Welcome to our in-depth exploration of the HVAC technician salary. It’s more than just a number, it’s a reflection of skills, experience, and the ever-changing demands of the industry.
From dissecting state-by-state variations to unraveling the threads of specialization and experience, we’ll walk you through the layers of how much do HVAC techs make.
When discussing the HVAC technician salary, several factors come into play, including:
We will discuss how these factors affect HVAC technician salaries, but first, let’s look at some general numbers.
As of 2023, an average HVAC technician in the United States earns about $3,146 monthly after taxes, translating to roughly $723 per week. Bear in mind that this is a national average, and the figure may vary widely depending on the factors we mentioned earlier.
For those just starting out in their first five years, the average hourly wage is around $22. As HVAC technicians move into the mid-level phase of their career, between six to nine years of experience, their hourly wage typically increases to about $27. For seasoned professionals with over 10 years of experience, the hourly rate further climbs to approximately $32.
In terms of experience, entry-level HVAC technicians, typically with less than 5 years of experience, earn an average of $45,760 per year. As their experience grows, so do their potential earnings. For example, technicians with 6-9 years of experience can average around $57,512 annually, and those with over 10 years of experience can earn about $68,286 per year.
The HVAC tech salary varies significantly across the United States, reflecting regional differences in cost of living, demand for services, and local economic conditions. The table below presents the average hourly rate and yearly salary HVAC technicians receive in each state:
| State | Average Hourly Rate | Average Yearly Salary |
|---|---|---|
| Alabama | $19.10 | $40,891 |
| Alaska | $38.08 | $72,291 |
| Arizona | $23.36 | $47,472 |
| Arkansas | $18.33 | $38,799 |
| California | $34.01 | $62,310 |
| Colorado | $26.99 | $52,161 |
| Connecticut | $36.96 | $70,029 |
| Delaware | $27.26 | $57,998 |
| District of Columbia | $37.11 | $73,977 |
| Florida | $20.78 | $44,118 |
| Georgia | $21.99 | $46,238 |
| Hawaii | $22.68 | $54,288 |
| Idaho | $23.22 | $48,545 |
| Illinois | $27.03 | $58,579 |
| Indiana | $23.49 | $51,232 |
| Iowa | $23.12 | $49,607 |
| Kansas | $20.89 | $49,678 |
| Kentucky | $21.73 | $43,180 |
| Louisiana | $25.96 | $47,574 |
| Maine | $24.52 | $51,337 |
| Maryland | $33.85 | $68,097 |
| Massachusetts | $37.63 | $68,489 |
| Michigan | $24.33 | $50,344 |
| Minnesota | $26.89 | $57,083 |
| Mississippi | $21.38 | $42,890 |
| Missouri | $20.49 | $45,509 |
| Montana | $24.76 | $47,945 |
| Nebraska | $22.20 | $48,144 |
| Nevada | $26.18 | $56,743 |
| New Hampshire | $26.60 | $56,254 |
| New Jersey | $34.97 | $65,871 |
| New Mexico | $21.08 | $42,454 |
| New York | $27.16 | $60,535 |
| North Carolina | $21.94 | $46,105 |
| North Dakota | $27.61 | $53,262 |
| Ohio | $24.65 | $51,609 |
| Oklahoma | $21.42 | $44,527 |
| Oregon | $26.65 | $57,729 |
| Pennsylvania | $24.22 | $55,845 |
| Rhode Island | $33.74 | $61,310 |
| South Carolina | $21.64 | $46,065 |
| South Dakota | $22.51 | $45,081 |
| Tennessee | $20.57 | $41,154 |
| Texas | $22.62 | $47,583 |
| Utah | $21.17 | $48,143 |
| Vermont | $22.54 | $51,046 |
| Virginia | $26.73 | $57,298 |
| Washington | $32.26 | $66,491 |
| West Virginia | $19.63 | $40,924 |
| Wisconsin | $23.63 | $51,528 |
| Wyoming | $25.29 | $49,717 |
If you’re kicking off a career as an HVAC technician, location matters. States like California and New Jersey, known for their higher living costs, tend to offer higher starting salaries to compensate.
These are the top 10 states where entry-level HVAC technicians earn the most:
| State | Average Hourly Rate | Average Annual Salary |
|---|---|---|
| California | $27.79 | $57,800 |
| New Jersey | $26.73 | $55,600 |
| Connecticut | $26.73 | $55,600 |
| Washington | $26.54 | $55,200 |
| Massachusetts | $26.49 | $55,100 |
| Alaska | $25.00 | $54,600 |
| New York | $24.68 | $53,900 |
| Hawaii | $24.31 | $53,100 |
| New Hampshire | $24.22 | $52,900 |
| Rhode Island | $24.17 | $52,800 |
Experienced HVAC technicians can expect higher salaries, especially in states with certain economic characteristics like growing industries and higher living costs.
This table showcases the states where senior technicians, typically with 10 years of experience and more, earn the most:
| State | Average Hourly Rate | Average Annual Salary |
|---|---|---|
| California | $36.44 | $75,800 |
| Massachusetts | $35.24 | $73,300 |
| Connecticut | $35.00 | $72,800 |
| New Jersey | $34.95 | $72,700 |
| Washington | $34.86 | $72,500 |
| Alaska | $34.43 | $71,600 |
| New York | $33.75 | $70,200 |
| Hawaii | $33.47 | $69,600 |
| Minnesota | $33.37 | $69,400 |
| New Hampshire | $33.27 | $69,200 |
Delving deeper into the HVAC technician salary landscape, we turn our focus to the cities where these professionals earn the most. Big cities like San Francisco and New York often offer higher salaries, reflecting the need to compensate for the increased living expenses. Moreover, cities with booming construction and technology sectors, like Boston or Seattle, show a strong demand for HVAC expertise, driving up salaries.
