If you’re considering a career as an HVAC technician, one of your top questions is likely to be about your earning potential. The good news is that HVAC technicians can earn a good living, with salaries that vary based on a number of factors.
On average, HVAC technicians in the United States earn an hourly wage of around $23.50. However, this figure can vary based on your level of experience, your location, and the industry in which you work.
Key Takeaways:
- The average HVAC hourly wage in the United States is around $23.50
- Your salary as an HVAC technician can be influenced by factors such as your level of experience, location, and industry demand
Factors Affecting HVAC Technician Earnings
As an HVAC technician, your earnings will depend on several factors, including your level of experience, location, and industry demand. Let’s take a closer look at each of these factors to understand how they can impact your salary.
Experience
Experience plays a crucial role in determining an HVAC technician’s earnings. Entry-level HVAC technicians typically earn lower salaries as they build their skills and gain experience on the job. However, as you gain experience and expertise, you can expect to earn a higher salary.
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the median annual salary for HVAC technicians with less than one year of experience is $34,470, while those with 10 years or more experience earn a median salary of $60,370.
Location
Where you live and work can also impact your HVAC technician earnings. Salaries can vary widely based on geographic location, as the cost of living and demand for HVAC services can differ from state to state or even from city to city.
For example, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, HVAC technicians in Alaska earn the highest mean annual wage of $66,800, while those in Mississippi earn the lowest mean annual wage of $38,290.
Industry Demand
The demand for HVAC services in different industries can also impact the earning potential for HVAC technicians. Some industries, such as commercial and industrial HVAC services, may have a higher demand for skilled technicians and offer higher salaries as a result.
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the top-paying industries for HVAC technicians include natural gas distribution, computer and electronic product manufacturing, and aerospace product and parts manufacturing.
By understanding these factors and how they can impact your earnings, you can make informed decisions about your career path and identify opportunities to increase your salary.
Average HVAC Technician Salary by Experience Level
If you’re considering pursuing a career as an HVAC technician, it’s important to understand the earning potential in this field. One of the primary factors that can impact your salary as an HVAC technician is your level of experience.
Entry-level HVAC technicians typically start out with a lower salary, but can expect to see increases as they gain more experience. According to data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the median hourly wage for HVAC technicians as of May 2020 was $24.82. However, entry-level technicians with less than one year of experience earned a median wage of $16.72 per hour.
As you gain more experience in the HVAC field, your earning potential can increase significantly. HVAC technicians with 5-9 years of experience earned a median hourly wage of $24.53, while those with 10-19 years of experience earned a median wage of $27.07 per hour. The most experienced HVAC technicians with 20 years or more of experience had a median hourly wage of $30.31.
It’s important to note that these figures are just averages and can vary based on a variety of factors, such as your location and the industry you work in. However, they can give you a general idea of what to expect in terms of salary as you progress in your career as an HVAC technician.
Regional Variations in HVAC Technician Wages
When it comes to HVAC technician salaries, the amount you can expect to earn can vary significantly depending on where you work. In some states, HVAC technicians earn significantly more than the national average, while in others, the earning potential is lower.
According to recent data, the highest paying states for HVAC technicians are Alaska, Illinois, New Jersey, New York, and Massachusetts. In these states, HVAC technicians can earn an average of $60,000 to $70,000 per year. On the other hand, states like Arkansas, Wyoming, Mississippi, North Dakota, and South Dakota offer lower HVAC salaries, with the average ranging between $35,000 and $45,000 per year.
It’s important to note that regional differences in cost of living can also impact how far your salary goes. For example, while HVAC technicians in Alaska may earn a higher salary on average, the higher cost of living in that state may offset those earnings.
HVAC salaries by state – a breakdown
| State | Average HVAC Technician Salary |
|---|---|
| Alaska | $70,760 |
| Illinois | $70,280 |
| New Jersey | $69,410 |
| New York | $68,680 |
| Massachusetts | $68,160 |
| California | $61,740 |
| Washington | $60,500 |
| Connecticut | $60,160 |
| Minnesota | $59,820 |
| Colorado | $59,040 |
| Texas | $53,820 |
| North Carolina | $51,440 |
| Tennessee | $51,120 |
| Florida | $50,960 |
| Arizona | $50,770 |
| Georgia | $50,430 |
| Ohio | $48,640 |
| Indiana | $47,600 |
| Missouri | $47,320 |
| Oregon | $46,630 |
| Alabama | $46,340 |
| South Carolina | $46,240 |
| Kansas | $46,120 |
| Maryland | $45,920 |
| Nevada | $45,200 |
| Utah | $43,500 |
| Michigan | $42,890 |
| Kentucky | $42,850 |
| Oklahoma | $40,710 |
| Wisconsin | $40,530 |
| Louisiana | $39,940 |
| Virginia | $38,900 |
| West Virginia | $36,490 |
| Iowa | $36,390 |
| Idaho | $34,880 |
| Arkansas | $34,410 |
| Wyoming | $34,100 |
| Mississippi | $33,430 |
| North Dakota | $33,330 |
| South Dakota | $32,970 |
HVAC Technician Salary in High-Demand Industries
While HVAC technicians can work in a variety of industries, some offer higher salaries than others. If you’re interested in maximizing your earning potential as an HVAC technician, you may want to consider specializing in commercial or industrial HVAC services.
