HVAC Technician Salary by State (Updated 2026 Data)
The national median salary for HVAC technicians is $59,810 per year — $28.75 per hour — according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics 2024 data. But that number masks a wide spread. Depending on your state, specialization, and experience level, you could be earning anywhere from $38,000 as a first-year apprentice to $95,000+ as a master technician in a high-demand market.
This page breaks down HVAC pay by state, by experience level, and by the factors that move your salary up or down. All figures are drawn from BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics and the BLS Occupational Outlook Handbook. Whether you’re just researching the trade or trying to figure out whether to move for a better-paying market, this is the data you need.
Table of Contents
Quick facts: HVAC Technician Salary (2026)
- National median salary: $59,810/yr (BLS, 2024)
- Hourly median: $28.75/hr (BLS, 2024)
- Entry-level (Year 1 apprentice): $32,000–$38,000/yr
- Experienced journeyman (Year 10): $65,000–$80,000/yr
- Top 10% earn: $90,000+/yr
- Total jobs (2024): 425,200
- Projected new jobs (2024–34): 34,500
- Highest-paying state: Alaska ($78,400/yr median)
- Job outlook: 8% growth projected 2024–2034 (BLS) — much faster than average
- License required: Yes — EPA 608 required federally; state license varies
What HVAC technicians actually earn — the full picture
The $59,810 median is a useful anchor, but it is not what most experienced HVAC techs make. The BLS 10th–90th percentile range runs from roughly $35,000 to $90,000 per year. That’s a $55,000 spread, which tells you this is a trade where your choices — where you work, what you specialize in, whether you go union — have a huge impact on your paycheck.
HVAC is also one of the few skilled trades where overtime is both common and expected. In peak summer and winter seasons, many HVAC techs work 50–60 hour weeks, and that overtime pay is not reflected in the median salary figures. Plenty of journeymen who report a $65,000 base salary are actually bringing home $75,000–$82,000 after seasonal overtime.
The trade also rewards commercial and industrial specialization heavily. A residential HVAC tech in a mid-tier market might earn $54,000. A commercial refrigeration technician or chiller specialist in the same city can earn $80,000+. Specialization is the single biggest lever on long-term HVAC earnings.
HVAC technician salary by state
The table below shows state-level median annual wages for HVAC technicians, sourced from BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (May 2024, the most recent release as of May 2026). States are listed by wage, highest to lowest.
| State | Median Annual Wage | Median Hourly Wage | vs. National Median |
|---|---|---|---|
| Alaska | $78,400 | $37.69 | +$18,590 |
| New Jersey | $76,400 | $36.73 | +$16,590 |
| California | $73,900 | $35.53 | +$14,090 |
| Washington | $73,100 | $35.14 | +$13,290 |
| Massachusetts | $72,800 | $35.00 | +$12,990 |
| New York | $71,600 | $34.42 | +$11,790 |
| Illinois | $71,300 | $34.28 | +$11,490 |
| Connecticut | $69,200 | $33.27 | +$9,390 |
| Oregon | $66,100 | $31.78 | +$6,290 |
| Minnesota | $64,400 | $30.96 | +$4,590 |
| Pennsylvania | $63,100 | $30.34 | +$3,290 |
| Colorado | $59,800 | $28.75 | ≈ national |
| Michigan | $59,600 | $28.65 | ≈ national |
| Virginia | $59,400 | $28.56 | ≈ national |
| Wisconsin | $58,400 | $28.08 | ≈ national |
| Ohio | $57,200 | $27.50 | -$2,610 |
| Missouri | $55,200 | $26.54 | -$4,610 |
| Indiana | $55,400 | $26.63 | -$4,410 |
| Arizona | $55,200 | $26.54 | -$4,610 |
| Texas | $53,200 | $25.58 | -$6,610 |
| Georgia | $52,800 | $25.38 | -$7,010 |
| North Carolina | $51,400 | $24.71 | -$8,410 |
| Tennessee | $50,700 | $24.38 | -$9,110 |
| Florida | $50,100 | $24.09 | -$9,710 |
| Alabama | $48,700 | $23.41 | -$11,110 |
| Arkansas | $46,100 | $22.16 | -$13,710 |
Source: BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics, May 2024. National median: BLS Occupational Outlook Handbook, 2024–25 edition ($59,810/yr, $28.75/hr). State figures represent median wages for SOC code 49-9021 (Heating, Air Conditioning, and Refrigeration Mechanics and Installers). Hourly wage calculated as annual ÷ 2,080 hours.
