Hiring and People
Projected HVAC technician salaries by state and city for 2026, compiled using data from Payscale.com and the Bureau of Labor Statistics.
How much do licensed HVAC techs make in your city or state? Using salary data from Payscale.com and the Bureau of Labor Statistics, we've compiled projected HVAC salaries by state and city for 2026. Projected national average salary increases nationally for HVAC industry workers:
Below is a breakdown of the projected average annual salary for HVAC workers based on state and experience for 2026:
Part of the Hiring and People section in the HVAC Business Blog.
Entry-level technicians: 3.44% increase
Intermediate technicians: 3.46% increase
Senior technicians: 3.62% increase
HVAC supervisors: 3.53% increase
STATE | ENTRY (<2 years) | INTERMEDIATE (2-4 years) | SENIOR (4-7 years) | SUPERVISOR (>7 years) |
Alabama | $50,900 | $61,900 | $72,600 | $85,400 |
Alaska | $55,700 | $67,700 | $79,400 | $93,500 |
Arizona | $52,900 | $64,300 | $75,400 | $88,700 |
Arkansas | $50,000 | $60,800 | $71,400 | $84,000 |
California | $59,200 | $72,000 | $84,500 | $99,400 |
Colorado | $54,800 | $66,500 | $78,100 | $91,900 |
Connecticut | $56,500 | $68,600 | $80,600 | $94,800 |
Delaware | $54,700 | $66,500 | $78,100 | $91,800 |
Florida | $52,100 | $63,300 | $74,300 | $87,400 |
Georgia | $53,000 | $64,400 | $75,600 | $89,000 |
Hawaii | $56,100 | $68,200 | $80,100 | $94,200 |
Idaho | $51,300 | $62,300 | $73,200 | $86,100 |
Illinois | $55,200 | $67,100 | $78,800 | $92,700 |
Indiana | $52,000 | $63,100 | $74,100 | $87,200 |
Iowa | $51,100 | $62,100 | $72,900 | $85,800 |
Kansas | $51,900 | $63,100 | $74,000 | $87,100 |
Kentucky | $51,100 | $62,000 | $72,800 | $85,700 |
Louisiana | $52,200 | $63,400 | $74,500 | $87,600 |
Maine | $52,500 | $63,800 | $74,900 | $88,200 |
Maryland | $55,500 | $67,500 | $79,200 | $93,200 |
Massachusetts | $57,500 | $69,800 | $82,000 | $96,400 |
Michigan | $53,200 | $64,600 | $75,900 | $89,300 |
Minnesota | $54,400 | $66,100 | $77,600 | $91,400 |
Mississippi | $49,500 | $60,200 | $70,700 | $83,100 |
Missouri | $52,300 | $63,600 | $74,600 | $87,800 |
Montana | $50,800 | $61,700 | $72,500 | $85,300 |
Nation | $54,100 | $65,700 | $77,200 | $90,800 |
Nebraska | $51,500 | $62,600 | $73,400 | $86,400 |
Nevada | $53,000 | $64,400 | $75,600 | $88,900 |
New Hampshire | $55,000 | $66,800 | $78,500 | $92,300 |
New Jersey | $58,300 | $70,800 | $83,100 | $97,800 |
New Mexico | $52,500 | $63,700 | $74,800 | $88,000 |
New York | $56,900 | $69,200 | $81,200 | $95,600 |
North Carolina | $52,900 | $64,300 | $75,500 | $88,800 |
North Dakota | $51,300 | $62,400 | $73,200 | $86,100 |
Ohio | $52,200 | $63,400 | $74,400 | $87,500 |
Oklahoma | $51,200 | $62,200 | $73,000 | $85,900 |
Oregon | $55,000 | $66,800 | $78,400 | $92,200 |
Pennsylvania | $53,900 | $65,500 | $76,900 | $90,500 |
Rhode Island | $54,400 | $66,100 | $77,600 | $91,300 |
South Carolina | $51,200 | $62,200 | $73,000 | $85,900 |
South Dakota | $50,100 | $60,800 | $71,400 | $84,000 |
Tennessee | $51,700 | $62,800 | $73,700 | $86,700 |
Texas | $53,900 | $65,500 | $76,900 | $90,400 |
Utah | $52,700 | $64,000 | $75,100 | $88,400 |
Vermont | $51,200 | $62,200 | $73,000 | $85,900 |
Virginia | $54,700 | $66,500 | $78,100 | $91,900 |
Washington | $58,000 | $70,500 | $82,700 | $97,300 |
West Virginia | $49,200 | $59,800 | $70,100 | $82,500 |
Wisconsin | $52,700 | $64,100 | $75,200 | $88,500 |
Wyoming | $49,600 | $60,200 | $70,700 | $83,200 |
Setting the right salary for your HVAC technicians is one of the biggest challenges for business owners. The market moves fast, and knowing where you stand compared to other shops in your area makes all the difference when it comes to recruiting and keeping your best people.
