HVAC Technician Salary
by City (2026)
Install, maintain, and repair heating, ventilation, and air conditioning systems. National median: $62K/year. See how your city compares.
HVAC Technician salary by city
Sorted by median salaryCOL-adjusted: where does your salary go furthest?
A $62K HVAC Technician salary in Houston (COL 91, no tax) has significantly more purchasing power than the same salary in San Francisco (COL 224, 9.3% state tax). Use our calculator to see the real numbers.
Try COL Calculator βHVAC Technician Salary Guide (2026)
The national median salary for a HVAC Technician is $62,000 per year. Entry-level positions typically start at $48,000, while experienced professionals in the top 25% earn $80,000 or more. The highest-paid 10% of HVAC Technicians nationally earn $102,000+.
Education and requirements
Trade school; EPA 608 certification; journeyman license. This role is 2% remote-eligible nationally, which significantly expands the geographic job market for workers in lower cost-of-living cities.
Salary growth outlook
HVAC Technician compensation is growing at 5.8% annually, well above the national average wage growth rate. Demand for qualified HVAC Technicians significantly outpaces supply in most major metros.
HVAC Technician salary FAQ
How much does a HVAC Technician make?
The median HVAC Technician salary in the US is $62,000 per year β about $30/hour. Most earn between $48,000 (25th percentile) and $80,000 (75th percentile).
What is the starting salary for a HVAC Technician?
Entry-level HVAC Technician positions typically start around $48,000 per year. Pay rises with experience, specialization, and location.
How much do the highest-paid HVAC Technicians earn?
The top 10% of HVAC Technicians earn $102,000 or more per year β usually senior, lead, or specialized professionals in high-cost or high-demand markets.
Which city pays HVAC Technicians the most?
San Francisco has the highest median HVAC Technician salary at $93K among the cities we track. But high-cost metros like San Francisco and New York often have lower real purchasing power once cost of living and taxes are factored in.
Are HVAC Technician salaries going up?
Yes β HVAC Technician pay is growing about 5.8% year over year, above the US average wage-growth rate.