb.ca.gov/About_Us/Library/Fees.aspx“Active Timely Renewal (Sole Owner) (Postmarked or received at CSLB [for hand deliveries] on or before the expiration date) $450”