§ 03 Trade wages
HVAC technicians in Santa Maria-Santa Barbara, CA
HVAC technicians in the Santa Maria-Santa Barbara, CA metro earned a median of $37.81 an hour in May 2025 (BLS OEWS), 29% higher than the national median of $29.33. The middle half earned $30.06 to $45.82. About 260 people work in this occupation here. That ranks 6 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, Santa Maria-Santa Barbara, CA
25th pct$30.06per hour
Median$37.81per hour
75th pct$45.82per hour
10th pct$23.34
90th pct$57.90
Mean$38.29
Workers260
Your multiplier: ×2.0Median wage × multiplier: $76/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 · Santa Maria-Santa Barbara, CA · mean RSE 3.5%Employee wages from the BLS employer survey. Not what a contractor bills.