Good to know
BLS wage data covers base pay and does not include overtime, bonuses, or on-call premiums. In many HVAC markets — especially during peak summer and winter demand seasons — total compensation runs 15–25% higher than the figures shown here. Union members in particular often receive health benefits, pension contributions, and overtime rates that add substantial value beyond the base wage.
HVAC technician pay by experience level
Your experience level — and specifically your license tier — is the second biggest driver of HVAC salary after location. Here is what the progression looks like at national median wage levels, based on BLS percentile data.
| Experience Level | Typical Annual Pay | Hourly Rate | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Year 1 — Apprentice | $32,000–$38,000 | $15–$18 | Entry-level helper or first-year apprentice; no EPA certification yet |
| Year 2–3 — Apprentice | $40,000–$50,000 | $19–$24 | EPA 608 certified; handling installs and maintenance with supervision |
| Journeyman (Year 4–5) | $52,000–$65,000 | $25–$31 | State journeyman license; working independently on residential and light commercial |
| Experienced Journeyman (Year 8–10) | $65,000–$80,000 | $31–$38 | Commercial and industrial work; NATE certifications add value here |
| Master Tech / Foreman (Year 12+) | $80,000–$97,000 | $38–$47 | Master license; leading crews, managing large commercial projects |
| Top Specialist (Industrial / Chiller) | $92,000–$125,000+ | $44–$60+ | Chiller technicians, industrial refrigeration, data center HVAC; highest demand niche |
The jump from journeyman to experienced journeyman is where most HVAC techs see the biggest salary increase. This is typically where NATE (North American Technician Excellence) certifications pay off — employers pay a measurable premium for NATE-certified technicians, particularly in commercial work.
Pro tip
Don’t stop at residential. The biggest salary jump in HVAC comes from moving into commercial and industrial work — specifically large-tonnage chillers, data center cooling, and industrial refrigeration. Techs who specialize in these systems routinely earn $90,000–$125,000 in markets like New York, Chicago, and California. The training time is longer, but the pay ceiling is substantially higher than residential service work.
What affects your HVAC salary the most
1. State and metro market
The state you work in is the single biggest variable in HVAC pay. New Jersey pays a $76,400 median — that’s $16,590 more per year than the national median. Arkansas sits at $46,100, nearly $14,000 below it. The gap is driven by unionization rates, local labor demand, cost of living adjustments, and how many licensed HVAC contractors are competing for the same workers.
Within states, metro areas pay more than rural areas. A journeyman in Chicago earns significantly more than a journeyman in downstate Illinois. Always look at metro-level BLS data (available at bls.gov/oes) if you’re evaluating a specific city.
2. Residential vs. commercial vs. industrial
This is the second-biggest salary variable, and it’s one you can control.
Residential
- Most common entry point
- Typical pay: $50,000–$65,000
- High service call volume
- Commission potential on upsells
- Faster to get started
Commercial
- Higher base wages
- Typical pay: $62,000–$85,000
- Rooftop units, chillers, VAV systems
- More complex troubleshooting
- Union work common here
Industrial
- Highest pay ceiling
- Typical pay: $78,000–$125,000+
- Data centers, pharma, cold storage
- Strictest certification requirements
- Most specialized training path
3. Union vs. non-union employment
Union HVAC technicians — primarily organized through UA Local unions (United Association of Plumbers and Pipefitters, which covers HVAC) — typically earn 15–25% more than their non-union counterparts in the same market, plus health insurance and pension benefits that non-union workers rarely receive.
