§ 03 Trade wages
HVAC technicians in San Diego-Chula Vista-Carlsbad, CA
HVAC technicians in the San Diego-Chula Vista-Carlsbad, CA metro earned a median of $36.00 an hour in May 2025 (BLS OEWS), 23% higher than the national median of $29.33. The middle half earned $28.05 to $44.08. About 3,210 people work in this occupation here. That ranks 32 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, San Diego-Chula Vista-Carlsbad, CA
25th pct$28.05per hour
Median$36.00per hour
75th pct$44.08per hour
10th pct$22.46
90th pct$54.80
Mean$36.52
Workers3,210
Your multiplier: ×2.0Median wage × multiplier: $72/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 · San Diego-Chula Vista-Carlsbad, CA · mean RSE 2.2%Employee wages from the BLS employer survey. Not what a contractor bills.