HVAC Technician salary in San Diego, CA
Median pay, San Diego metro
$74,880/year
about $36.00 an hour full-time
Middle half earns $58,330 – $91,690
Half of hvac technicians in the San Diego metro area earn more than $74,880 a year and half earn less. That's 23% higher than the national median of $61,010, and ranks #8 of the 30 big metro areas we track for this job.
Pay range
| Percentile | Yearly | Hourly* |
|---|---|---|
| 10th (entry level) | $46,710 | $22.46 |
| 25th | $58,330 | $28.04 |
| Median (50th) | $74,880 | $36.00 |
| 75th | $91,690 | $44.08 |
| 90th (top earners) | $113,990 | $54.80 |
*Yearly pay divided by 2,080 hours (40 hours × 52 weeks), the full-time basis BLS uses.
Is your offer fair?
For a hvac technician job in the San Diego metro area, here's how an offer compares:
- Below market under $58,330 ($28.04/hr). Fine for a first job in the field, otherwise worth negotiating.
- Typical $58,330 to $91,690 ($28.04 to $44.08/hr). The middle half of what people in this job earn.
- Strong offer over $91,690 ($44.08/hr). Higher than three quarters of workers here.
Before you accept
- EPA 608 certification is required to work with refrigerants, and more certifications usually mean more pay.
- Summer and winter peaks bring overtime. Ask how much is typical and how it's paid.
- Ask whether you get a company van, tools and paid on-call time.
Also watch for the common warning signs in the posting itself: 15 job posting red flags.
Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics, 2025, San Diego metro. Occupation: Heating, Air Conditioning, and Refrigeration Mechanics and Installers (SOC 49-9021). Figures cover wage and salary workers and don't include bonuses, benefits or overtime.