HVAC & Pipefitter Salary in San Diego
Metro area wage data for hvac and refrigeration mechanics from the BLS OEWS program, May 2025.
Wage figures reflect all hvac & pipefitters across all employment types, union and non-union, residential and commercial, apprentice through master. Union journeymen typically earn above the area median. Non-union residential work typically falls below it.
Military construction, California prevailing wage, and a district-wide master agreement shape the San Diego pipefitter market.
San Diego operates under the same Southern California Pipe Trades District Council No. 16 master agreement as Los Angeles, resulting in an identical commercial pipefitter rate across both markets. California's prevailing wage law applies to public projects, and military and defense facility construction alongside a growing biotech sector sustain above-average demand.
- →Southern California Pipe Trades District Council No. 16 master agreement
- →Identical rate to LA under the district-wide CBA
- →Military and biotech construction sustain above-average demand
UA Local 230 journeyman pipefitter Journey-Level Rate
Union scale reflects the UA Local 230 journeyman pipefitter journey-level rate under the current collective bargaining agreement. The BLS area median reflects all hvac & pipefitters across all employment types and experience levels.
| Training Center | Union Pipe Trades Training Center |
| Address | 8616 Cuyamaca St, Santee, CA 92071 |
| Phone | (619) 262-7589 |
| Minimum Score | No minimum |
Applying to UA Local 230?
The aptitude test is required for all applicants to UA Local 230. See what to expect and how to prepare.
What to expect →All hvac & pipefitters — union and non-union, all experience levels
All hvac & pipefitters — union and non-union, all experience levels. Wage figures only, employer-paid benefits, pension contributions, and health and welfare are not included.
| Annual Median Wage | $74,880 |
| Annual Mean Wage | $75,960 |
| Hourly Median Wage | $36.00 |
| Hourly Mean Wage | $36.52 |
| Total Employed | 3,210 |
| Area Type | Metropolitan Area |
Journey-level rates sourced directly from local collective bargaining agreements across the country's major construction markets. Union density and market conditions vary significantly by region.
Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics, May 2025 - SOC 49-9021 (HVAC and Refrigeration Mechanics) - Cross-Industry, All Ownership
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