The tradeoff is that union work is more concentrated in certain metro areas and requires completing a formal apprenticeship through the union. In states like Illinois, New York, and New Jersey, union membership is common and accessible. In right-to-work states in the South and Mountain West, non-union work is the dominant path.
4. Certifications
The EPA 608 certification is mandatory for any tech who handles refrigerants — it’s required by federal law, not optional. Beyond that, NATE certification (North American Technician Excellence) is the industry’s main voluntary credential and it pays. A 2023 ACCA industry survey found NATE-certified technicians earn an average of 7–12% more than uncertified techs in the same market.
For commercial and industrial work, manufacturer-specific certifications from Carrier, Trane, York, or Daikin can also move your pay up — particularly if you want to work on those brands’ service contracts.
5. Overtime and on-call premiums
HVAC has a seasonal demand structure that creates real overtime income opportunity. In Phoenix in July or Minneapolis in January, HVAC companies are overbooked and actively need techs to work extra hours. Many experienced techs earn $10,000–$20,000 in seasonal overtime on top of their base salary. This is a significant income lever that does not show up in the BLS median figures.
Highest-paying states for HVAC technicians
If you’re considering relocating for higher pay, these are the states where HVAC median wages are furthest above the national median — and where the labor market is strong enough to support that premium long-term.
| Rank | State | Median HVAC Salary | Above National Median | Why It Pays More |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Alaska | $78,400 | +$18,590 | Remote labor premium, extreme climate, limited technician supply |
| 2 | New Jersey | $76,400 | +$16,590 | Dense commercial market, strong union presence (UA), high cost of living |
| 3 | California | $73,900 | +$14,090 | Large commercial/industrial sector, high COL adjustment, strict licensing |
| 4 | Washington | $73,100 | +$13,290 | Tech sector data centers, strong commercial demand in Seattle metro |
| 5 | Massachusetts | $72,800 | +$12,990 | High COL, active union market, dense commercial and institutional buildings |
| 6 | New York | $71,600 | +$11,790 | NYC commercial density, union UA Local 638, high demand for service techs |
| 7 | Illinois | $71,300 | +$11,490 | Chicago commercial market, strong UA presence, cold winters drive demand |
Pro tip
Washington state is worth a close look for HVAC techs interested in the data center sector. The Seattle and Eastern Washington markets have seen significant growth in data center construction through 2025–2026, driven by AI infrastructure buildout. Data center HVAC — specifically precision cooling and chiller systems — commands a meaningful premium over standard commercial work, and Washington’s tech industry creates consistent demand for these specialists.
HVAC salary vs. other skilled trades
HVAC sits in the middle of the skilled trades salary range. Here’s how it compares to the other major trades at the national median level, based on BLS 2024 data.
| Trade | National Median Salary | Job Growth (2024–34) | Training Time |
|---|---|---|---|
| Elevator Installer | $97,860 | ~4% | 4–5 yr apprenticeship |
| Electrician | $72,950 | 9.5% | 4–5 yr apprenticeship |
| Plumber / Pipefitter | $60,090 | ~6% | 4–5 yr apprenticeship |
| HVAC Technician | $59,810 | 8% | 6 mo–2 yr + apprenticeship |
| Wind Turbine Tech | $61,770 | 44% | Associate degree or cert |
| Carpenter | $57,800 | ~2% | 3–4 yr apprenticeship |
| Welder | $47,540 | ~3% | 6 mo–2 yr |
| Solar PV Installer | $47,000 | 48% | 1 yr + OJT |
All salary data: BLS, 2024.
HVAC’s advantage over electricians and plumbers is the shorter training path — you can be a working, earning HVAC tech in 6–12 months through a trade program, compared to 4–5 years for an electrician apprenticeship. The median salary gap between HVAC and plumbing is now just $280 per year at the national level. At the specialist level, commercial and industrial HVAC techs can match or exceed journeyman electrician wages in many markets.
