California ranks 11th of 51 states and D.C. for heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanics and installers pay, trailing top-paying Alaska ($83,660) by $18,370 — a 28% gap.
The 10th-to-90th percentile range runs from $46,980 to $107,600 — a $60,620 spread, 17% wider than the national $51,890 range.
Heating, Air Conditioning, and Refrigeration Mechanics and Installers are less concentrated in California than the U.S. average — a location quotient of 0.73 means the occupation's share of local jobs is 1.37× below the national share.
Salary Range: 10th to 90th Percentile
Full Percentile Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual Wage | Hourly Wage |
|---|---|---|
| 10th percentile (entry-level) | $46,980 | $22.59 |
| 25th percentile | $55,730 | $26.79 |
| 50th percentile (median) | $65,290 | $31.39 |
| 75th percentile | $84,720 | $40.73 |
| 90th percentile (top earners) | $107,600 | $51.73 |
| Mean (average) | $74,470 | $35.80 |
How California Compares
| State | Median Annual | vs. California |
|---|---|---|
| California (current) | $65,290 | n/a |
| Alaska | $83,660 | +28% |
| District of Columbia | $83,390 | +28% |
| Massachusetts | $76,990 | +18% |
| Connecticut | $73,910 | +13% |
| Minnesota | $73,390 | +12% |
| Illinois | $71,620 | +10% |
| New Jersey | $69,800 | +7% |
| Washington | $67,630 | +4% |
Showing top-paying states with available data. View all states →
Related Occupations in California
| Occupation | Median Annual | Employment |
|---|---|---|
| Education and Childcare Administrators, Preschool and Daycare | $65,420 | 8,290 |
| Insurance Sales Agents | $64,990 | 41,150 |
| Glaziers | $65,850 | 7,880 |
| Cardiovascular Technologists and Technicians | $64,720 | 6,110 |
| Drywall and Ceiling Tile Installers | $65,880 | 27,350 |
| Security and Fire Alarm Systems Installers | $66,010 | 7,390 |
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the average Heating, Air Conditioning, and Refrigeration Mechanics and Installers salary in California?
The mean heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanics and installers salary in California is $74,470 per year. The median (middle) salary is $65,290 per year.
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 installerss (10th percentile) in California typically earn around $46,980 per year. Workers at the 25th percentile earn approximately $55,730 per year.
What is the highest Heating, Air Conditioning, and Refrigeration Mechanics and Installers salary in California?
Top earners (90th percentile) in this occupation in California make approximately $107,600 per year. Those in the 75th percentile earn around $84,720 per year.
How does the California Heating, Air Conditioning, and Refrigeration Mechanics and Installers salary compare to the national average?
The median heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanics and installers salary in California is $65,290, which is +9% above national average of $59,810.