§ 03 Trade wages
HVAC technicians in San Jose-Sunnyvale-Santa Clara, CA
HVAC technicians in the San Jose-Sunnyvale-Santa Clara, CA metro earned a median of $39.45 an hour in May 2025 (BLS OEWS), 35% higher than the national median of $29.33. The middle half earned $30.69 to $51.26. About 1,740 people work in this occupation here. That ranks 2 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 Jose-Sunnyvale-Santa Clara, CA
25th pct$30.69per hour
Median$39.45per hour
75th pct$51.26per hour
10th pct$27.49
90th pct$65.70
Mean$43.89
Workers1,740
Your multiplier: ×2.0Median wage × multiplier: $79/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 Jose-Sunnyvale-Santa Clara, CA · mean RSE 1.9%Employee wages from the BLS employer survey. Not what a contractor bills.