Crew pay benchmarks · Santa Maria-Santa Barbara, CA
What does a hvac technician earn in Santa Maria-Santa Barbara, CA?
An experienced hvac technician in Santa Maria-Santa Barbara, CA prices at $80,369–$97,406 base pay (midpoint $88,547), from published U.S. government wage distributions. Every band below carries its source.
| Experience level | Low | Mid | High |
|---|---|---|---|
| Entry (Level I) | $49,618 | $56,280 | $63,895 |
| Qualified (Level II) | $63,895 | $69,826 | $80,369 |
| Experienced (Level III) | $80,369 | $88,547 | $97,406 |
| Senior (Level IV) | $97,406 | $111,098 | $123,078 |
| Executive / Above P90 | $123,078 | — | —+ |
U.S. BLS OEWS, May 2025 vintage, trended +2.2% to 2026Q1 via the Employment Cost Index. Levels follow the DOL/OFLC four-tier percentile convention. Base wages only — market context, not an offer or compensation advice.
Where these numbers come from
- Source: U.S. BLS OEWS, May 2025 vintage (as of 2025-05-01) — Heating, Air Conditioning, and Refrigeration Mechanics and Installers (SOC 49-9021), Santa Maria-Santa Barbara, CA.
- Level band: Experienced (Level III) — P50–P75, mid ≈ P62 of the published distribution (DOL/OFLC four-tier convention, mid linearly interpolated).
- Aging: trended +2.2% from 2025Q2 to 2026Q1 via ECI wages & salaries, private industry (BLS).
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