HVAC Technician Salary in USA 2025
Pay by state, experience level, and certification
Median Annual Salary (USA)
HVAC Technician Salary Overview
This guide covers HVAC technician salary in the US for 2025, including national averages, pay by state, and how earnings change with experience and certifications. Whether you're considering HVAC training, evaluating job offers, or planning your career advancement, these figures provide the benchmarks you need.
HVAC technicians install, maintain, and repair heating, ventilation, air conditioning, and refrigeration systems. They're essential for keeping homes, businesses, and industrial facilities comfortable and running efficiently. As climate control becomes more important and energy efficiency standards tighten, demand for skilled HVAC techs continues to grow.
HVAC is one of the most accessible high paying jobs without a degree, offering solid wages, job security, and clear advancement paths. The data here draws from BLS estimates, trade salary surveys, and industry reports, presented as realistic ranges rather than exact locked-in numbers.
What HVAC Technicians Earn: National Snapshot
HVAC technician pay in the US provides solid middle-class income with room for growth. BLS data shows median annual wages around $59,500 (approximately $28.50/hour), while various 2025 salary guides report average salaries ranging from the high-$50,000s to mid-$60,000s depending on the source.
These are gross pay estimates before taxes. Actual take-home depends on overtime, on-call work, and seasonal demand. HVAC techs who work busy seasons (summer AC, winter heating) with significant overtime can earn $70,000–$85,000+ annually.
| Metric | Typical HVAC Tech Pay (USD) | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Median Annual Wage (National) | ~$59,500 | Based on BLS data for HVAC mechanics/installers |
| Average Annual Salary | ~$57,000–$65,000 | Blended from 2025 HVAC salary guides |
| Typical Hourly Wage | ~$26–$31/hour | Varies by market, experience, and role |
| With Significant Overtime | $70,000–$90,000+ | Busy seasons, emergency calls, commercial work |
To convert hourly wages to annual salary or vice versa, use our salary calculator. For context on how HVAC pay compares to other professions, see our guide to average salary in the US.
HVAC Technician Salary by Experience Level
HVAC compensation follows a clear progression tied to experience, certifications, and specialization. Each step up brings meaningful pay increases and new opportunities.
Entry-Level / Apprentice HVAC Technician
Entry-level HVAC technicians and apprentices typically start in the $40,000–$50,000 range annually ($19–$24/hour) depending on region and employer. While below the overall HVAC average, this is competitive pay for someone building trade skills—especially compared to many entry-level jobs requiring similar education.
Apprenticeship programs typically last 3–5 years, combining paid on-the-job training with classroom instruction. Many employers offer pay increases each year as skills develop. By the final year of training, apprentices often earn close to journeyman starting wages.
Intermediate / Experienced HVAC Technician (2–6 years)
After completing training and gaining a few years of experience, HVAC technicians typically see salaries rise to $55,000–$68,000 annually ($26–$33/hour). Techs at this level handle more complex installations, diagnose difficult problems independently, and often begin specializing in particular system types.
Earning EPA Section 608 certification (required for handling refrigerants), NATE certification, and manufacturer-specific credentials can accelerate wage growth at this stage.
Senior Tech / Lead / Supervisor
Senior HVAC technicians, leads, and supervisors commonly earn $70,000–$90,000+ annually. Factors that push compensation higher include: working in commercial or industrial HVAC rather than residential, supervising crews or training newer techs, specializing in high-value systems (large chillers, building automation, refrigeration), and working in higher-paying geographic markets.
Business Owners
HVAC contractors who start their own businesses have variable but potentially much higher income. Successful owners can earn $100,000–$200,000+ in good years, though income depends on jobs won, overhead costs, staffing, and local market conditions. Business ownership carries more risk but offers significant upside for entrepreneurial techs.
HVAC Technician Salary by State
HVAC salaries vary significantly by state. Geographic location is one of the biggest factors affecting earnings—differences of $15,000–$25,000+ between high-paying and low-paying states are common.