The table below represents the top 20 cities in the U.S. where the HVAC technician salary is the highest:
| City | Average Hourly Rate | Average Annual Salary |
|---|---|---|
| Danbury, CT | $52.93 | $110,094 |
| Gaithersburg, MD | $49.02 | $101,961 |
| San Francisco, CA | $45.77 | $95,202 |
| Boston, MA | $43.20 | $89,856 |
| Edison, NJ | $42.48 | $88,359 |
| Philadelphia, PA | $42.45 | $88,296 |
| Williston, VT | $42.43 | $88,254 |
| Manchester, NH | $42.34 | $88,067 |
| Miami, FL | $41.66 | $86,653 |
| Anchorage, AK | $41.47 | $86,258 |
| New York, NY | $40.45 | $84,136 |
| Marietta, GA | $38.95 | $81,016 |
| Grand Rapids, MI | $37.92 | $78,874 |
| Washington, D.C. | $37.13 | $77,235 |
| Seattle, WA | $37.10 | $77,176 |
| Warwick, RI | $36.93 | $76,814 |
| Cincinnati, OH | $36.85 | $76,648 |
| Providence, RI | $36.85 | $76,648 |
| Richmond, CA | $36.46 | $75,830 |
| Littleton, CO | $35.92 | $74,174 |
In the HVAC industry, salaries can also vary widely based on specialization. Specializations like installation, service, maintenance, and repair each come with their unique skill sets, demands, and, consequently, pay scales. Let’s delve into the average salaries for HVAC technicians of these specializations, offering a clearer picture of the financial prospects in each domain.
These professionals focus primarily on the installation of new HVAC systems. Their work is project-based and often seasonal, with peak times aligning with new construction and major renovations. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), the median annual HVAC installer salary is $51,390 or $24.71 per hour. However, HVAC installers in high-demand areas or those working with advanced, high-efficiency settings systems may earn more.
Service technicians specialize in diagnosing problems, performing repairs, and ensuring the efficient operation of HVAC systems. Their roles require strong problem-solving skills and a deep understanding of HVAC systems. PayScale reports that HVAC service technicians earn an average salary of $58,645 per year, or $24.45 per hour, as of 2023. This figure can rise with experience, overtime work, and additional skills like customer service and sales.
HVAC repair technicians and service technicians, while similar in their general focus, differ in their specific job functions. Repair technicians are typically focused on troubleshooting and fixing broken HVAC systems, unlike service technicians, whose scope is broader and includes installations and maintenance of HVAC systems.
The salary for HVAC repair technicians can be variable, depending on the complexity of the work and the technician’s experience. The median pay for these technicians is close to that of installers and service technicians, ranging between $50,000 and $55,000 annually.
These technicians focus on the regular maintenance of HVAC systems, ensuring they operate efficiently and have a longer lifespan. The role often involves routine checks, filter changes, and minor repairs. The average salary for HVAC maintenance technicians is on average $50,306 yearly or $20.37 hourly, varying with location and experience.
Venturing into the world of HVAC technicians reveals a diverse and dynamic salary landscape shaped by several key factors that go beyond just experience and technical skills.
Understanding these elements can help you navigate and advance your career in this field. Let’s explore the main factors that mold the earning potential of HVAC technicians:
As we near the conclusion of our comprehensive guide to the HVAC technician salary, it becomes clear that there are tangible steps you can take to elevate your earnings.
Here are some actionable tips that can boost your career as an HVAC specialist:
Read our FAQ section if you still have some unanswered questions about HVAC technician salaries:
As the industry shifts toward more advanced, energy-efficient, and smart HVAC systems, technicians with skills in these areas are increasingly in demand. This demand translates into higher salaries for those who are proficient in installing, maintaining, and repairing these modern systems. Technicians knowledgeable about smart home integration, Internet of Things-enabled HVAC systems, or green technologies like solar-powered heating and cooling systems can command higher wages.
As mentioned above, HVAC technicians make an average of $45,760 yearly. However, Energy Technicians specializing in smart systems and energy efficiency make, on average, $82,051.
A master HVAC technician, typically with extensive experience of more than 10 years and advanced certifications, can earn significantly more than entry-level technicians. On average, they can make anywhere from $88,600 per year or higher, depending on the state, specialization, and complexity of the work they handle.
The job outlook for HVAC technicians is quite promising. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, the number of jobs for HVAC technicians is expected to grow by 5% from 2020 to 2030. This can be explained by the surge of new constructions, the increasing complexity of HVAC systems, and an emphasis on energy efficiency.
HVAC technicians have several avenues for career advancement. This can include moving into senior technical roles, specializing in areas like green technology or smart systems, stepping into management, or even starting their own HVAC businesses. Continuous education and certifications play a pivotal role in these advancements.
As we close out our exploration into the dynamic world of HVAC technician salaries, it’s evident that this profession can offer a stable income and a trajectory for substantial financial growth. The industry’s diverse landscape, influenced by factors like experience, location, and specialization, opens up numerous paths to increase your earning potential.
Whether you’re just starting out or looking to elevate your career, the keys to success are continuous learning, skill enhancement, and adaptability to industry trends.
