§ 03 Trade wages
HVAC technicians in Chico, CA
HVAC technicians in the Chico, CA metro earned a median of $30.25 an hour in May 2025 (BLS OEWS), about the same as the national median of $29.33. The middle half earned $24.26 to $36.43. About 120 people work in this occupation here. That ranks 89 of 350 metros with a reliable estimate for this trade. These are employee wages, not what a contractor bills you per hour.
BLS OEWS May 2025 · SOC 49-9021
HVAC technicians, Chico, CA
25th pct$24.26per hour
Median$30.25per hour
75th pct$36.43per hour
10th pct$21.02
90th pct$45.33
Mean$32.38
Workers120
Your multiplier: ×2.0Median wage × multiplier: $61/hr
OEWS reports what employers pay these workers per hour. A contractor’s bill also covers the business: insurance, licensing, vehicles, tools, office staff, warranty callbacks, unbilled travel time and profit. The wage is a floor for understanding a quote, never a price. You set the multiplier; we publish no typical markup because we have no citable source for one.What else is in a bill for this trade
- A load calculation and system design before a replacement
- Refrigerant handling (EPA Section 608 certified technicians)
- Permit, start-up and warranty registration
BLS OEWS May 2025 · Chico, CA · mean RSE 3.3%Employee wages from the BLS employer survey. Not what a contractor bills.