Highest-Paying States for HVAC Technicians
Multiple salary surveys consistently identify these states among the highest-paying for HVAC techs: California, Alaska, Connecticut, Massachusetts, Washington, New Jersey, New York, and Hawaii. HVAC technicians in these states often earn $65,000–$80,000+ on average.
These higher wages typically reflect strong demand, union presence in some markets, and elevated cost of living.
Mid-Range States
States like Colorado, Minnesota, Oregon, Nevada, Maryland, and Illinois offer competitive HVAC wages—typically around the national average or slightly above ($55,000–$65,000). These markets often provide good balance between compensation and cost of living.
Lower-Paying States
Some southeastern and rural states report average HVAC salaries in the $45,000–$55,000 range. Mississippi, Arkansas, West Virginia, Alabama, and parts of the rural South typically fall into this category. However, lower cost of living in these areas often provides comparable purchasing power despite lower nominal wages.
| State Tier | Typical HVAC Salary | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Higher-paying (CA, AK, CT, MA, WA, NJ, NY) | $65,000–$80,000+ | Strong demand, higher living costs |
| Mid-range (CO, MN, OR, NV, MD, IL) | $55,000–$65,000 | Around national average; varied cost of living |
| Lower-paying (MS, AR, WV, AL, rural areas) | $45,000–$55,000 | Below average but often lower living costs |
For context on wage floors across states, see our guide to minimum wage by state.
HVAC Technician Salary by Industry and Work Type
Not all HVAC work pays the same. The type of systems you work on and the settings you work in significantly affect earning potential.
Residential Service
Residential HVAC technicians handling home heating and cooling systems, replacements, and maintenance typically earn around the national average. The work is varied and can offer flexibility, especially for those doing service calls. Many residential techs eventually start their own small HVAC businesses.
Commercial HVAC
Commercial HVAC technicians working on office buildings, retail spaces, schools, and hospitals often earn above-average wages. Commercial systems are larger and more complex, requiring advanced skills and often paying 10–20% more than residential work.
Industrial and Refrigeration
Industrial HVAC technicians maintaining large process cooling systems, factory climate control, and industrial refrigeration often earn premium wages. This work requires specialized knowledge and sometimes involves working in challenging environments, but compensation reflects the expertise required.
Specialty Work
HVAC technicians specializing in data center cooling, building automation systems, clean room environments, or advanced controls command premium rates. As technology becomes more integrated into HVAC systems, techs with programming and controls expertise are increasingly valuable.
Related Trades
For comparison with similar trades, see our guides to electrician salary and plumber salary.
Hourly Pay, Overtime, and Seasonal Demand
Most HVAC technicians are paid hourly, which means total annual income depends heavily on hours worked. Understanding how overtime and seasonal cycles affect pay is essential for realistic expectations.
Seasonal Income Variation
HVAC work follows seasonal patterns. Summer brings AC breakdowns and installations; winter brings heating emergencies. During peak seasons, many HVAC techs work 50–60+ hour weeks, earning significant overtime. Time-and-a-half for hours over 40 can add $10,000–$25,000+ to annual income.
Some techs embrace the seasonal intensity, banking significant earnings during busy periods. Others prefer the steadier schedules of commercial maintenance or industrial work, which may be less affected by weather-driven demand spikes.
On-Call and Emergency Work
Many HVAC positions include on-call rotations. Emergency calls—broken AC during a heat wave or failed furnace in winter—often pay premium rates. Techs willing to respond nights and weekends can significantly boost their income, though it affects work-life balance.
Overtime Considerations
The salary ranges in this guide typically reflect standard full-time work (40 hours/week). Actual earnings for many HVAC techs exceed these figures due to overtime, especially in busy residential service or during peak seasons.
Use our salary calculator to convert hourly rates to annual figures based on your expected hours.
How to Increase Your HVAC Salary
Strategic career moves can significantly boost your HVAC income over time.
