HVAC Technician salary in California
HVAC technicians in California earn a median $72,560 a year, 19% above the national median of $61,010. That ranks #12 of 51 states. After taxes, a single filer keeps about $56,353.
Source: BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics, May 2025, SOC 49-9021. Taxes for tax year 2026.
| Yearly | Monthly | Every 2 weeks | Hourly | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Median pay | $72,560 | $6,047 | $2,791 | $34.88 |
| Average pay | $75,370 | $6,281 | $2,899 | $36.24 |
| Take-home (median) | $56,353 | $4,696 | $2,167 | $27.09 |
Where the money goes
| Item | Per year |
|---|---|
| Federal income tax | $7,133 |
| Social Security and Medicare | $5,551 |
| California income tax and state programs | $3,523 |
| Take-home | $56,353 |
California's prices are 11% above the U.S. average, so the median take-home buys what $50,897 buys in an average-priced state. The California minimum wage is $16.90; the median hvac technician earns 2.1 times that.
HVAC Technician pay in California vs. neighboring states
| State | Median salary | Take-home | Buying power |
|---|---|---|---|
| California | $72,560 | $56,353 | $50,897 |
| Arizona | $59,400 | $48,825 | $48,497 |
| Nevada | $60,510 | $50,800 | $50,810 |
| Oregon | $62,940 | $47,634 | $46,085 |
Frequently asked questions
- How much do hvac technicians make in California?
- The median salary is $72,560 a year ($34.88 an hour), and the average is $75,370, per BLS data for May 2025.
- How much do hvac technicians take home in California?
- About $56,353 a year after federal and California taxes, or $2,167 every two weeks, for a single filer at the median salary.
- Do hvac technicians earn more in California than the national average?
- California ranks #12 of 51 for median pay, 19% above the U.S. median of $61,010. Adjusted for prices and taxes it ranks #30.