HVAC Jobs in San Diego, CA
Find HVAC technician, installer, and apprentice jobs in San Diego, CA. The metro employs about 3,210 HVAC pros earning an average of $75,960 per year.
$75,960
Avg Salary
3,210
HVAC Employed
Salary Distribution
10th Pct
$46,710
entry-level
25th Pct
$58,330
early career
Median
$74,880
typical wage
75th Pct
$91,690
experienced
90th Pct
$113,990
senior tech
Wage data source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, OEWS May 2025.
Cost of Living
Disposable Income
$17,979
After taxes and 2-bedroom rent, per year
How we calculated this
$75,960
$8,552
$5,811
$4,558
$57,039
$39,060
$17,979
2BR rent based on HUD Fair Market Rent of $1,705/month for the metro.
Federal and FICA tax computed for a single filer using the standard deduction. State income tax uses state-specific brackets where applicable. Annual rent derived from HUD 2024 Fair Market Rent (FMR) for a 2-bedroom unit in this metro area.
Industry Snapshot
Contracting Businesses
199
AC & refrigeration · NAICS 238222
HVAC Mechanics Employed
3,210
SOC 49-9021 · BLS OEWS
Establishment data from BLS QCEW NAICS 238222. Employment Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, OEWS May 2025. Some smaller metros suppressed by BLS privacy rules.
Climate Profile
3C
Warm-Marine
San Diego's Warm-Marine climate produces relatively mild, steady HVAC demand year-round. Technicians here see less of the extreme seasonal peaks of harsher markets — a more predictable workload with a focus on system efficiency, indoor air quality, and modernization.
Climate zone classification per IECC 2021 (International Energy Conservation Code).
Training & Education
There are 5 accredited HVAC programs within about 40 miles of San Diego, ranked here by graduates per year:
UEI College-Chula Vista · For-profit · Certificate · Chula Vista, CA · 33 mi · 107 grads/yr · Visit site
UEI College-Oceanside · For-profit · Certificate · Oceanside, CA · 36 mi · 81 grads/yr · Visit site
Palomar College · Public · Certificate · San Marcos, CA · 25 mi · 18 grads/yr · Visit site
San Diego City College · Public · Certificate, Associate degree · San Diego, CA · 30 mi · 17 grads/yr · Visit site
ATA College · For-profit · Certificate · El Cajon, CA · 18 mi · 10 grads/yr · Visit site
For programs across the state, see our California HVAC schools guide.