If you want to compare salary potential across all the major trades before committing, the trades salary estimator tool lets you select any trade, any state, and any experience level to get a wage estimate based on BLS data.
HVAC also competes favorably on job growth — the 8% projected growth through 2034 is classified by BLS as “much faster than average.” This is driven by climate-related demand, aging building infrastructure, and ongoing commercial construction.
If you want to know about business opportunities in the HVAC trades, here’s how to start an HVAC Business (Step-by-Step).
Watch out
Some trade school marketing materials advertise HVAC “salaries” of $75,000–$80,000 for graduates without disclosing that those figures typically reflect 10+ years of experience in high-paying markets. First-year HVAC techs realistically earn $32,000–$38,000. That’s still a solid entry wage — and it grows fast with experience — but it’s not the figure some programs imply. Verify salary claims against BLS state-level data at bls.gov/oes before enrolling in any program.
Frequently asked questions
How much do HVAC technicians make per hour?
The national median hourly wage for HVAC technicians is $28.75 per hour, according to BLS 2024 data (annual median: $59,810). Entry-level apprentices typically start at $15–$18/hr. Experienced journeymen in commercial work earn $31–$38/hr, and top industrial specialists in high-paying states can exceed $50/hr.
What state pays HVAC technicians the most?
Alaska has the highest median HVAC salary at $78,400/yr (BLS, May 2024), driven by remote labor premiums and extreme climate demands. Among the contiguous 48 states, New Jersey ($76,400), California ($73,900), Washington ($73,100), and Massachusetts ($72,800) are the top-paying markets — all driven by a combination of high cost of living, strong union presence, and large commercial HVAC demand.
Can HVAC technicians make $100,000 a year?
Yes — but it typically requires 10+ years of experience, a master-level license or specialized industrial certifications, and working in a high-paying state or metro market. The BLS reports that the top 10% of HVAC technicians nationally earn $90,000 or more. Industrial specialists in chiller systems, data center cooling, or commercial refrigeration in markets like New York, California, or Illinois can exceed $100,000 through a combination of base salary and seasonal overtime.
Does HVAC pay more than plumbing or electrical?
At the national median, HVAC ($59,810) pays very close to plumbing ($60,090) — just $280 less per year — and noticeably less than electrical ($72,950). However, HVAC has a shorter path to employment: you can be earning in 6–12 months versus 4–5 years for a full electrical apprenticeship. At the specialist level, commercial and industrial HVAC techs can match or exceed journeyman electrician wages in many markets.
Do union HVAC technicians earn more?
Generally yes. Union HVAC technicians — primarily organized through the United Association (UA) — typically earn 15–25% more in base wages than non-union techs in the same market, and receive health insurance and pension benefits that most non-union workers do not. Union work is concentrated in major metro areas in the Northeast, Midwest, and Pacific Northwest. In right-to-work states across the South, non-union is the dominant path and wages are lower as a result.
How does NATE certification affect HVAC pay?
NATE (North American Technician Excellence) is the leading voluntary certification in HVAC, and it carries a measurable pay premium. A 2023 ACCA industry survey found NATE-certified technicians earn an average of 7–12% more than uncertified techs at the same experience level. The certification is particularly valuable for commercial work, where employers and service contract clients use NATE status as a quality benchmark. It typically takes 1–2 years of field experience before sitting for the NATE exam.
Is HVAC a good career in 2026?
HVAC has strong fundamentals in 2026. The BLS projects 8% job growth through 2034 — classified as “much faster than average” — with 34,500 new positions expected over the decade. The trade is driven by aging building infrastructure, increasing climate-related demand for cooling capacity, and commercial construction activity. It is not at significant automation risk in the near term, and the ongoing shortage of trained technicians means employers are actively competing for qualified workers.
To find out which trades are paid the most in 2026, read: highest paying trade jobs — full ranking.
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