Trades & Labor California (CA) Rank #2 of 50

Solar Installer Salary in California

The median solar installer salary in California is $68,168 per year, which is 43.0% above the national median of $47,670.

Median Salary
$68,168
vs National
+$20,498
State Rank
#2 of 50
Cost of Living
138%

Solar Installer Salary in California by Experience

In California, an entry-level solar installer earns around $48,620, while experienced professionals earn up to $97,240 per year. The cost of living index in California is 138% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)
$48,620
+$14,620 vs national
Mid Level (3-7 yrs)
$70,070
+$21,070 vs national
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$97,240
+$29,240 vs national

Salary Percentiles in California

Percentile CA Salary
10th Percentile $45,760
25th Percentile $54,340
Median (50th) $68,168
75th Percentile $85,800
90th Percentile $102,960

Solar Installer Salary by City in California

The largest employment areas for solar installers in California include Los Angeles, San Francisco, San Diego, and San Jose. Salaries vary by city based on local cost of living and demand.

Los Angeles, CA
$71,982
Pop. 3,898,747 · COL 146%
San Francisco, CA
$89,143
Pop. 873,965 · COL 182%
San Diego, CA
$70,075
Pop. 1,386,932 · COL 142%
San Jose, CA
$82,469
Pop. 1,013,240 · COL 168%
Sacramento, CA
$58,634
Pop. 524,943 · COL 118%

How to Become a Solar Installer in California

Education

Most solar installer positions require a high school diploma. California has several accredited institutions offering relevant programs.

Key Skills

Solar PV SystemsElectricalRoofingSafetyBlueprint ReadingNEC Code

Job Outlook in California

Nationally, solar installer employment is projected to grow 22% over the next decade (much faster than average). California's demand may vary based on local industry trends.

Find Solar Installer Jobs in California

Browse open solar installer positions in California:

Indeed → LinkedIn → ZipRecruiter → Glassdoor →

Frequently Asked Questions: Solar Installer Salary in California

How much does a Solar Installer make in California? ▼
The median solar installer salary in California is $68,168 per year, which is 43.0% above the national median of $47,670. Salaries range from $45,760 (10th percentile) to $102,960 (90th percentile).
How much does a Solar Installer make per hour in California? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $68,168, a solar installer in California earns approximately $33 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
Is California a good state for solar installers? ▼
California ranks #2 out of 50 states for solar installer pay. The cost of living index is 138% of the national average. Entry-level solar installers earn $48,620, while senior professionals earn $97,240.
How does California compare to other states for solar installer salary? ▼
The highest paying state for solar installers is Hawaii at $84,853. California's median of $68,168 ranks #2 nationally. Nearby-ranked states include Hawaii ($84,853) and Massachusetts ($64,355).
What is the entry-level solar installer salary in California? ▼
An entry-level solar installer in California earns approximately $48,620 per year. With 3-7 years of experience, pay increases to around $70,070. Senior-level professionals with 8+ years earn up to $97,240.
What city in California pays solar installers the most? ▼
San Francisco is the highest paying city in California for solar installers, with a median salary of $89,143. Other cities include Los Angeles and San Diego.