Get Certified
EPA Section 608 certification is legally required for handling refrigerants—get it early. Beyond that, NATE (North American Technician Excellence) certification demonstrates expertise and often leads to higher pay. Manufacturer certifications (Carrier, Trane, Lennox, etc.) can also increase your value to employers who sell those brands.
Specialize in High-Value Areas
HVAC technicians with specialized skills command premium wages. In-demand specializations include: commercial and industrial HVAC systems, refrigeration (supermarkets, cold storage), building automation and controls, heat pumps (increasingly popular), and data center cooling. Pursuing training in these areas can boost your market value significantly.
Move to Higher-Paying Markets
Relocating to a higher-paying state or metro area can boost earnings 15–30%. However, weigh salary differences against cost-of-living changes—a $70,000 salary in California may not go further than $50,000 in a lower-cost market.
Move into Commercial or Industrial Work
Transitioning from residential to commercial or industrial HVAC typically brings higher pay. The systems are more complex, but the compensation reflects that.
Start Your Own Business
Experienced HVAC techs who start contracting businesses can earn significantly more than employees—but with added risk and responsibility. Success requires not just technical skills but business acumen, customer service, and the ability to manage jobs and staff.
For negotiation strategies, see our salary negotiation guide.
Job Outlook and Industry Trends
HVAC technician job prospects are solid. The Bureau of Labor Statistics projects employment growth of 6%+ through 2032—about as fast as average—with approximately 38,000 job openings annually from new positions and retirements.
Demand Drivers
Several factors are fueling demand for HVAC technicians: replacement of aging systems in existing buildings, new residential and commercial construction, increasing focus on energy efficiency and indoor air quality, growth in heat pump adoption (for both heating and cooling), smart building technology and advanced controls, and the need for skilled techs as older workers retire.
Technology Evolution
HVAC systems are becoming more sophisticated. Techs who understand variable refrigerant flow (VRF) systems, building automation, smart thermostats, and energy management software will be increasingly valuable. The field is evolving beyond pure mechanical work into systems integration.
Resilient Career Path
HVAC work cannot be easily outsourced or automated—buildings need in-person technicians. Combined with solid wages and relatively low educational debt, becoming an HVAC technician offers an attractive alternative to traditional four-year degrees.
For more careers offering strong pay without college degrees, see our guide to high paying jobs without a degree.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the average HVAC technician salary in the US in 2025?
The median HVAC technician salary is approximately $59,500 per year (~$28.50/hour) according to BLS data. Average salaries from various sources range from $57,000–$65,000 depending on methodology. With overtime during busy seasons, experienced HVAC techs often earn $70,000–$90,000+.
Which states pay HVAC technicians the most?
California, Alaska, Connecticut, Massachusetts, Washington, New Jersey, and New York consistently rank among the highest-paying states for HVAC techs, with average salaries often reaching $65,000–$80,000+. However, cost of living in these states is typically higher as well.
How much do entry-level and experienced HVAC techs earn?
Entry-level HVAC technicians typically earn $40,000–$50,000 annually while building skills. Experienced techs with 5+ years earn $55,000–$68,000. Senior technicians, supervisors, and specialists can earn $70,000–$90,000+, with successful business owners potentially earning significantly more.
Is becoming an HVAC technician worth it financially?
Yes, for most people. HVAC technicians earn solid middle-class wages ($59,500+ median) with minimal educational debt—apprentices are paid while learning. The trade offers strong job security, clear advancement paths, and potential to earn $70,000–$90,000+ for experienced professionals. Compared to four-year college degrees with substantial debt, the HVAC path often provides better financial ROI.
Do certifications increase HVAC salary?
Yes. EPA Section 608 certification is legally required for handling refrigerants. Beyond that, NATE certification and manufacturer-specific credentials (Carrier, Trane, etc.) demonstrate expertise and typically lead to higher pay—often 5–15% more than uncertified techs with similar experience. Specialized certifications in areas like building automation or heat pumps can further boost earning potential.