HVAC Technician Salary in the U.S. : A Comprehensive State-by-State Guide

December 13, 2023

HVAC News

The Heating, Ventilation, and Air Conditioning (HVAC) industry is a vital part of the U.S. economy, and HVAC technicians are at the heart of it. These skilled professionals ensure our homes and businesses remain comfortable and energy-efficient. This guide aims to provide an in-depth look at HVAC technician salaries across the United States, exploring regional differences, job responsibilities, and factors affecting earnings.

Job Responsibilities of an HVAC Technician

HVAC technicians are responsible for installing, maintaining, and repairing heating, ventilation, and air conditioning systems. This role often requires working in various settings, from residential homes to large commercial buildings, and demands a strong understanding of mechanical systems, as well as excellent problem-solving skills.

Job Prospects

The demand for skilled HVAC technicians is consistently strong, driven by the need for new installations and the maintenance of existing systems. With evolving technology and an increased focus on energy efficiency, the demand is projected to grow, offering a stable career path for those entering the field.

Skills Affecting HVAC Technician Salaries

Salaries in the HVAC industry can vary significantly based on a technician’s skill set. Key factors include technical skills, certifications (such as EPA Section 608), and soft skills like customer service. Technicians with skills in new technologies, like solar energy integration, often command higher salaries.

Average HVAC Technician Salary Range in Every State

Salaries vary from state to state. For example, HVAC technicians in California might earn an average of $58,000 annually, while their counterparts in Texas might average around $45,000. This variation often reflects local economic conditions and the cost of living.

Key Insights on HVAC Salary Ranges:

Louisiana’s Salary Paradox:

Despite boasting the highest recorded individual salary at a remarkable $111.54 per hour, Louisiana’s average hourly wage is $27.57, placing it in the lower third nationally. This highlights a significant disparity between individual high earners and the general wage level in the state.

Connecticut’s Consistent High Earnings:

Connecticut emerges as a top performer in both categories. It ranks within the top four states for the highest individual salary at $75 per hour and impressively maintains an average salary of $52.93 per hour.

Maryland’s Extremes in Salary Range:

Maryland presents a unique case with the lowest individual salary recorded at $6.73 per hour, yet it also offers one of the highest individual salaries nationwide at $76.44 per hour. This vast range suggests a diverse job market within the state.

Rhode Island and Massachusetts Set High Salary Floors:

Both Rhode Island and Massachusetts establish themselves as states with strong salary foundations. The lowest-paying jobs in these states start at over $17 per hour, indicating a higher baseline for HVAC technician wages compared to other regions.

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HVAC Jobs Paying More Than $55,000 Annually

In states with high demand for HVAC services, such as New York or Massachusetts, technicians can expect salaries above $55,000. Specializations in certain HVAC systems can also lead to higher wages.

U.S. Cities with the Highest Paying HVAC Salaries

Cities like San Francisco, New York City, and Boston often have the highest paying HVAC jobs, reflecting the higher cost of living and the demand for specialized HVAC services in densely populated urban areas.

Guide to HVAC Salaries in the U.S.

Nationally, the average HVAC technician salary is around $48,000. However, this figure can be misleading as it doesn’t account for regional variances or levels of experience.

In the diverse and dynamic field of HVAC technology, salaries can vary significantly across the United States, reflecting factors such as experience, specialization, business functions, and regional cost of living. The national average hourly wage for an HVAC technician is $24.57, but this figure only tells part of the story. Let’s delve into a more detailed state-by-state analysis:

State-by-State HVAC Salary Overview:

Alaska stands out with the highest average hourly wage at $39.48.
On the other end of the spectrum, Alabama presents the lowest average at $18.77 per hour.
Notably, the top five states with the highest average salaries are predominantly located on the East Coast.
Conversely, the bottom ten states regarding average hourly rates are primarily in the Southern U.S.
Iowa represents the median, offering an average salary of $28.85 per hour.

Are you curious about where your state ranks? Do these figures align with regional economic trends that you’ve observed?

To arrive at the national average salary for HVAC technicians, we analyzed a wide range of average hourly wages – from the lower spectrum of $8.63 to the peak at $49.97. This comprehensive examination led us to a calculated weighted average of $23.86, as highlighted at the beginning of this post.

