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Heating, Air Conditioning, and Refrigeration Mechanics and Installers Salary in California

Last updated: 2025 BLS data · Page refreshed:

How much do Heating, Air Conditioning, and Refrigeration Mechanics and Installers make in California?

Last updated: 2025 data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics

$72,560
Median Annual Salary
▲ +11.1% vs 2024
$75,370
Mean Salary
$72,560
Median Salary
$34.88
Hourly Rate
35,130 people work as Heating, Air Conditioning, and Refrigeration Mechanics and Installers in California

Heating, Air Conditioning, and Refrigeration Mechanics and Installers salary by percentile in California

BLS-reported salary distribution — from entry-level (10th percentile) to top earners (90th percentile).

Heating, Air Conditioning, and Refrigeration Mechanics and Installers salary in California — 2025 BLS percentilesHorizontal bars showing 10th, 25th, 50th, 75th and 90th percentile annual salaries for Heating, Air Conditioning, and Refrigeration Mechanics and Installers in California.10thBottom 10% earn less than $46,950$46,95025th25% earn less than $58,280$58,280MedianHalf earn more than $72,560$72,56075th75% earn less than $90,780$90,78090thTop 10% earn more than $109,060$109,060

Heating, Air Conditioning, and Refrigeration Mechanics and Installers in California earn a median salary of $72,560 per year ($6,046/month). This is 15.2% above the national average of $63,005. California ranks #12 out of 51 states for Heating, Air Conditioning, and Refrigeration Mechanics and Installers pay. Approximately 35,130 people work in this occupation across California. Salaries increased by 11.1% compared to 2024.

About This Job: Heating, Air Conditioning, and Refrigeration Mechanics and Installers

Install or repair heating, central air conditioning, HVAC, or refrigeration systems, including oil burners, hot-air furnaces, and heating stoves.

Top Skills

Operations Monitoring
3.62
Critical Thinking
3.5
Troubleshooting
3.5
Reading Comprehension
3.38
Installation
3.38

Key Knowledge Areas

Mechanical
4.67
Building and Construction
4.18
Customer and Personal Service
4.03
Engineering and Technology
3.49
Computers and Electronics
3.29
Typical Education: Post-Secondary Certificate (68.1% of workers)

Source: O*NET OnLine, U.S. Department of Labor

Salary Range: Heating, Air Conditioning, and Refrigeration Mechanics and Installers in California

Salaries for Heating, Air Conditioning, and Refrigeration Mechanics and Installers in California range from $46,950 at the 10th percentile (entry level) to $109,060 at the 90th percentile (experienced). The middle 50% earn between $58,280 and $90,780.

Median $72,560
P10: $46,950 P25: $58,280 P75: $90,780 P90: $109,060
10th
$46,950
25th
$58,280
Median
$72,560
75th
$90,780
90th
$109,060
Percentile Annual Salary Hourly Rate Monthly
10th Percentile (Entry Level) $46,950 $22.57 $3,912
25th Percentile $58,280 $28.02 $4,856
Median (50th) $72,560 $34.88 $6,046
75th Percentile $90,780 $43.64 $7,565
90th Percentile (Experienced) $109,060 $52.43 $9,088

Note: The mean (average) salary of $75,370 differs from the median because salary distributions are typically skewed by high earners.

📊 How Does This Compare?

#12
California ranks #12 of 51 states
$63,005
National avg. for Heating, Air Conditioning, and Refrigeration Mechanics and Installers
+15.2%
vs. national average
Above Average

What does this salary really buy? See Heating, Air Conditioning, and Refrigeration Mechanics and Installers salary in California adjusted for cost of living →

How much do you actually take home? See Heating, Air Conditioning, and Refrigeration Mechanics and Installers take-home pay in California after taxes →

Explore Heating, Air Conditioning, and Refrigeration Mechanics and Installers Data in California

Heating, Air Conditioning, and Refrigeration Mechanics and Installers Salary by State

Compare Heating, Air Conditioning, and Refrigeration Mechanics and Installers pay across states — sorted by highest median salary.

View all 50 states →

Frequently Asked Questions

How much do Heating, Air Conditioning, and Refrigeration Mechanics and Installers make in California?
The median annual salary for Heating, Air Conditioning, and Refrigeration Mechanics and Installers in California is $72,560 as of 2025. The average (mean) salary is $75,370.
What is the salary range for a Heating, Air Conditioning, and Refrigeration Mechanics and Installers in California?
Salaries for Heating, Air Conditioning, and Refrigeration Mechanics and Installers in California range from $46,950 at the 10th percentile to $109,060 at the 90th percentile. The middle 50% earn between $58,280 and $90,780.
What is the starting salary for a Heating, Air Conditioning, and Refrigeration Mechanics and Installers in California?
Entry-level Heating, Air Conditioning, and Refrigeration Mechanics and Installers positions in California typically start around $46,950 (10th percentile). With some experience, salaries rise to $58,280 (25th percentile).
How many people work as Heating, Air Conditioning, and Refrigeration Mechanics and Installers in California?
According to 2025 BLS data, approximately 35,130 people are employed as Heating, Air Conditioning, and Refrigeration Mechanics and Installers in California.
What is the hourly rate for a Heating, Air Conditioning, and Refrigeration Mechanics and Installers in California?
Based on a standard 2,080-hour work year, the median hourly rate for a Heating, Air Conditioning, and Refrigeration Mechanics and Installers in California is approximately $34.88 per hour.

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Data Source & Methodology

Salary data is sourced from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS) survey, 2025 estimates. The OEWS survey covers approximately 1.1 million establishments nationwide.

Annual salaries are calculated based on a standard 2,080-hour work year. Actual compensation may vary based on experience, education, employer, and local market conditions. Figures do not include benefits, bonuses, or overtime pay.

Our Methodology · Data Sources · Source: BLS OEWS

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