Having reliable salary data takes the guesswork out of compensation decisions and helps you build competitive offers that attract qualified candidates without overpaying.
“Finding and keeping skilled technicians is harder than ever,” says one North Carolina HVAC contractor. “You’re constantly balancing labor costs, workload, overtime, and customer demand.”
Salary data nationally shows the following trends for the average salary for an HVAC field service tech:
Technicians with less than two years of experience are projected to earn:
Average annual salary: $54,900
Average hourly rate: $26.39
HVAC technicians with 2-4 years of experience earn an estimated:
Average annual salary: $66,700
Average hourly rate: $32.07
Senior HVAC professionals with 4-7 years of experience are projected to earn:
Average annual salary: $78,400
Average hourly rate: $37.69
HVAC supervisors and field managers with over seven years of experience earn:
Average annual salary: $92,200
Average hourly rate: $44.33
Since June 2024, New Jersey (4.04%), California (3.97%) and Illinois (3.92%) are expected to have the biggest increases in entry-level salaries. There are no projected salary decreases.
The career path in the trades remains a strong option, especially for those not interested in a traditional four-year college route. A career in HVAC services is widely considered recession-proof; buildings always need heating and cooling, regardless of the broader economy. And you get paid while you learn, unlike a college path that often comes with significant debt.
The number of HVAC jobs continues to grow. The HVAC industry is expected to add 40,100 jobs per year through 2034, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), a growth rate of 8%, which is much faster than the average for all occupations.
The salary data is provided by Payscale, which collaborates with human resources and compensation experts to modernize compensation and salary benchmarking through technology.
The data includes figures for the 10th, 50th, and 90th percentiles for various experience levels, providing a range for HVAC salaries that informs hiring managers and job seekers alike. The 90th percentile figure is the salary at which 90% of similar employees earn less and 10% earn more.
The data is broken down by state, region, and selected cities for HVAC tech salaries.
Among the key findings from the most recent HVAC tech salary data:
The 50th percentile national salary for an entry-level HVAC technician (0-2 years of experience) is $54,100. Intermediate HVAC technicians (2-4 years) earn $65,700, while experienced HVAC technicians (4-7 years) earn $77,200.
The national average entry-level HVAC technician salary is expected to increase by 3.44% in the coming year. HVAC supervisors with seven or more years of experience earn a median salary of $90,800.
HVAC technician salaries vary widely, even within the same state. In California, for example, intermediate HVAC technicians in the tenth percentile are expected to earn $72,000. In the 90th percentile, it is $88,200. In Ohio, the figures are $63,400 and $77,700.
The 50th percentile is higher than the national figure for entry-level HVAC technicians. In 17 of the 50 states, the 50th percentile of entry-level HVAC technicians exceeds the national average.
Entry-level HVAC technicians have the highest projected median pay in two of the nation's biggest cities: San Francisco ($64,200, $30.87 per hour) and New York City ($60,600, $29.13 per hour).
The cost of living is an important factor to consider. San Francisco pays the highest salary for entry-level HVAC technicians at $64,200, but the high cost of home ownership means the dollars are worth less when the cost of living is taken into account.
