Are you considering a career as an HVAC technician, or are you already in the field and wondering how to boost your earnings? The HVAC industry continues to thrive in 2025, driven by increasing demand for energy-efficient systems, smart home technologies, and climate control solutions amid extreme weather patterns. With job growth projected at 6% through 2032 (faster than the national average for all occupations, per the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics), HVAC technicians enjoy strong job security and competitive pay.
In this comprehensive guide, we'll dive deep into HVAC technician salaries for 2025, including national averages, breakdowns by experience level, state-by-state comparisons, and city-specific insights. We'll also explore factors influencing pay, compare HVAC salaries to other trades, and share actionable tips to maximize your earning potential. Whether you're an entry-level apprentice or a seasoned pro, this SEO-optimized resource will help you navigate the HVAC job market. (Data sourced from BLS, Payscale, ZipRecruiter, and industry reports as of August 2025.)
What Is the Average HVAC Technician Salary in 2025?
The national average salary for an HVAC technician in 2025 is approximately $60,000 per year before taxes and overtime, according to aggregated data from the BLS, Payscale, and Indeed. This translates to an hourly wage of about $28.85, assuming a standard 40-hour workweek. However, real earnings can vary widely based on location, experience, and overtime—many techs report total compensation exceeding $70,000 with bonuses and OT.
HVAC Salary Breakdown: Year, Month, Week, and Hour
- Annual Salary: $60,000 (median; ranges from $39,000 for entry-level to over $91,000 for seniors).
- Monthly Salary: $5,000 (before taxes; could be $3,250–$7,585 depending on experience).
- Weekly Salary: $1,154 (for a 40-hour week; add $200–$500 for overtime).
- Hourly Wage: $28.85 (median; entry-level starts at $18–$22, seniors at $35–$44).
These figures include base pay but exclude benefits like health insurance, retirement contributions, or performance bonuses, which can add 20–30% to total compensation. Overtime is common in peak seasons (summer for AC repairs, winter for heating), often at 1.5x the base rate, boosting annual earnings by $5,000–$10,000 for many techs.
HVAC Technician Salary by Experience Level
Experience is one of the biggest drivers of HVAC pay. Entry-level techs focus on learning the ropes through apprenticeships, while seniors handle complex diagnostics and leadership roles. Here's a 2025 breakdown based on Payscale and BLS data:
| Experience Level | Annual Salary Range | Hourly Wage | Key Responsibilities |
|---|---|---|---|
| Entry-Level (0–2 years) | $39,000–$54,100 | $18.75–$26.01 | Assisting with installations, basic repairs, and maintenance under supervision. Often requires EPA 608 certification. |
| Intermediate (2–4 years) | $55,000–$65,700 | $26.44–$31.59 | Independent troubleshooting, system installations, and customer service. NATE certification boosts pay. |
| Senior (4–7 years) | $66,000–$77,200 | $31.73–$37.12 | Advanced diagnostics, commercial projects, and team mentoring. Specializations in refrigeration or BAS add value. |
| Supervisor/Manager (7+ years) | $78,000–$90,800 | $37.50–$43.65 | Overseeing teams, project management, and business operations. Leadership roles often include bonuses. |
As you gain certifications (e.g., NATE, HVAC Excellence) and hands-on skills, your salary can jump 15–20% per level. Unionized positions, common in commercial HVAC, often offer higher base pay and better benefits.
