Salary distribution
Where San Diego heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanics fall on the wage curve.
Shaded band = interquartile range (where most full-time workers fall)
The middle 50% of workers earn between $58,130 and $84,020, with a median of $72,180.
Typical entry
Education
Postsecondary nondegree
Experience
None
On-the-job training
Long-term on-the-job training
Top skills (O*NET)
- 4.7 / 5
Mechanical
Knowledge
- 4.2 / 5
Building and Construction
Knowledge
- 4.0 / 5
Customer and Personal Service
Knowledge
- 3.9 / 5
Problem Sensitivity
Ability
- 3.9 / 5
Near Vision
Ability
- 3.8 / 5
Deductive Reasoning
Ability
- 3.6 / 5
Operations Monitoring
Technical
- 3.6 / 5
Oral Comprehension
Ability
Common tasks (O*NET)
- 01
Test electrical circuits or components for continuity, using electrical test equipment.
- 02
Comply with all applicable standards, policies, or procedures, such as safety procedures or the maintenance of a clean work area.
- 03
Study blueprints, design specifications, or manufacturers' recommendations to ascertain the configuration of heating or cooling equipment components and to ensure the proper installation of components.
- 04
Discuss heating or cooling system malfunctions with users to isolate problems or to verify that repairs corrected malfunctions.
- 05
Connect heating or air conditioning equipment to fuel, water, or refrigerant source to form complete circuit.
- 06
Adjust system controls to settings recommended by manufacturer to balance system.
- 07
Recommend, develop, or perform preventive or general maintenance procedures, such as cleaning, power-washing, or vacuuming equipment, oiling parts, or changing filters.
- 08
Inspect and test systems to verify system compliance with plans and specifications or to detect and locate malfunctions.
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Explore coursesOther metros in California
How the San Diego metro compares to other major California metro areas for heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanics.
- San Jose$83,980
- San Francisco$76,760
- Los Angeles$64,820
- Sacramento$64,800
- Riverside$63,540
Frequently asked questions
- What is the median salary for Heating, Air Conditioning, and Refrigeration Mechanics in San Diego, California?
- According to BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics, the median annual wage for Heating, Air Conditioning, and Refrigeration Mechanics in the San Diego metropolitan area is $72,180.
- Does San Diego pay more than the California state average for Heating, Air Conditioning, and Refrigeration Mechanics?
- The San Diego metro median is +10.6% versus the California state median of $65,290.
- How does San Diego compare to the national median for Heating, Air Conditioning, and Refrigeration Mechanics?
- The San Diego metro median is +21.4% versus the BLS national figure of $59,480.
- What is the salary range for Heating, Air Conditioning, and Refrigeration Mechanics in San Diego?
- BLS reports the 10th-percentile annual wage at $47,390 and the 90th-percentile at $104,940 for the San Diego metro area.
- What education is required for Heating, Air Conditioning, and Refrigeration Mechanics?
- BLS lists the typical entry-level education as Postsecondary nondegree. Many employers also weigh prior experience and credentials.
Information on this page is for general educational purposes only. It is not career, financial, or tax advice. BLS metro estimates reflect the San Diego CBSA boundary for the reference year shown and may not match individual offers, employer-specific ranges, or current market conditions. Confirm with a licensed professional before making career or compensation decisions.