How Much Do HVAC Technicians Make? Salary by State (2026)
HVAC technicians install, maintain, and repair heating, ventilation, air conditioning, and refrigeration systems — and the demand for their skills keeps growing. Whether you’re exploring HVAC as a career or already working in the field, this guide shows what HVAC techs actually earn using Bureau of Labor Statistics data, breaks it down by state, and compares those earnings to the real cost of getting licensed.
Important: Salary data below comes from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics program. Our database tracks licensing data. For the most current salary figures, visit bls.gov directly.
National Salary Overview
The national median annual wage for HVAC mechanics and installers is $59,810. The middle 50% earn between $58,490 and $101,270, with experienced technicians holding specialized certifications earning well above the 75th percentile.
National Median
$59,810
25th Percentile
$58,490
75th Percentile
$101,270
HVAC Technician Salary by State
HVAC pay varies significantly by state. Climate plays a role — states with extreme temperatures (hot summers or cold winters) tend to have higher demand for HVAC services. The table below shows every state with available BLS data, sorted by median pay.
| State | Median Salary | 25th Percentile | 75th Percentile | Employment |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| AK | $83,660 | $58,490 | $101,270 | 790 |
| DC | $83,390 | $76,040 | $102,040 | 370 |
| MA | $76,990 | $62,380 | $96,830 | 7,960 |
| CT | $73,910 | $59,320 | $81,270 | 4,440 |
| MN | $73,390 | $58,690 | $83,260 | 5,190 |
| IL | $71,620 | $50,610 | $87,810 | 8,510 |
| NJ | $69,800 | $50,640 | $86,780 | 10,680 |
| WA | $67,630 | $52,690 | $85,080 | 7,090 |
| ND | $66,770 | $51,480 | $78,280 | 1,100 |
| NY | $66,670 | $50,970 | $84,570 | 22,710 |
| CA | $65,290 | $55,730 | $84,720 | 34,020 |
| MD | $65,000 | $52,080 | $80,200 | 6,380 |
| NH | $64,410 | $53,290 | $76,680 | 2,120 |
| HI | $63,780 | $58,560 | $73,470 | 1,110 |
| RI | $63,580 | $47,660 | $78,830 | 1,320 |
| CO | $63,420 | $50,900 | $80,010 | 8,870 |
| OR | $62,740 | $49,360 | $78,290 | 3,690 |
| ME | $62,130 | $52,950 | $74,240 | 2,110 |
| WI | $62,030 | $51,800 | $77,400 | 5,930 |
| PA | $61,120 | $49,470 | $74,170 | 16,930 |
| VA | $60,630 | $48,240 | $72,970 | 13,640 |
| OH | $60,490 | $47,590 | $74,900 | 13,570 |
| MO | $60,330 | $46,550 | $77,630 | 8,360 |
| IN | $60,310 | $48,130 | $76,520 | 7,620 |
| VT | $60,170 | $49,090 | $67,910 | 1,050 |
| MI | $60,090 | $47,620 | $74,460 | 13,720 |
| DE | $59,940 | $48,980 | $76,730 | 1,790 |
| NE | $59,690 | $48,310 | $64,840 | 3,080 |
| IA | $59,490 | $48,550 | $72,620 | 3,990 |
| SD | $59,460 | $49,560 | $63,800 | 1,130 |
| NV | $59,230 | $48,060 | $75,590 | 4,240 |
| KY | $58,880 | $47,860 | $69,440 | 6,230 |
| MT | $58,600 | $47,360 | $72,070 | 1,050 |
| KS | $56,750 | $46,720 | $63,190 | 4,100 |
| AZ | $56,580 | $48,090 | $63,500 | 10,850 |
| UT | $56,200 | $47,280 | $70,000 | 5,370 |
| SC | $55,260 | $46,800 | $61,310 | 6,370 |
| GA | $55,020 | $45,280 | $62,780 | 12,210 |
| NM | $55,020 | $40,360 | $64,430 | 1,820 |
| TX | $54,050 | $45,790 | $70,050 | 32,070 |
| LA | $53,510 | $41,950 | $64,780 | 5,040 |
| ID | $52,730 | $46,570 | $64,360 | 3,570 |
| NC | $51,940 | $46,360 | $61,650 | 13,750 |
| TN | $51,480 | $45,220 | $63,430 | 10,510 |
| OK | $50,920 | $38,540 | $63,440 | 4,820 |
| WY | $50,920 | $42,640 | $63,660 | 570 |
| FL | $50,580 | $45,880 | $61,650 | 38,290 |
| AL | $49,290 | $42,880 | $59,910 | 7,330 |
| MS | $47,270 | $38,380 | $59,040 | 2,960 |
| AR | $47,240 | $38,860 | $59,550 | 4,890 |
| WV | $46,040 | $37,520 | $53,820 | 1,450 |
Top 10 Highest-Paying States for HVAC Technicians
These states offer the highest median pay for HVAC technicians:
Remember that cost of living varies substantially between these states. A lower median salary in a low-cost state may offer comparable or better purchasing power.
Licensing Cost vs. Earning Potential
Our verified licensing database shows the average total initial cost to get an HVAC license is approximately $252 across the 39 states we track. Compared to a national median salary of $59,810, the licensing investment pays for itself almost immediately.
Additionally, EPA Section 608 certification (required for handling refrigerants) is relatively inexpensive, and many employers cover the cost. The financial barrier to entry in HVAC is low relative to the earning potential.
See our HVAC license cost breakdown for exact fees in every state.
Factors That Affect HVAC Pay
Experience and Certifications
Entry-level HVAC technicians earn less than experienced journeymen. Industry certifications from organizations like NATE (North American Technician Excellence) can boost your marketability and pay. Technicians with specialized certifications in areas like commercial refrigeration or building automation systems command premium wages.
Location and Climate
States with extreme weather conditions generate more year-round HVAC work. The state-by-state salary data above reflects this — regions where both heating and cooling are essential tend to support higher wages and more consistent employment.
Specialization
HVAC technicians who specialize in commercial systems, industrial refrigeration, clean room environments, or building energy management systems typically earn more than residential-focused techs. The growing demand for energy-efficient systems and heat pump technology is creating new premium specializations.
Union vs. Non-Union
Union HVAC technicians generally earn higher wages and better benefits. Union representation is particularly strong in commercial and industrial HVAC work. Availability varies by region.
Overtime and Emergency Work
HVAC is a field where emergency calls are common — broken furnaces in winter and failed AC in summer create urgent demand. Technicians willing to work evenings, weekends, and holidays can significantly boost their annual earnings through overtime and emergency service premiums.
Start Your HVAC Career
Related guides: HVAC Requirements by State · Easiest States · Do You Need a License? · License With a Record
Salary data on this page is sourced from the Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics program. Licensing cost data is from our verified state-by-state database. Factors affecting pay are general guidance. For the most current figures, visit bls.gov.
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