HVAC Technician Salary Guide for United States: Earnings & Prospects
HVAC/R (Heating, Ventilation, Air Conditioning, and Refrigeration) technicians help businesses, homes, and other commercial and residential buildings maintain healthy and suitable air and temperature conditions. To work as an HVAC technician, you need a wide range of knowledge and skills to service and repair air conditioning, cooling, refrigeration systems, and heating units. Perform your job well, build a good reputation, and continually learn about new services and systems and you can have a long and rewarding career. And whether you’ve been at it a while or are new to the HVAC field, check out our comprehensive salary guide to find out what you might expect to earn.
What is the Salary Range for HVAC Techs in the United States?
The salary range for HVAC/R technicians in the United States varies based on your experience, location, specialization, and employer. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), the median annual wage for HVAC mechanics and installers was $57,300, or $27.55 per hour in May 20231. Entry-level positions can start around $37,000 per year on the lower end, while highly experienced technicians or those in supervisory roles can earn upwards of $84,000 annually1. As an HVAC technician, you have the opportunity to earn additional income through bonuses, overtime, and side jobs. Other factors can also affect your pay, including where you live.
In Which States Do HVAC Techs Earn the Most?
When it comes to HVAC technician salaries, urban areas, and regions with higher costs of living typically offer higher earnings. Because of this, some states offer higher wages than the reported national average wage. States like Colorado2, Connecticut3, and Maryland4 offer salaries higher than the national average.
Rural areas do tend to offer lower salaries, but they usually offer lower costs of living which brings more power to your earnings. It’s important to consider all factors when you decide on a place to live and work. Pay attention to job availability in these regions and what is most important to you when it comes to your salary expectations, expenses, and work-life balance.
What Factors Affect HVAC Techs Salaries Most?
In addition to your location, your salary can be impacted by the skillset you develop over time with your career. As you gain proficiency with tasks like cutting and soldering pipes, or electrical circuit maintenance, you may improve your marketability. As an HVAC technician, you can also expect to earn more through overtime pay, especially in peak seasons, where demand for well-running heating or AC systems is critical.
Where is the Most Demand for HVAC/R Technicians?
Demand for HVAC/R technicians is projected to grow over the decade according to BLS statistics5, but some cities and metropolitan areas have more growth opportunities than others. Demand above the national average is projected for many other states like Colorado6, Connecticut7, Maryland8, New Jersey9, and Texas10. This growth is driven by population, increased infrastructure growth, and the need for regular maintenance and repair services.
What Career Growth is Available for HVAC Techs?
Along with overtime and commission opportunities, you can get a bump in your overall salary through additional skills and certifications. You can advance to supervisory roles such as lead technician, service manager, journeyman, or operations manager. If you’re just starting out, you maybe be able to find an apprenticeship program that allows you to learn new skills while earning money. These skills can help you earn a higher salary. With a wide range of skills and knowledge, you might eventually start your own HVAC service business.
What Certifications Do HVAC Techs Get?
In most cases, you’ll come across better job opportunities and higher pay if you can show your employer your dedication to the craft through certifications. Training under an accredited program at a trade school can give you the knowledge you need for certification exams. Some manufacturers also offer product specific certifications. Some certifications include11:
- Ground Source Heat Pump Loop Installer
- HVAC Performance Verifier
- Senior Level Efficiency Analyst
- Gas Heating
- Oil Heating
- Heat Pump
Where Can You Work as an HVAC/R Technician?
HVAC/R techs are needed all across the country, in both large, urban areas, as well as small towns and communities. You can search for employment in shops that service schools, hospitals, homes, and other commercial or residential buildings. You may also be directly hired by a commercial building owner, where you perform regular HVAC maintenance and repairs. With enough skills, experience, and connections in the field, you may even decide to consider self-employment.
What are Common Perks and Benefits for HVAC/R Techs?
As you look through the listings of HVAC/R technician jobs wherever you wish to work, it’s important to compare offers and find the best fit. You should always look for and ask about benefits, which can include health and life insurance, dental and vision coverage, paid time off, and potential employee discounts. Try to find employers who offer additional perks like tuition reimbursement for certifications, apprenticeship opportunities, and performance-based bonuses. These benefits can contribute to your overall earnings as well as your satisfaction at work.
There are so many factors to consider before you dive into the HVAC/R field. By understanding what affects salaries and the benefits available, as a new or experienced technician, you can make an informed decision about your careers. Once you are well trained to industry standards, consider the components in our guide before you make your decision about where to work.
1 Bureau of Labor Statistics. (n.d.). Heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanics and installers: Pay. U.S. Department of Labor. https://www.bls.gov/ooh/installation-maintenance-and-repair/heating-air-conditioning-and-refrigeration-mechanics-and-installers.htm#tab-5. Retrieved August 15, 2024
2 O*NET OnLine. (n.d.). Wages for heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanics and installers in Colorado. U.S. Department of Labor/Employment and Training Administration. https://www.onetonline.org/link/localwages/49-9021.00?st=CO. Retrieved August 15, 2024.
3 O*NET OnLine. (n.d.). Wages for heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanics and installers in Connecticut. U.S. Department of Labor/Employment and Training Administration. https://www.onetonline.org/link/localwages/49-9021.00?st=CT. Retrieved August 15, 2024
4 O*NET OnLine. (n.d.). Wages for heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanics and installers in Maryland. U.S. Department of Labor/Employment and Training Administration. https://www.onetonline.org/link/localwages/49-9021.00?st=MD. Retrieved August 15, 2024
5 Bureau of Labor Statistics. (n.d.). Heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanics and installers: Job outlook. U.S. Department of Labor. https://www.bls.gov/ooh/installation-maintenance-and-repair/heating-air-conditioning-and-refrigeration-mechanics-and-installers.htm#tab-6 Retrieved August 15, 2024
6 O*NET OnLine. (n.d.). Job trends for heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanics and installers in Colorado. U.S. Department of Labor/Employment and Training Administration. https://www.onetonline.org/link/localtrends/49-9021.00?st=CO Retrieved August 15, 2024
7 O*NET OnLine. (n.d.). Job trends for heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanics and installers in Connecticut. U.S. Department of Labor/Employment and Training Administration. https://www.onetonline.org/link/localtrends/49-9021.00?st=CT Retrieved August 15, 2024
8 O*NET OnLine. (n.d.). Job trends for heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanics and installers in Maryland. U.S. Department of Labor/Employment and Training Administration. https://www.onetonline.org/link/localtrends/49-9021.00?st=MD Retrieved August 15, 2024
9 O*NET OnLine. (n.d.). Job trends for heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanics and installers in New Jersey. U.S. Department of Labor/Employment and Training Administration. https://www.onetonline.org/link/localtrends/49-9021.00?st=NJ Retrieved August 15, 2024
10 O*NET OnLine. (n.d.). Job trends for heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanics and installers in Texas. U.S. Department of Labor/Employment and Training Administration. https://www.onetonline.org/link/localtrends/49-9021.00?st=TX Retrieved August 15, 2024
11 Technician Certifications found at https://escogroup.org/certifications/professional.aspx Retrieved on January13, 2025.