Wyoming ($49,600), Mississippi ($49,500), and West Virginia ($49,200) have the lowest projected median salaries for entry-level HVAC technicians, while California ($59,200), New Jersey ($58,300), and Washington ($58,000) have the highest.
As with all jobs, HVAC technician salaries are tied to supply and demand. The more job openings there are relative to qualified candidates, the higher the salary must be to fill positions.
HVAC business owners, like others in the skilled trades, struggle to find qualified employees in a highly competitive climate. They also worry about investing time and money in training, only to see those HVAC technicians leave for another company or go out on their own.
That's part of the reality for HVAC owners today. But more money isn't always the answer. Technicians want a great workplace culture, and that culture provides real value.
The industry is behind on having great techs, and some companies will pay anything just to put a Band-Aid over their staffing needs. Technicians will jump for a dollar or two quickly if they need the money or if you just have a bad culture. But sometimes money alone isn't the answer.
Contractors must also work to change a misguided, negative perception of the trades. The same potential employees targeted by home and commercial services companies, the ones working for Uber and DoorDash, think technology and the ability to make your own schedule are appealing.
The average Uber driver yearly pay in North Carolina is around $28,657, which is nearly half of what an entry-level HVAC technician can earn. And that gap only widens with experience.
The reality is clear: a career in the trades offers stability, higher earning potential, and long-term growth that gig economy work simply can't match. The industry needs to do a better job communicating that message to the next generation of workers.
Beyond a salary that aligns with industry standards, recruiting and retaining qualified personnel for an HVAC technician job requires:
Attractive benefits: Health, vision, and dental insurance, a retirement plan, and paid time off are the basics. Level up your benefits program with perks that make your company stand out, like a free gym membership, paid volunteer days, and company-sponsored events.
Career growth opportunities: Offer training programs, mentorship opportunities, and continuous learning initiatives. Encourage career growth with clear paths for advancement and professional development courses.
Bonuses and incentives: Implement performance-based bonuses for meeting efficiency and customer-satisfaction targets. Offer incentives like tool allowances, safety bonuses, and rewards for completing additional certifications. Recognize outstanding work with spot bonuses and celebrate milestones with team events.
Technology that reduces admin burden: One of the most overlooked retention strategies is giving your team modern tools that eliminate busywork. When your office staff isn't buried in phone calls and manual scheduling, and your techs have clear, organized schedules, everyone is happier and more productive.
Many HVAC companies now prioritize technicians who can combine technical expertise with strong communication skills. Troubleshooting a problem, performing repairs, or being a member of an installation crew necessitates technical ability but not necessarily sales ability. However, recognizing and capitalizing on opportunities boosts business revenue and raises technicians' earning potential.
The ideal service technician has an attitude that's a little outgoing and a little persuasive, not necessarily someone who's just really friendly and personable, because that type can spend all their time talking to customers without selling anything.
You can train a lot of the technical skills. Training salespeople is definitely harder.
There's an understanding in the industry that techs need training, but sales skills are sometimes looked down upon. Weldon Long, a former HVAC company owner who is now a New York Times best-selling author and in-demand speaker, trainer, and consultant, says, "You would never grab your accountant and ask, Hey, can you run some service calls for me today?" We understand that a service technician needs to be trained, experienced, and skilled. The same principle should apply to sales.
When it comes to sales, the function needs to be elevated. It's not more important than service techs and quality installations, but it's equally important. And it directly impacts the HVAC technician's earning potential.
Salaries can vary by job title and description. Sales techs typically make more than HVAC installers and service techs, for instance.
Cost of living is also a factor not addressed in the database. For example, the median base pay for an entry-level HVAC tech in Charleston, West Virginia, is $48,500. To have the same standard of living in San Francisco, you'd need to make approximately $96,942, according to Bankrate's Cost of Living calculator. The median pay for an entry-level HVAC tech in San Francisco is $64,200.
Licensing requirements vary slightly by state. Some states require lengthy apprentice periods. An HVAC or refrigeration apprentice's salary could be less than that of licensed, entry-level HVAC technicians with all certifications. North Carolina, for example, requires 3,000 hours as a trainee to become licensed.
