Heating, Air Conditioning, and Refrigeration Mechanics and Installers

Pay in California

Median: $74,612 a year, $35.87 an hour.

About 35,130 people work in this job in California.

Source: EDD LMID OEWS, 2026 1st quarter, California statewide (data.ca.gov resource modified 2026-10-01)

Outlook

Projected change from 2024 to 2034: +12.8%, with about 37,750 total openings expected.

Source: EDD LMID long-term projections 2024 to 2034, California

Typical credential

Typical education to start: Postsecondary non-degree award. On-the-job training: Long-term on-the-job training. Work experience: None.

Job details on O*NET

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Schools with a matching program

Programs are matched by title. Confirm with the school that a program leads to this job.

• City College Of San Francisco (Bay Area): APPR 9715: Refrigeration/Air Conditioning
• Palo Alto Adult Education (Bay Area): HVAC/R Technician (GES786, online career training)
• West Contra Costa Adult Education (Bay Area): HVAC and HVAC II
• Porterville Adult (Central Valley): Online HVAC/R Technician Training
• Chaffey Adult (Inland Empire): HVAC
• Chaffey College (Inland Empire): Introduction to Heating, Ventilation, and Air Conditioning (HVACR-600); HVACR Piping Practices, Brazing, and HVACR Tools (HVACR-601); HVAC Electrical Systems (HVACR-602); plus 4 more
• Chino Valley Adult (Inland Empire): HVAC
• Abram Friedman Occupational (Los Angeles): HVAC 1-3
• Baldwin Park Adult and Community Education (Los Angeles): Heating, Ventilation and Air Conditioning (HVAC); Heating, Ventilation & Air Conditioning (HVAC)
• East Los Angeles Occupational (Los Angeles): HVAC
• Garden Grove Unified Adult Education (Orange County): HVAC
• San Diego College of Continuing Education Educational Cultural Complex (San Diego): MECT 431 Air Conditioning/Heating I; MECT 432 Air Conditioning/Heating II