Commercial HVAC technicians focus on heating and cooling systems in commercial buildings, such as office complexes and shopping centers. These professionals typically earn an average salary of around $51,000 per year, with the top earners bringing in more than $76,000 annually.
Industrial HVAC technicians, on the other hand, work with heating and cooling systems in industrial settings, such as factories and manufacturing plants. As you can imagine, these environments require specialized expertise, and as a result, the average salary for an industrial HVAC technician is higher than that of a commercial technician, at $56,000 per year. The top earners in this field can make more than $80,000 annually.
Additional Benefits and Perks for HVAC Technicians
Aside from competitive salaries, many HVAC technicians also enjoy a range of benefits and perks that can add value to their compensation packages.
First and foremost, healthcare benefits are often available to HVAC technicians. Whether you are looking for medical, dental, or vision coverage, many employers offer comprehensive healthcare plans that can provide you with the coverage you need to stay healthy and financially secure.
In addition to healthcare benefits, retirement plans are another common perk offered to HVAC technicians. These plans can help you save for the future and prepare for retirement, whether you choose to invest in a 401(k) plan or another type of retirement account.
Finally, paid time off is also frequently available to HVAC technicians. Whether you need time off for a family vacation, a sick day, or just some personal time, many employers offer generous vacation policies and sick leave benefits to help you balance your work and personal life.
Job Outlook for HVAC Technicians
If you’re considering a career as an HVAC technician, you’ll be glad to know that the demand for your skills is on the rise. With the increasing need for energy-efficient heating and cooling systems, HVAC technicians are in high demand across the United States.
The Bureau of Labor Statistics projects that employment of HVAC technicians will grow 4 percent from 2019 to 2029, which is about as fast as the average for all occupations. This growth will result in the creation of about 15,100 new HVAC technician jobs during that period.
So what does this mean for your career prospects as an HVAC technician? Simply put, it means that there will be plenty of job opportunities available to you in the coming years. As more homeowners and businesses look to upgrade their heating and cooling systems, the demand for skilled HVAC technicians will only continue to grow.
Whether you’re just starting out in the field or you’re a seasoned professional, there’s never been a better time to pursue a career as an HVAC technician. With the right training and experience, you can enjoy a rewarding career with excellent earning potential and job security.
Strategies to Increase HVAC Technician Earnings
If you’re an HVAC technician looking to increase your earnings, there are several strategies you can employ to boost your income. Here are some ideas:
Obtain Certifications
One way to increase your earning potential as an HVAC technician is to obtain industry certifications. Certifications demonstrate to potential employers that you have the skills and knowledge necessary to perform the job at a high level. Some widely recognized HVAC certifications include those offered by the North American Technician Excellence (NATE) and the HVAC Excellence program. By obtaining certifications, you may also be able to negotiate higher starting salaries and receive pay raises more quickly than your uncertified counterparts.
Pursue Advanced Training
Another way to increase your earnings as an HVAC technician is to pursue advanced training in specific areas of expertise. This may include training on new technologies, such as smart thermostats or energy-efficient HVAC systems. You may also consider taking courses in project management or business administration, which can help you move up into leadership or management positions with higher salaries.
Specialize in a Particular Area
By specializing in a particular area of HVAC expertise, such as installation or repair of specific types of systems or equipment, you can set yourself apart from other HVAC technicians and potentially command higher wages. Specialization may also make you more attractive to employers in certain industries, such as healthcare or manufacturing, where specialized HVAC services are in high demand.
By pursuing certifications, advanced training, and specialization, you can increase your earnings potential as an HVAC technician and position yourself for long-term career success.
Comparison of HVAC Technician Earnings to Other Skilled Trades
When considering a career as an HVAC technician, you may wonder how the earning potential compares to other skilled trades. Let’s take a closer look at the average salaries for electricians, plumbers, and carpenters in the United States.
| Profession | Average Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| Electrician | $56,900 |
| Plumber | $55,160 |
| Carpenter | $49,520 |
| HVAC Technician | $51,420 |
As you can see, the average salary for an HVAC technician is in line with other skilled trades such as electricians and plumbers. While carpenters earn slightly less on average, it’s important to note that salaries can vary depending on the location, industry, and level of experience.
However, it’s worth noting that HVAC technicians have the potential to earn more with advanced training, certifications, and specialization in certain areas of HVAC expertise. By investing in your education and honing your skills, you can increase your earning potential and stand out in a competitive field.
Ultimately, your earning potential as an HVAC technician is influenced by various factors, including your experience level, location, and industry demand. By staying current on industry trends, continuing to learn and grow, and seeking out new opportunities, you can build a successful and fulfilling career in HVAC.
Conclusion
Congratulations, you now have a comprehensive understanding of the earning potential of HVAC technicians in the United States. You have learned that the average hourly wage for HVAC technicians is around $22, but this can vary depending on factors such as experience level, location, and industry demand.
To increase your earnings as an HVAC technician, you may consider obtaining certifications, pursuing advanced training, and specializing in certain areas of expertise. It is also worth noting that HVAC technicians may receive additional benefits such as healthcare benefits, retirement plans, and paid time off.
The job outlook for HVAC technicians is positive, with projected growth in demand for their services. Compared to other skilled trades such as electricians, plumbers, and carpenters, HVAC salaries stack up well.
Stay Informed
To stay informed about the latest industry trends and job opportunities for HVAC technicians, consider joining a professional organization or attending industry events. By continuing to develop your skills and expertise, you can ensure a bright future and a fulfilling career in the HVAC field.