HVAC Technician Salary by State: 2025 Breakdown
Location plays a massive role in HVAC earnings due to cost of living, climate demands, and labor shortages. Northern states with harsh winters and coastal areas with high humidity often pay more. Based on BLS and Payscale projections for 2025, here's a state-by-state table of median annual salaries (entry to senior levels combined for averages):
| State | Average Annual Salary | Hourly Wage | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Alabama | $50,900–$72,600 | $24.47–$34.90 | Lower cost of living; residential focus. |
| Alaska | $67,700–$93,500 | $32.55–$44.95 | Highest-paying state; extreme weather drives demand. |
| Arizona | $52,900–$75,400 | $25.43–$36.25 | Hot climate boosts AC repair jobs. |
| Arkansas | $50,000–$71,400 | $24.04–$34.33 | Entry-level friendly; rural opportunities. |
| California | $59,200–$84,500 | $28.46–$40.63 | High due to regulations and urban demand. |
| Colorado | $54,800–$78,100 | $26.35–$37.55 | Growing green energy sector. |
| Connecticut | $56,500–$80,600 | $27.16–$38.75 | Union strength; commercial focus. |
| Delaware | $54,700–$78,100 | $26.30–$37.55 | Mid-Atlantic balance. |
| Florida | $52,100–$74,300 | $25.05–$35.72 | High humidity; seasonal peaks. |
| Georgia | $53,000–$75,600 | $25.48–$36.35 | Atlanta metro drives higher pay. |
| Hawaii | $56,100–$80,100 | $26.97–$38.51 | Island logistics increase costs. |
| Idaho | $51,300–$73,200 | $24.66–$35.19 | Rural growth. |
| Illinois | $55,200–$78,800 | $26.54–$37.88 | Chicago union jobs. |
| Indiana | $52,000–$74,100 | $25.00–$35.63 | Manufacturing ties. |
| Iowa | $51,100–$72,900 | $24.57–$35.05 | Steady demand. |
| Kansas | $51,900–$74,000 | $24.95–$35.58 | Affordable living. |
| Kentucky | $51,100–$72,800 | $24.57–$35.00 | Industrial focus. |
| Louisiana | $52,200–$74,500 | $25.10–$35.82 | Oil/gas industry. |
| Maine | $52,500–$74,900 | $25.24–$36.01 | Seasonal heating. |
| Maryland | $55,500–$79,200 | $26.68–$38.08 | DC proximity. |
| Massachusetts | $57,500–$82,000 | $27.64–$39.42 | Top-paying; green initiatives. |
| Michigan | $53,200–$75,900 | $25.58–$36.49 | Auto industry ties. |
| Minnesota | $54,400–$77,600 | $26.15–$37.31 | Cold winters. |
| Mississippi | $49,500–$70,700 | $23.80–$34.01 | Lowest range; rural. |
| Missouri | $52,300–$74,600 | $25.14–$35.87 | Balanced market. |
| Montana | $50,800–$72,500 | $24.42–$34.86 | Remote work premiums. |
| Nebraska | $51,500–$73,400 | $24.76–$35.29 | Ag-related HVAC. |
| Nevada | $53,000–$75,600 | $25.48–$36.35 | Vegas tourism. |
| New Hampshire | $55,000–$78,500 | $26.44–$37.74 | Northeast demand. |
| New Jersey | $58,300–$83,100 | $28.03–$39.95 | High cost of living. |
| New Mexico | $52,500–$74,800 | $25.24–$35.96 | Solar integration. |
| New York | $56,900–$81,200 | $27.36–$39.04 | NYC premiums. |
| North Carolina | $52,900–$75,500 | $25.43–$36.30 | Growing tech hubs. |
| North Dakota | $51,300–$73,200 | $24.66–$35.19 | Oil boom remnants. |
| Ohio | $52,200–$74,400 | $25.10–$35.77 | Manufacturing. |
| Oklahoma | $51,200–$73,000 | $24.62–$35.10 | Energy sector. |
| Oregon | $55,000–$78,400 | $26.44–$37.69 | Eco-friendly focus. |
| Pennsylvania | $53,900–$76,900 | $25.91–$36.97 | Philly/Pittsburgh. |
| Rhode Island | $54,400–$77,600 | $26.15–$37.31 | Coastal demand. |
| South Carolina | $51,200–$73,000 | $24.62–$35.10 | Tourism. |
| South Dakota | $50,100–$71,400 | $24.09–$34.33 | Rural. |
| Tennessee | $51,700–$73,700 | $24.86–$35.43 | Nashville growth. |
| Texas | $53,900–$76,900 | $25.91–$36.97 | Oil/hot climate. |
| Utah | $52,700–$75,100 | $25.34–$36.11 | Tech expansion. |
| Vermont | $51,200–$73,000 | $24.62–$35.10 | Green energy. |
| Virginia | $54,700–$78,100 | $26.30–$37.55 | DC influence. |
| Washington | $58,000–$82,700 | $27.88–$39.76 | Tech/green focus. |
| West Virginia | $49,200–$70,100 | $23.65–$33.70 | Lowest overall. |
| Wisconsin | $52,700–$75,200 | $25.34–$36.15 | Manufacturing. |
| Wyoming | $49,600–$70,700 | $23.85–$34.01 | Remote premiums. |
Highest-Paying States for HVAC Techs in 2025
- Alaska: $83,660 (extreme cold drives demand).
- Washington, D.C.: $83,390 (government/commercial work).
- Massachusetts: $76,990 (high living costs, unions).
- Connecticut: $73,910 (industrial focus).
- Washington: $67,630 (tech/green energy).
Lowest-Paying States for HVAC Techs in 2025
- West Virginia: $46,040 (rural, low demand).
- Mississippi: $47,270.
- Arkansas: $47,240.
- Alabama: $49,290.
- Oklahoma: $50,920.
