How Much Does an HVAC Technician Make? Salary by State
Median annual salary (U.S.)
$61,010
HVAC technicians in the U.S. earn a median of $61,010 a year, or $29.33 an hour. Half of HVAC technicians earn more than $61,010 and half earn less. The top 10% make more than $95,210.
Pay percentiles for HVAC technicians
| Percentile | Hourly | Annual |
|---|---|---|
| 10th | $19.25 | $40,050 |
| 25th | $23.25 | $48,360 |
| 50th (median) | $29.33 | $61,010 |
| 75th | $37.05 | $77,060 |
| 90th | $45.78 | $95,210 |
U.S. wages, May 2025. BLS occupation: Heating, Air Conditioning, and Refrigeration Mechanics and Installers (SOC 49-9021). Source: BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS)
Highest-paying states for HVAC technicians
| State | Median annual | Median hourly | vs. U.S. |
|---|---|---|---|
| District of Columbia | $84,390 | $40.57 | +38% |
| Alaska | $77,430 | $37.23 | +27% |
| Illinois | $77,410 | $37.21 | +27% |
| Massachusetts | $77,300 | $37.16 | +27% |
| Connecticut | $76,610 | $36.83 | +26% |
| Minnesota | $76,350 | $36.71 | +25% |
| Washington | $75,660 | $36.38 | +24% |
| North Dakota | $74,490 | $35.81 | +22% |
| New Jersey | $74,450 | $35.79 | +22% |
| New York | $74,430 | $35.78 | +22% |
| United States | $61,010 | $29.33 | — |
Top 10 states by median annual wage, May 2025. Source: BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS)
How many HVAC technicians are there?
BLS counts about 409,670 HVAC technicians employed in the U.S. (May 2025, excluding the self-employed). These figures cover the BLS occupation “Heating, Air Conditioning, and Refrigeration Mechanics and Installers”. The most jobs are in Florida (39,160), California (35,130) and Texas (34,730).
The mean (average) annual wage is $64,780, higher than the median of $61,010.
Hourly to annual pay calculator
Per year
- Monthly
- $5,084
- Biweekly
- $2,347
- Weekly
- $1,173
- Daily (8 hours)
- $235
- Hours per year
- 2,080
BLS annual figure; hourly × 2,080 may differ slightly.
Frequently asked questions
How much do HVAC technicians make an hour?
The median hourly wage for HVAC technicians is $29.33. The middle 50% earn between $23.25 and $37.05 an hour.
Which state pays HVAC technicians the most?
District of Columbia has the highest median wage for HVAC technicians at $84,390, +38% vs. the U.S. median.
What is the starting salary for HVAC technicians?
BLS does not report pay by experience, but the lowest-paid 10% of HVAC technicians earn less than $40,050 a year, a common proxy for entry-level pay.