Trade Salary Guide— Northern California
Compare pay ranges for 17 skilled trades across 191 Northern California cities. Data sourced from 2,484+ active job postings on NorCal Repairs.
Pay Ranges by Trade
Select a trade to see detailed salary data, top-paying cities, and open positions across Northern California.
NorCal Trade Salary Comparison
Hourly pay ranges and estimated annual earnings for all 17 trades.
| Trade | Entry Level | Mid Level | Senior / Master | Est. Annual (Mid) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 🌡️HVAC | $22–$28/hr | $30–$42/hr | $45–$65/hr | $62K–$87K |
| 🔧Plumbing | $20–$26/hr | $28–$40/hr | $42–$60/hr | $58K–$83K |
| 🏠Roofing | $18–$24/hr | $25–$35/hr | $38–$50/hr | $52K–$73K |
| ⚡Electrical | $24–$30/hr | $32–$48/hr | $50–$70/hr | $67K–$100K |
| 🏗️Fencing | $18–$22/hr | $24–$32/hr | $35–$45/hr | $50K–$67K |
| 🪵Flooring | $17–$22/hr | $24–$30/hr | $32–$45/hr | $50K–$62K |
| 🎨Painting | $18–$24/hr | $26–$35/hr | $38–$50/hr | $54K–$73K |
| 🪟Windows | $20–$26/hr | $28–$38/hr | $40–$55/hr | $58K–$79K |
| 🚪Garage Doors | $20–$26/hr | $28–$38/hr | $40–$52/hr | $58K–$79K |
| 🛠️Handyman | $22–$28/hr | $30–$40/hr | $42–$55/hr | $62K–$83K |
| 🧱Concrete | $20–$26/hr | $28–$42/hr | $44–$58/hr | $58K–$87K |
| 🚛Junk Removal | $16–$20/hr | $22–$28/hr | $30–$38/hr | $46K–$58K |
| 🧹Cleaning | $16–$22/hr | $24–$30/hr | $32–$40/hr | $50K–$62K |
| 🌿Landscaping | $17–$22/hr | $24–$32/hr | $35–$48/hr | $50K–$67K |
| 🌳Tree Service | $18–$24/hr | $26–$36/hr | $38–$55/hr | $54K–$75K |
| 💧Water Damage Restoration | $20–$26/hr | $28–$40/hr | $42–$60/hr | $58K–$83K |
| 🐛Pest Control | $17–$22/hr | $24–$32/hr | $35–$48/hr | $50K–$67K |
Annual estimates based on 2,080 hours/year (40 hrs/week). Actual earnings vary by overtime, seasonality, and employment type.
What Affects Trade Pay in Northern California?
Experience Level
Entry-level workers start lower but can double their hourly rate within 3–5 years. Journeyman and master-level credentials command premium pay.
Certifications & Licensing
CSLB licensing, EPA certifications, OSHA training, and trade-specific credentials (NATE, C-10, C-36) significantly boost earning potential.
Location & Cost of Living
Bay Area and Peninsula trades pay 10–20% more than the Central Valley. However, lower living costs in Sacramento and the San Joaquin Valley often provide better purchasing power.
Company Size & Type
Larger contractors and union shops typically offer higher base pay plus benefits. Solo contractors and small crews may offer higher hourly rates but fewer benefits.
Find Your Next Trade Job in Northern California
Browse 2,484+ open positions across 17 trades and 191 cities. Free for workers.
Trade Salaries in Northern California \u2014 FAQ
What are the highest-paying trades in Northern California?
Electrical work leads NorCal trade pay with senior electricians earning $50–$70/hr. HVAC technicians follow closely at $45–$65/hr for experienced professionals. Plumbing rounds out the top three with master plumbers earning $42–$60/hr. These rates reflect the strong demand for licensed, skilled tradespeople across the Sacramento Valley, Bay Area, and Central Valley.
How much do entry-level trade workers make in Northern California?
Entry-level trade pay in NorCal typically ranges from $16–$30/hr depending on the trade. Electrical and HVAC apprentices start at the higher end ($22–$30/hr), while cleaning and junk removal positions start around $16–$22/hr. Entry-level rates increase quickly with experience, certifications, and demonstrated reliability.
Do trade workers in the Bay Area earn more than Sacramento?
Yes, Bay Area trade workers generally earn 10–20% more than their Sacramento counterparts due to higher cost of living and increased demand. However, Sacramento Metro offers better purchasing power when factoring in housing costs. Pay varies significantly by city — check individual trade salary pages for city-level breakdowns.
What certifications increase trade worker pay in California?
California CSLB licensing is the biggest pay booster for most trades. For HVAC, EPA 608 certification and NATE certification increase earning potential. Electricians benefit from C-10 licensing. Plumbers can earn more with C-36 licensing. Safety certifications like OSHA 10/30 are valued across all trades.
Where does NorCal Repairs get salary data?
Our salary ranges are compiled from active job postings on the NorCal Repairs jobs board, covering 2,484+ active listings across 191 Northern California cities. We analyze pay data from contractor-posted crew positions to provide real-time, market-driven compensation ranges for each trade and city.
How can I find trade jobs near me?
Browse the NorCal Repairs jobs board at norcalrepairs.com/jobs to find open positions by trade and city. You can also create a free worker profile at norcalrepairs.com/workers/join to let contractors find you directly. We cover 191 cities across Northern California from the Bay Area to Bakersfield.