HVAC Technician in San Bernardino, CA

The Salary Picture: Where San Bernardino Stands

Let's cut through the noise. As a local, I can tell you that San Bernardino isn't the highest-paying market in California, but it's far from the bottom. The HVAC trade here is stable, driven by the relentless inland heat and a constant churn of older housing stock that needs retrofitting and repair. You're not competing with Bay Area salaries, but your paycheck will stretch further here than in Los Angeles or San Diego.

The median salary for an HVAC Technician in San Bernardino is $56,989/year, which translates to an hourly rate of $27.4/hour. This sits just above the national average of $55,670/year, a testament to California's generally higher cost of living and demand. The metro area supports 447 jobs specifically for HVAC Technicians, a solid number for a mid-sized city, with a 10-year job growth projection of 6%. This isn't explosive growth, but it's consistent—it means you won't struggle to find work, especially with commercial and industrial accounts.

Here’s how your earning potential breaks down by experience level. This isn't just state averages; these are realistic figures based on local union scales (like Sheet Metal Workers Local 104), major commercial firms, and residential service companies operating in the Inland Empire.

Experience Level	Typical Yearly Salary	Hourly Equivalent	Notes
Entry-Level / Apprentice	$42,000 - $50,000	$20 - $24	First 1-2 years. Focus on basic installs, helper tasks. Many companies pay for your apprenticeship hours.
Mid-Level (3-5 years)	$56,000 - $68,000	$27 - $32	This is the "median" sweet spot. You have EPA 608 certification, can handle service calls solo, and have a clean driving record.
Senior Tech (5-10 years)	$69,000 - $85,000	$33 - $40	Specialization begins (VRF, commercial chillers). You might lead a small crew or handle complex diagnostics.
Expert / Lead / Superintendent	$85,000+	$40+	Master of commercial systems, project management, or union foreman. Requires significant experience and often a C-20 license.

How does this compare to other California cities? It's a mixed bag. You'll make less than a tech in San Francisco or San Jose by a significant margin (often $15,000-$20,000 more). However, you'll make comparable or slightly more than in Fresno or Bakersfield, and slightly less than in San Diego. The key is the cost-of-living-adjusted income. A $56,989 salary in San Bernardino has more purchasing power than a $75,000 salary in Los Angeles County, primarily due to housing costs.

Insider Tip: The biggest salary jump comes from specialization. A standard residential service tech tops out around $75,000 here. But a tech certified in commercial refrigeration (think grocery store refrigeration) or VRF (Variable Refrigerant Flow) systems for large commercial projects can command $85,000+. The demand for these specialties is high in the Inland Empire's logistics and warehouse sector.

The Real Take-Home: After Taxes and Rent

Let's get real about your budget. San Bernardino's cost of living is 7.9% above the national average (Index: 107.9). The biggest bite is housing. The average rent for a one-bedroom apartment is $1,611/month. Using a standard 28% rule for housing (your gross income), your housing budget should be around $1,329/month on a $56,989 salary. This means the average 1BR is slightly over that target, so you'll need to budget carefully or consider a roommate or a slightly less expensive neighborhood.

Here’s a realistic monthly budget breakdown for a single HVAC tech earning the median salary ($56,989/year), assuming a bi-weekly paycheck of approximately $1,750 before deductions.

Expense Category	Estimated Monthly Cost	Notes & Local Context
Gross Monthly Pay	$4,749	Based on $56,989/year / 12 months.
Taxes & Deductions	~$1,000	(Federal, FICA, CA state tax, SDI). CA taxes are high. This is an estimate.
Net Take-Home Pay	~$3,749	This is your "in-hand" number to budget with.
Rent (1BR Average)	$1,611	The single biggest expense. You can find nicer places for ~$1,400 in parts of Muscoy or Rialto.
Utilities (Elec, Gas, Water)	$180	Inland summers spike AC use. Budget $250+ for July & August.
Car Payment/Insurance	$450	Essential in SB. Commute times vary. Insurance is costly in CA.
Fuel	$180	Depends on your commute. Most techs drive a truck/van.
Groceries	$400	Shopping at Stater Bros. or WinCo vs. Sprouts makes a difference.
Health Insurance (if not covered)	$0 - $300	Many union or larger companies offer good plans. Individual market is expensive.
Retirement/401k	$150	Crucial. Try to get a company match.
Miscellaneous / Savings	~$398	This is your buffer. It’s tight. New shoes, work clothes, a meal out.