Commercial HVAC salary vs. Residential HVAC salary: There are various career paths available to an HVAC worker. The HVAC tech’s average salary database does not separate professionals into commercial vs. residential. It also doesn't account for any HVAC system specialization.
Other factors could be in play as well, such as experience level, skill set, whether the HVAC technician is unionized, and more.
Paying competitive HVAC technician salaries is essential for attracting and retaining top talent. But salaries are only one piece of the profitability puzzle. Every missed call, every lead that goes to voicemail, and every no-show appointment costs your business real money that could be going toward better compensation for your team.
That's where Larry, your AI Employee from CloseCrew, comes in.
Most home services businesses lose 40% of leads after-hours. Larry answers every call, text, and webchat 24/7; so you're always the first to respond. When a homeowner's AC goes out at 10 PM, Larry picks up the call, qualifies the job, and books it directly into your calendar. No voicemails. No lost revenue.
HVAC businesses using CloseCrew have seen results like:
57 additional appointments booked in 30 days (Warner Super Service)
$40K saved annually with Voice AI (Top Mechanical Service Inc.)
40% more calls handled with CloseCrew Phones
$2,000/month saved by replacing traditional answering services (Air Texas)
Instead of spending hours fielding calls, chasing down leads, and manually scheduling technicians, your team can focus on higher-value work. Larry handles the front desk so your people can focus on what they do best; whether that's dispatching, customer follow-up, or growing the business.
CloseCrew customers report saving 5-15 hours per week on administrative tasks.
Larry doesn't just answer inbound calls. CloseCrew's AI marketing tools proactively manage maintenance agreements, send renewal and upsell offers, re-engage past customers, and follow up on unsold estimates. Your calendar stays full year-round.
Larry knows your routes and technician skillsets, suggesting appointments and technicians that are available and nearby. This means fewer wasted drive hours and more billable jobs per day; which directly impacts how much you can afford to pay your team.
CloseCrew integrates with 200+ tools your front and back office already use, so there's no disruption to your day-to-day operations. Premium onboarding gets you up and running in days, not months.
When you're paying competitive HVAC salaries, every dollar of revenue matters. CloseCrew helps you capture more leads, book more jobs, and run a tighter operation; so you can invest in the team that keeps your business growing.
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The projected national average salary for an entry-level HVAC technician in 2026 is approximately $54,900 per year, while senior HVAC technicians can earn more than $78,000 annually.
California, New Jersey, and Washington are among the highest-paying states for HVAC technicians in 2026. Highest HVAC average salary by state: Lowest HVAC average salary by state:
HVAC technicians have high earning potential, especially for those who don't want to go to college. Requiring only a high school diploma or the equivalent, the median salary nationally for an entry-level HVAC technician is $54,100, and for senior level HVAC technicians the median figure rises to $77,200. But there are other factors to consider when answering the question, "How much do HVAC technicians make?"
Bigger cities tend to have higher salaries for HVAC technicians. San Francisco has the highest entry-level HVAC technician salary at $64,200, or $30.87 per hour. Entry-Level HVAC Salaries by City:
HVAC technician vs. plumber salary: Nationally, the 50th percentile salary for an entry-level HVAC technician ($54,100) is higher than the 50th percentile salary for a plumber ($53,900). HVAC technician vs. electrician salary: Nationally, entry-level HVAC technicians ($54,100) make less than entry-level electricians ($60,600). Salaries for all three trades increase most rapidly, generally by about 20%-30%, by the time the technician reaches the intermediate level (2-4 years). Licensed HVAC salaries increase more slowly afterward. Median National Salary by Trade: Entry Level: Intermediate: Senior:
Run the numbers before you update your price book or field software.
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A homeowner's water heater goes out at 7 PM on a Friday. They call your number. Voicemail. They hang up and call the next contractor. That job is gone. Not delayed. Gone. This post breaks down the real cost of missed calls and the system that ensures you never lose another one.
