Heating, Ventilation, and Air Conditioning (HVAC) systems have become more common in the modern era. Whether in freezing or sweltering hot climates, the HVAC equipment can help you stay comfortable in your surroundings.
However, due to technological advancements, these systems are getting increasingly complex. Hence, there is a need for highly skilled technicians who can deal with these appliances effectively.
Considering a career in the HVAC industry can prove fruitful according to the current trends. The salary of HVAC technicians is rather competitive, as reported by the Bureau of Labor Statistics (2021).
There are technicians in certain states who earn about $100,000 annually. Moreover, a licensed HVAC technician’s entry-level salary is significantly higher than a typical electrician’s.
So, here, in this article, we will highlight the average salary of an HVAC technician according to various US states and the factors affecting the variations.
State-Wise Salary of HVAC Technicians
A major factor that entices the number of workers in any industry is salary. High-paying jobs have more employees, retaining jobs for longer.
However, the salary of an HVAC technician depends on the type of job you do. For example, apprentices, service technicians, and senior service specialists have varying salary ranges. In addition, the states in which you work also influence your salary.
So, here is the list of all the US states and the average salaries HVAC technicians receive there.
| States | Entry-Level Average Salary | Average Salary for Over 7 Years of Experience |
| Alaska | $51,200 | $92,900 |
| Arizona | $44,600 | $81,100 |
| Arkansas | $40,100 | $72,700 |
| California | $50,000 | $90,800 |
| Colorado | $45,000 | $81,900 |
| Connecticut | $49,600 | $89,600 |
| Delaware | $45,200 | $81,800 |
| Florida | $43,500 | $79,700 |
| Georgia | $43,500 | $78,600 |
| Hawaii | $46,800 | $84,900 |
| Idaho | $41,400 | $75,200 |
| Illinois | $44,700 | $80,700 |
| Indiana | $43,900 | $79,500 |
| Iowa | $42,400 | $76,700 |
| Kansas | $45,800 | $82,800 |
| Kentucky | $46,000 | $83,200 |
| Louisiana | $43,500 | $78,600 |
| Maine | $47,200 | $85,400 |
| Maryland | $46,900 | $84,900 |
| Massachusetts | $48,900 | $88,400 |
| Michigan | $43,300 | $78,300 |
| Minnesota | $45,100 | $83,300 |
| Mississippi | $41,500 | $75,100 |
| Missouri | $45,500 | $82,200 |
| Montana | $41,800 | $76,100 |
| Nebraska | $45,500 | $82,100 |
| Nevada | $44,700 | $81,300 |
| New Hampshire | $48,000 | $86,800 |
| New Jersey | $49,500 | $89,500 |
| New Mexico | $41,700 | $75,800 |
| New York | $47,800 | $86,300 |
| North Carolina | $43,600 | $78,900 |
| North Dakota | $43,300 | $78,400 |
| Ohio | $44,100 | $79,800 |
| Oklahoma | $42,400 | $76,700 |
| Oregon | $45,900 | $83,300 |
| Pennsylvania | $44,500 | $80,500 |
| Rhode Island | $48,000 | $86,900 |
| South Carolina | $43,500 | $78,500 |
| South Dakota | $43,700 | $78,900 |
| Tennessee | $43,000 | $77,800 |
| Texas | $44,100 | $79,900 |
| Utah | $43,500 | $79,200 |
| Vermont | $43,500 | $78,600 |
| Virginia | $44,900 | $81,100 |
| Washington | $47,700 | $86,700 |
| West Virginia | $40,000 | $73,100 |
| Wisconsin | $43,400 | $78,500 |
| Wyoming | $42,400 | $77,100 |
Details Regarding HVAC Technician Average Salary Data
The data gathered depends on the job’s level, function, and location. It highlights the following points.
However, please note that the average salaries do not include bonuses, benefits, commissions, or any other wage enhancements.
- The national and median average entry-level salary of an HVAC technician is $47,100.
- The national and median average salary of a technician with over 7 years of experience is $85,100.
- The salary shows significant variation in the same state as metropolitan cities offer a greater pay scale due to the high cost of living.
- The entry-level salary for an HVAC technician is the highest in San Francisco and New York. It shows that the cost of living is a determining factor for the salary of a technician.
- West Virginia and Arkansas provide the lowest average salary for entry-level technicians.
- Southern and Midwest states offer the lowest average salary despite having significant experience.
- North-east states have salaries higher than the national average for HVAC technicians.