HVAC Technician Salary by City: Top-Paying Locations
Urban areas with high costs of living or specialized industries offer premium pay. From ZipRecruiter data (2025):
| City | Annual Salary | Hourly Wage |
|---|---|---|
| Corcoran, CA | $93,703 | $45.05 |
| Pearblossom, CA | $76,143 | $36.61 |
| Scotts Valley, CA | $76,070 | $36.57 |
| Felton, CA | $74,729 | $35.93 |
| Williamsville, IL | $74,021 | $35.59 |
| Corte Madera, CA | $73,024 | $35.11 |
| Nome, AK | $72,919 | $35.06 |
| Larkspur, CA | $72,125 | $34.68 |
| Berkeley, CA | $71,975 | $34.60 |
| Redwood City, CA | $71,970 | $34.60 |
California dominates due to strict energy codes and urban density. For job seekers, check listings in these areas on HVAC Jobs Only for high-paying opportunities.
Factors That Affect HVAC Technician Salaries
Beyond experience and location, several elements influence pay:
- Certifications: EPA 608 (required), NATE, or LEED can add $5,000–$10,000 annually.
- Specialization: Commercial/industrial HVAC pays 20% more than residential; green tech or refrigeration specialists earn premiums.
- Industry Sector: Government/university roles average $58,000–$94,000; aircraft HVAC hits $94,390.
- Company Type: Larger firms offer benefits; unions boost base pay by 15–25%.
- Demand and Overtime: Peak seasons and emergencies add $6,000–$10,000 in OT.
- Soft Skills: Sales-savvy techs earn commissions on upgrades (up to 14% of revenue).
Highest-Paying HVAC Jobs in 2025
Not all HVAC roles are equal—specialized positions command top dollar (per ZipRecruiter and Housecall Pro):
- Thermal Engineer: $80,000–$129,000 (industrial heat systems).
- HVAC Project Manager: $80,000–$112,000 (oversees installations).
- CFD Engineer: $85,500–$110,000 (fluid dynamics modeling).
- HVAC Sales Representative: $59,500–$110,000 (system proposals).
- HVAC Engineer: $58,500–$106,500 (design focus).
- HVAC Design Engineer: $85,000–$100,000 (efficiency planning).
- HVAC Estimator: $59,500–$94,500 (cost calculations).
- Residential Service Technician: $53,000–$90,000 (home repairs).
- HVAC Manager: $58,000–$87,500 (team oversight).
- Controls Technician: $60,500–$80,000 (smart systems).
How HVAC Salaries Compare to Other Trades
HVAC techs earn competitively:
- HVAC vs. Plumber: HVAC median $60,000; Plumber $70,000 (similar growth).
- HVAC vs. Electrician: HVAC $60,000; Electrician $71,100 (electricians edge out slightly).
- All trades see 20–30% jumps from entry to intermediate levels.
How to Increase Your HVAC Salary in 2025
Want to earn more? Here's how:
- Earn Certifications: Start with EPA 608, add NATE for a 10–15% bump.
- Specialize: Focus on high-demand areas like BAS or geothermal systems.
- Gain Experience: Move from residential to commercial for higher pay.
- Develop Sales Skills: Earn commissions on upsells (e.g., IAQ products).
- Relocate: Target top states like Alaska or California.
- Join a Union: Better wages and benefits.
- Start Your Own Business: Owners average $57,000–$100,000+; use tools like Housecall Pro or ServiceTitan for efficiency.
- Network: Use platforms like HVAC Jobs Only to find premium roles.
HVAC Technician Salaries: FAQs
Is HVAC a Good Career in 2025?
Yes—steady demand, no college debt, and potential for six figures with experience.
Do HVAC Techs Make Good Money?
Absolutely; median $60,000, with top earners over $100,000 including OT.
Can You Make Six Figures as an HVAC Tech?
Yes, via specialization, sales, or management in high-demand areas.
What State Pays HVAC Techs the Most?
Alaska ($83,660 median).
Do You Need a License to Be an HVAC Tech?
Yes, most states require it; requirements vary.
Conclusion: Launch Your High-Earning HVAC Career Today
The HVAC field offers rewarding salaries, job stability, and growth opportunities in 2025. With averages around $60,000 and potential for much more, it's a smart choice for hands-on professionals. Ready to find your next role? Browse high-paying HVAC technician jobs on HVAC Jobs Only today—postings are free for employers, and seekers can filter by salary, location, and tags like "EPA 608 Certification."
If you're an employer, attract top talent by offering competitive pay based on this guide. For more HVAC hiring tips, check our blog series. Questions? Comment below!
*Last updated August 31, 2025. Salaries may vary; consult local listings for accuracy.*