**Total Estimated Expenses: $3,349 - $3,649
**Remaining: $100 - $400/month

Can they afford to buy a home? On a $56,989 salary alone, it's a serious challenge. The median home price in San Bernardino County is hovering around $475,000. A 20% down payment is $95,000. A mortgage on $380,000 (with a decent interest rate) would be around $2,500/month before property taxes and insurance—which is far above a healthy budget for your income. This is a two-income household goal, or a goal for a senior tech earning $80,000+. The smart move for most technicians is to rent, maximize your retirement savings, and invest in your skills to increase your earning power.

Insider Tip: Many local HVAC companies, especially the larger commercial ones, offer a Vehicle Allowance or provide a work vehicle. This can save you $400-$600/month in car payments and insurance, drastically improving your cash flow. Always ask about this during interviews.

Where the Jobs Are: San Bernardino's Major Employers

The job market here is a blend of large commercial/industrial contractors, established residential companies, and public sector work. Unions (Sheet Metal Workers Local 104) have a strong presence, especially on commercial projects. Here are the key players you should know:

1. Siemens Industries (San Bernardino Plant): A major employer in the city. While not a traditional HVAC service company, their massive manufacturing facility requires an in-house HVAC and facilities team. This is a coveted, stable job with great benefits. They hire for maintenance technicians with HVAC experience.
2. AAON: A national manufacturer of custom HVAC units with a significant facility in nearby Riverside (a 25-minute commute). They employ engineers, assembly workers, and often have openings for service and installation techs who know their equipment inside and out.
3. Commercial Contractors (The Union/Non-Union Divide):
   • Union (Local 104): Companies like Gensler (architectural firm, but they work with mechanical contractors), DPR Construction, and Rudolph and Sletten hire union sheet metal/HVAC techs for commercial projects. These jobs are often project-based but pay top wage ($45+/hr with benefits).
   • Non-Union: Berger HVAC (based in Colton, serves the entire Inland Empire), Comfort Air Engineering, and Rancho Mechanical are major players in commercial service and install.
4. Residential Service Giants: Service Champions and Manny's Plumbing & HVAC (with a huge presence in the IE) dominate the residential market. They are always hiring for service and install techs. They offer a steady stream of work but can be high-pressure sales environments.
5. Public Sector & Institutions:
   • San Bernardino City Unified School District (SBCUSD): Maintains over 80 campuses. They have a dedicated facilities team that hires HVAC technicians for preventative maintenance and repairs. These are stable, government jobs with pensions.
   • Arrowhead Regional Medical Center: A Level I trauma center and major employer. Their facilities department needs techs familiar with complex medical-grade HVAC systems (humidification, pressurization).
   • Loma Linda University Medical Center: Another massive healthcare employer just south of the city, with similar needs for highly skilled, reliable technicians.

Hiring Trends: There's a significant push toward energy efficiency and retrofits. Many companies are hiring techs skilled in building automation systems (BAS) and VRF technology to upgrade older commercial buildings for compliance with California's Title 24 energy codes. If you have these skills, you're in high demand.

Getting Licensed in CA

California's licensing is managed by the Contractors State License Board (CSLB). It's a rigorous process, but essential for career advancement.

• For Technicians (Employee): You don't need your own license to work for a company. However, you must have:
  1. EPA 608 Certification (Universal): Mandatory for anyone handling refrigerants. You can get this online or through local trade schools. Cost: ~$100-$250.
  2. Valid Driver's License: A clean record is non-negotiable.
  3. Cal-OSHA 10-Hour Training: Often required for commercial jobs.
• For Contractors (Business Owners): To start your own business, you need a C-20 (Warm-Air Heating, Ventilating, and Air-Conditioning) license from the CSLB.
  • Requirements: 4 years of journeyman-level experience, pass two exams (Law & Business, and C-20 trade), and post a $25,000 bond.
  • Costs: Exam fees ($250), bond ($1,500-$2,500/year), license application ($330), plus business entity formation costs.
  • Timeline: From starting the experience to getting your license, plan for at least 4-5 years.

How to Get Started: For apprentices, look into the Joint Apprenticeship & Training Committee (JATC) for Sheet Metal Workers Local 104. It’s a 4-5 year program with paid on-the-job training and classroom instruction. You earn while you learn, and by the end, you'll be a journeyman with your state license path clear.

Insider Tip: The most valuable training in California right now is in Building Automation and Controls. Companies like Trane and Johnson Controls offer manufacturer-specific training. If a company pays for this, take it—it's a golden ticket.

