HVAC Technician Apprenticeships in California
California has 35 registered apprenticeship sponsors training hvac technicians — 24 of them union or joint labor-management programs. Apprentices earn a wage from day one and finish without tuition debt.
Registered sponsors
35
Union / joint programs
24
Median hvac technician wage
$65,290
California, all experience levels
Job growth 2022–2032
+11.2%
3,790 openings/yr
Largest Registered Sponsors
Union and joint labor-management programs are listed first — they typically pay the best apprentice rates and charge no tuition.
| Sponsor | City | Program type |
|---|---|---|
| Bay Area Sheet Metal JATC Union / joint | Livermore | Multiple Employer |
| Central Valley-Motherlode Plumbers, Pipe & Refrig. Fitters JATC Union / joint | MODESTO | Multiple Employer |
| City of San Diego Civil Service Commission JAC Union / joint | San Diego | Single Employer |
| Contra Costa Co. Plumbing & Pipe Fitting JATC Union / joint | Martinez | Multiple Employer |
| Fresno Area Plumbers, Pipe & Refrigeration Fitters JATC Union / joint | FRESNO | Multiple Employer |
| Fresno Sheet Metal Workers JATC Union / joint | Fresno | Multiple Employer |
| Inland Refrigeration JATC Union / joint | Colton | Multiple Employer |
| JATC of the Plumbing & Pipe Fitting Industry UA Local 38 Union / joint | SAN FRANCISCO | Multiple Employer |
| JATC Plumbing, Pipe-Fitting & Refrigeration Industry of San Mateo County Union / joint | BURLINGAME | Multiple Employer |
| Joint Journeyman and Apprentice Training Trust Union / joint | San Dimas | Multiple Employer |
Source: U.S. Department of Labor, Registered Apprenticeship sponsors (apprenticeship.gov). California runs its own state apprenticeship registration system, so these federal figures understate the true number of local programs.
What HVAC Technicians Earn in California
Wages
- Median annual wage: $65,290
- Average annual wage: $74,470
- HVAC Technicians employed statewide: 34,020
Source: BLS OEWS, May 2024. Apprentices typically start at 40–50% of the journeyman rate and get scheduled raises.
10-year outlook
- Projected growth 2022–2032: +11.2%
- Average openings per year: 3,790
- Employment: 38,400 → 42,700
Source: Projections Central / state workforce agencies.
Prefer the school route? Compare HVAC Technician programs
California Licensing for HVAC Technicians
Water Conditioning Contractor
- Education: Undetermined
- Experience: Undetermined
- Exam: Undetermined
- Continuing education: Undetermined
Issuing agency: Department of Consumer Affairs · agency website
Air and Water Balancing Limited Specialty Contractor
- Education: Undetermined
- Experience: Undetermined
- Exam: Undetermined
- Continuing education: Undetermined
Issuing agency: Department of Consumer Affairs · agency website
Drilling, Blasting and Oil Field Work Limited Specialty Contractor
- Education: Undetermined
- Experience: Undetermined
- Exam: Undetermined
- Continuing education: Undetermined
Issuing agency: Department of Consumer Affairs · agency website
Warm-Air Heating, Ventilating and Air-Conditioning Contractor
- Education: Undetermined
- Experience: Undetermined
- Exam: Undetermined
- Continuing education: Undetermined
Issuing agency: Department of Consumer Affairs · agency website
Refrigeration Contractor
- Education: Undetermined
- Experience: Undetermined
- Exam: Undetermined
- Continuing education: Undetermined
Issuing agency: Department of Consumer Affairs · agency website
Source: CareerOneStop License Finder (U.S. Department of Labor). Time spent in a registered apprenticeship generally counts toward license experience requirements.