Average HVAC Technician Salary by State

State	Entry (<2 years)	Intermediate (2-4 years)	Senior (4-7 years)	Supervisor (>7 years)
Alaska	$51,200	$61,900	$69,400	$92,900
Arizona	$44,600	$55,300	$60,500	$81,100
Arkansas	$40,100	$48,500	$54,400	$72,700
California	$50,000	$60,500	$67,800	$90,800
Colorado	$45,000	$54,500	$61,100	$81,900
Connecticut	$49,600	$59,900	$67,300	$89,600
Delaware	$45,200	$54,500	$61,300	$81,800
Florida	$43,500	$51,600	$59,000	$79,700
Georgia	$43,500	$52,100	$58,200	$78,600
Hawaii	$46,800	$56,500	$63,400	$84,900
Idaho	$41,400	$50,000	$56,100	$75,200
Illinois	$44,700	$53,900	$63,400	$80,700
Indiana	$43,900	$54,500	$59,200	$79,500
Iowa	$42,400	$51,300	$57,700	$76,700
Kansas	$45,800	$55,300	$62,200	$82,800
Kentucky	$46,000	$55,500	$62,400	$83,200
Louisiana	$43,500	$52,500	$58,900	$78,600
Maine	$47,200	$57,100	$64,300	$85,400
Maryland	$46,900	$57,900	$63,600	$84,900
Massachusetts	$48,900	$63,100	$68,300	$88,400
Michigan	$43,300	$55,700	$60,400	$78,300
Minnesota	$46,100	$57,500	$64,300	$83,300
Mississippi	$41,500	$50,100	$56,200	$75,100
Missouri	$45,500	$55,000	$61,800	$82,200
Montana	$41,800	$50,700	$56,800	$76,100
Nation	$47,100	$56,700	$63,800	$85,100
Nebraska	$45,500	$54,500	$61,800	$82,100
Nevada	$44,700	$54,200	$60,700	$81,300
New Hampshire	$48,000	$58,000	$65,200	$86,800
New Jersey	$49,500	$59,600	$67,000	$89,500
New Mexico	$41,700	$50,500	$56,600	$75,800
New York	$47,800	$62,200	$64,900	$86,300
North Carolina	$43,600	$51,400	$58,400	$78,900
North Dakota	$43,300	$52,400	$58,900	$78,400
Ohio	$44,100	$53,600	$61,300	$79,800
Oklahoma	$42,400	$51,200	$57,400	$76,700
Oregon	$45,900	$55,400	$62,200	$83,300
Pennsylvania	$44,500	$55,500	$61,300	$80,500
Rhode Island	$48,000	$58,100	$65,300	$86,900
South Carolina	$43,500	$52,400	$58,900	$78,500
South Dakota	$43,700	$52,700	$59,300	$78,900
Tennessee	$43,000	$55,100	$58,300	$77,800
Texas	$44,100	$52,400	$59,900	$79,900
Utah	$43,500	$52,700	$59,000	$79,200
Vermont	$43,500	$52,600	$59,000	$78,600
Virginia	$44,900	$53,900	$60,800	$81,100
Washington	$47,700	$57,800	$64,800	$86,700
West Virginia	$40,400	$48,700	$54,800	$73,100
Wisconsin	$43,400	$55,000	$60,700	$78,500
Wyoming	$42,400	$51,300	$57,500	$77,100

Factors Affecting HVAC Salaries

Geographical location is a major factor, but other elements like level of experience, education, and industry demand also play crucial roles in determining a technician’s salary.

While salary is important, benefits such as health insurance, retirement plans, and opportunities for overtime should also be considered. Job satisfaction and career progression opportunities are key factors as well.

Frequently Asked Questions about HVAC Technicians

1. What are the typical working environments for HVAC technicians?

HVAC technicians often find themselves in a variety of settings, as their skills are needed across a broad spectrum of locations. While a significant number work for construction companies, about one in ten HVAC technicians operate as self-employed professionals. Their work can take them to schools, hospitals, corporate buildings, residential homes, and more. Some days may involve traveling to multiple locations, while other days they might be focused on a single, long-term project at a specific site.

2. How long does it take to complete HVAC training?

The duration of HVAC training programs can vary widely, ranging from as short as six months to as long as three years. The length of the program often depends on the depth of training and whether it includes certifications or specialization in certain HVAC technologies.

3. How safe is the profession of an HVAC technician, and what safety equipment is used?

Like any profession involving technical and manual work, HVAC technicians face certain risks, particularly when handling heavy equipment or potentially hazardous materials. However, with proper safety practices and equipment, these risks can be significantly minimized. Essential safety gear for HVAC technicians includes heat and electrically insulating gloves, safety goggles, hard-soled boots, and helmets. These tools are crucial for ensuring a safe working environment and preventing accidents.

Conclusion

A career as an HVAC technician offers a stable and rewarding path with ample opportunities for growth and specialization. Salaries vary widely across the U.S., influenced by various factors including location, experience, and skill level. Aspiring and current technicians should consider all these aspects when evaluating their career prospects.

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