Best Neighborhoods for HVAC Technicians

Choosing where to live in San Bernardino depends on your commute, family needs, and budget. Here’s a local’s guide:

1. Muscoy (West Side):

   • Vibe: Working-class, residential, close to I-215. A mix of older ranch homes and apartments.
   • Rent: $1,300 - $1,500 for a 1BR.
   • Best For: Techs working for commercial contractors on the west side of the city or in Colton. Quick access to I-215 for jobs across the Inland Empire.
   • Commute: 10-15 minutes to most industrial parks.

2. North San Bernardino (Northeast):

   • Vibe: More suburban, closer to the mountains. Includes areas like Devore and Cajon. Quieter, with better schools.
   • Rent: $1,600 - $1,900 for a 1BR.
   • Best For: Techs with families who want a bit more space and a quieter lifestyle. Still a reasonable commute.
   • Commute: 15-20 minutes to downtown job sites.

3. Rialto (Adjacent City, South):

   • Vibe: A separate city with a strong community feel. Great for families, good parks, and a more affordable housing stock than San Bernardino proper.
   • Rent: $1,550 - $1,700 for a 1BR.
   • Best For: Techs working for companies based in Rialto or Fontana (like many large commercial contractors). Excellent access to I-10 and I-215.
   • Commute: 5-15 minutes to many job hubs.

4. Arrowhead (Southwest):

   • Vibe: Affluent, hilly, with newer developments and country clubs. The "prettiest" part of the city.
   • Rent: $1,800 - $2,200+ for a 1BR.
   • Best For: Senior techs or those with dual incomes. It's a luxury, but offers a great quality of life and good schools.
   • Commute: 10-20 minutes, but can be slower due to winding roads.

5. Colton (Adjacent City, South):

   • Vibe: Industrial and residential. Home to many logistics companies and a major railway. Very blue-collar, affordable.
   • Rent: $1,400 - $1,600 for a 1BR.
   • Best For: Techs who want the absolute lowest rent and don't mind an industrial environment. Great access to I-10 and I-215.
   • Commute: Often walk or short drive to work if you're at a local plant or contractor.

Insider Tip: If you work for a union contractor, you'll likely be assigned to job sites all over the Inland Empire. Living near the I-215/I-10 interchange (in Rialto or South San Bernardino) gives you the most flexibility for a short commute, no matter where the job is.

The Long Game: Career Growth

The 10-year outlook for HVAC in San Bernardino is solid, driven by two forces: climate and energy policy. The brutal summers ensure consistent demand for service and repair. California's aggressive energy codes (Title 24) are forcing widespread retrofits, creating opportunities for techs who can install and maintain high-efficiency systems.

Specialty Premiums:

• Commercial Refrigeration: $5,000 - $10,000 above base salary. Grocery stores are everywhere, and their systems break down fast.
• Building Automation/Controls: $8,000 - $15,000 premium. This is the future. Techs who can program a BAS for an office tower or warehouse are rare and highly paid.
• VRF Systems: $5,000 - $8,000 premium. The preferred system for new multi-family and commercial projects.
• EPA 608 Universal: Non-negotiable. Without it, you're capped at helper wages.

Advancement Paths:

1. Service Tech → Lead Tech → Service Manager: You'll move from turning wrenches to managing a team, handling customer relations, and overseeing inventory.
2. Installer → Crew Lead → Project Manager: For those who prefer construction. You'll manage timelines, subcontractors, and budgets for larger installs.
3. Technician → Estimator/Sales: A great path if you have people skills. You'll use your field knowledge to quote jobs and design systems.
4. Technician → Business Owner: The ultimate goal. Get your C-20 license, build a client base, and scale. The Inland Empire's growth provides a steady stream of new residential and small commercial clients.

10-Year Outlook: The 6% job growth is conservative. It doesn't account for the wave of retirements from the aging baby-boomer workforce. This "silver tsunami" will create a vacuum for skilled techs. The techs who invest in continuous learning—especially in greener technologies like heat pumps and commercial automation—will see the fastest wage growth.

The Verdict: Is San Bernardino Right for You?

San Bernardino offers a realistic path for HVAC technicians to build a stable, middle-class life, but it requires financial discipline and a focus on skill development.

Pros	Cons
Strong, steady job market in a high-demand trade.	High state income tax and cost of living (especially housing).
Lower housing costs compared to coastal CA