- Certain isolated cities like Trenton in New Jersey are among the top paying areas, although New Jersey has a low average salary for technicians.
What is the Job of an HVAC Technician?
HVAC technicians must perform many tasks, including installation, repair, maintenance, and replacement. They work all year round, regulating the temperature and ventilation in residential and commercial buildings. Also, technicians can work independently or in a company, depending on their level and expertise.
The installation task involves understanding the blueprint of heating and cooling equipment. So, the technicians prepare the building for the installation of the system by making space for pipes and ductwork. Then, they do the entire work ensuring the building’s most efficient indoor weather control.
Besides, HVAC technicians must also comply with the local rules and regulations that require knowledge of the law of that particular area.
In addition, they carry out the maintenance work involving inspection of the systems. Also, they analyze and identify malfunctioning parts and do the necessary replacements. If leaks or inoperable parts exist, they repair them and ensure the system’s proper functioning.
HVAC technicians handling refrigeration and ventilation examine the systems for malfunctioning and ensure proper working. Also, they need to undergo the necessary training to work with refrigerants and take adequate precautions.
Factors Influencing HVAC Technician Salary
The average salary of an HVAC technician can range from $40,000 to $93,000 annually. However, in addition to experience and knowledge, certain factors influence the pay scale of HVAC technicians.
So, here are some factors that affect a technician’s salary.
Experience
There is a significant difference between the salaries of an entry-level and an experienced technician. Salary tends to increase depending on the level of experience and years you have spent in the industry. The more years you have, the more you will earn.
The Bureau of Labor Statistics and National Compensation Survey released the data for average salary depending on experience. On average, nationally, an entry-level technician can expect about $40,800. On the other hand, someone who has worked in the industry for about 20 years can earn about $92,500.
Geographical Location
The location of the job plays a significant role in determining your pay scale. As you can see from the table above, there is a substantial difference in the salary of technicians in certain states. It is due to the varying cost of living in these areas. Therefore, you can expect higher pay in large metropolitan cities compared to other places.
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the average salary of a technician working in San Francisco, California, is around $87,200. In comparison, a technician in Charlotte, North Carolina, earns about $49,400 on average.
Field Of Expertise
It is also a deciding factor for the salary of an HVAC technician. Jobs in the HVAC field include an installer, refrigeration technician, refrigeration mechanic, air conditioning mechanic, HVAC technician, HVAC mechanic, air conditioning technician, and more.
An air conditioning mechanic has the highest average salary of about $70,200. On the contrary, an HVAC installer has the least average wage of around $46,500. However, the skillset and licensing can also influence the salary of technicians in this domain.
How Can You Earn More as an HVAC Technician?
You can adopt various strategies to boost your pay scale and earn more as an HVAC technician.
Here are some ways to help you earn a higher salary.
Learn In-Demand Skills
Keeping up-to-date with in-demand skills can help you earn a higher pay scale. In addition, you can negotiate to get competitive pay by learning and improving your skills.
These skills include troubleshooting and diagnosis, installation, maintenance and repair, inspection, and building excellent communication skills.
Get Certified
Certification enhances your credibility and reliability. It boosts your competence and improves your chances of earning more.
Also, it reflects your dedication and enthusiasm to provide high-quality service, making you a more competitive option for your employers. In addition, you can begin your own business and work independently with a certification.
Seek Feedback and Improving Communication Skills
The feedback from your clients and employers can help you improve and identify the areas where you lack. In addition, having a good rapport with them can enhance your chances of earning high.
Also, working on your communication skills can help you collaborate with others and deliver high-quality service. It increases your demand and a chance to earn more as an HVAC technician.
Higher Demand for HVAC Technicians
Extreme temperatures led to the rising need for HVAC systems, increasing the demand for qualified technicians. Since the industry requires highly skilled workers and it is tough to find one, it has added to the demand.
Many in the industry do not have the necessary qualifications or skills to perform high-quality tasks like handing refrigerants. Thus, getting the proper training and certification can boost the competence of an HVAC technician. It improves their value and gives them a competitive edge.
So, taking the right steps and getting proper training before or after entering the industry will help you earn higher.
Winding Up
Well, several factors determine a technician’s pay scale, ranging from expertise and skills to geographical locations.
Besides, certain states like Florida and Texas, where the weather is scorching, may see a boost in demand for these technicians. Also, states like Minnesota and Colorado, where it gets extremely cold, will see a rise in technician jobs.
Thus, the increasing demand for HVAC technicians throughout the country and the world will undoubtedly influence their future salaries.