Heating, Air Conditioning, and Refrigeration Mechanics and Installers Salary in California (2025)
✓ Sourced directly from BLS OES · Checked for accuracy at every rebuild · First published: 2026-08-25 · Last updated: 2026-10-25
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Overview
The median wage for heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanics and installers in California is $72,560 per year (gross, before tax) — 18.9% above the US national median of $61,010 for this occupation. Figures are from BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (May 2025). Around 35,000 people work in this occupation in California. Negotiating an offer in California? A good salary negotiation guide helps you make the case for the upper percentiles.
California Salary Percentiles
| Percentile | Annual (gross) | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| 10th | $46,950 | Entry level / lowest decile |
| 25th | $58,280 | Early career |
| 50th (median) | $72,560 | Typical pay |
| 75th | $90,780 | Experienced |
| 90th | $109,060 | Senior / highest decile |
Career Essentials
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Start $1 Trial →How California Compares
| State | Median salary | vs national |
|---|---|---|
| District of Columbia | $84,390 | +38.3% |
| Alaska | $77,430 | +26.9% |
| Illinois | $77,410 | +26.9% |
| Massachusetts | $77,300 | +26.7% |
| Connecticut | $76,610 | +25.6% |
| Minnesota | $76,350 | +25.1% |
| Washington | $75,660 | +24.0% |
| North Dakota | $74,490 | +22.1% |
| New Jersey | $74,450 | +22.0% |
| New York | $74,430 | +22.0% |
| California | $72,560 | +18.9% |
All states for heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanics and installers →
Recommended Gear & Prep
Interviewing in California? Interview prep books cover the common question sets.
All salaries in California · UK data for this occupation
Related Skilled Trades Roles in California
Related Pages
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the average salary for a heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanics and installers in California?
The median salary in California is $72,560 per year (gross, before tax), based on BLS OES May 2025 data. The mean is $75,370.
How does California pay compare to the US national average?
California is 18.9% above the US national median of $61,010 for this occupation.
Which US state pays heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanics and installers the most?
District of Columbia has the highest median pay for this occupation at $84,390 per year. See the state comparison table above for more.
Data: BLS OES, May 2025 · Page built 2026-10-25