HVAC Technicians Salaries 2024: How Much Do HVAC Techs Make?

Do you have any idea how much do HVAC techs make?– the actual number might even shock you. They have a quite good salary. Especially the ones with enough experience.Annually the average Forbes HVAC technician salary is something around  $51,438.

• Currently, there are around 374,770 HVAC technicians (estimated) in the whole US.
• HVAC technicians on average with an experience of less than a year may earn $22.47 hourly. The rate becomes $32.83 per hour if you have 10 years of experience.

So yes, we have a specific number for HVAC techs salaries. However, the number deviates greatly based on several factors.

This blog is to give you insight into how much HVAC techs make, what factors impact their average salary, the importance of experience earning better, and more.

HVAC Technicians' Salary by State

Well, now you already have an overview of HVAC tech salaries. This time we’ll show you the statewide result.

Let’s have a look at how much do HVAC techs make per hour and a year also. We’ll also show you both the earnings at the lowest end and the highest end.Do you have any idea how much do HVAC techs make?– the actual number might even shock you. They have a quite good salary. Especially the ones with enough experience.

There are quite some cities that are paying good remuneration to their HVAC techs. This time let’s have a check on that.

• Milwaukee, WI: $61,370 per year and $30.32 per hour.
• Chicago, IL: $59,790 per year and $28.95 per hour.
• Chicago-Naperville-Elgin, IL: $59,790 per year and $28.75 per hour.
• Rockford, IL: $59,410 per year and $28.56 per hour.
• Decatur, IL: $59,760 per year and $28.73 per hour.
• Danville, IL: $58,180 per year and $27.97 per hour.
• Rockford, IL: $59,410 per year and $28.54 per hour.
• St. Louis, MO: $48,920 per year and $26.90 per hour.
• Indianapolis, IN: $49,440 per year and $25.96 per hour.
• Naples-Immokalee-Marco Island, FL: $48,970 per year and $23.54 per hour.

While there are also other cities like Tampa-St. Petersburg-Clearwater, Jacksonville, and a few others do not have as good remuneration as the mentioned cities. However, the earnings are still competitive considering those areas' market climates. 

Furthermore, Despite lower earnings, these areas still have high employment demand for HVAC services.

Aside from locations, there also other factors that impact the salary of an HVAC tech. Let’s explore factors that impact how much HVAC technicians make.

Technician’s Expertise

Several factors influence an HVAC technician’s salary. However, after the location factor, their level of expertise and experience is most influential.

Technicians with more years in the field generally command higher wages. 

It is a matter of the type of training received, such as apprenticeships versus on-the-job training, also plays a role, with apprenticeships often leading to higher pay. Additionally, certifications earned and the complexity of job responsibilities impact salary levels.

Job Market Trends

Job market trends might play a vital role in deciding how much do HVAC techs make. 

In periods of high demand for HVAC services or during labor shortages like now the average salary of HVAC techs is likely to increase. This is already happening in the current market climate of the US. The increase in wages is to attract qualified technicians.

Technological advancements and the shift towards energy-efficient systems can also drive up salaries for technicians skilled in these areas.

Unionization and Labor Agreements

The HVAC techs who are in unions earn more than the ones without. Union membership and collective bargaining agreements can impact salary levels to a good extent. 

Technicians who are part of a union may benefit from negotiated wage increases, better benefits, and improved working conditions.

The presence of a union and its agreements with employers can significantly affect compensation structures.

Education Level and Certifications

Certifications like EPA 608 Certification, HVAC Excellence Certification, NATE (North American Technician Excellence), R-410A Certification, OSHA 10 or 30-Hour Certification, and some others heavily impact your profile as an HVAC tech.

But before those certifications come the level of your education. 

The level of education and training an HVAC technician has can influence their salary. This includes the type of degree or training received, such as a Bachelor’s degree, Associate’s degree, or apprenticeship.

Certificates, licenses, and areas of specialization further contribute to earning potential.

Type of Employer

How much do HVAC tech make a year– does that depend on the type of employer? The answer is YES.

The nature of the employer impacts salary as well. Factors include the size of the company, whether it is a corporation, family business, or nonprofit, and the industry in which the organization operates, such as construction, technology, or healthcare. 

The location of the organization also affects salary levels.

Yes, location is a vital factor in HVAC techs’ earnings. However, experience is the biggest driver. No matter the state or city you live in– you’re likely to earn more if you are an experienced individual in the field.

For a better illustration, you should know that the entry-level HVAC in some areas is unable to make even half of what the master technicians make.

Entry or Mid-level HVAC Techs

HVAC techs with 0 to 5 years of experience earn around $22 per hour. They are considered entry-level HVAC techs. Some who have just started their midlevel HVAC technician career earn almost the same.  The annual income is $45,760 per year.

Senior Level

HVAC techs with experience of 5 to 10 years are considered touched the senior-level mark. The average hourly wage for a senior HVAC technician is $27.65. Annually, this amounts to $57,512 in earnings. This salary reflects the compensation for experienced professionals in the HVAC field.

Manager Level HVAC Techs

HVAC technicians with 10 or more years of experience advance to the manager level. The average hourly wage for an HVAC technician manager is $32.83. This translates to an annual income of $68,286. This salary reflects the leadership and expertise required to manage HVAC operations effectively.

For a better illustration, here is the salary range based on their HVAC tech job titles:

• Thermal Engineer
  Salary Range: $80,000 – $129,000
• CFD Engineer
  Salary Range: $85,500 – $110,000
• HVAC Design Engineer
  Salary Range: $85,000 – $100,000
• HVAC Project Manager
  Salary Range: $80,000 – $112,000
• Sales Representative
  Salary Range: $59,500 – $110,000
• HVAC Project Estimator
  Salary Range: $59,500 – $94,500
• HVAC Lead Engineer
  Salary Range: $58,500 – $106,500
• Residential Service Technician
  Salary Range: $53,000 – $90,000
• Controls Technician
  Salary Range: $60,500 – $80,000
• HVAC Project Engineer
  Salary Range: $65,000 – $80,500
• Engineering Technician
  Salary Range: $50,000 – $83,000
• Commercial HVAC Service Technician
  Salary Range: $56,500 – $72,500
• HVAC Manager
  Salary Range: $58,000 – $87,500
• Service Technician
  Salary Range: $50,000 – $70,000
• Journeyman
  Salary Range: $51,000 – $68,500
• HVAC Mechanic
  Salary Range: $48,500 – $66,000
• Residential Technician
  Salary Range: $48,000 – $67,500
• Technician
  Salary Range: $46,000 – $66,500
• Installer
  Salary Range: $43,000 – $65,000
• Air Conditioning Mechanic
  Salary Range: $41,500 – $69,500
• Designer
  Salary Range: $50,000 – $65,000
• Weathering Technician
  Salary Range: $34,000 – $46,500
• Apprentice
  Salary Range: $32,000 – $45,000
• Duct Cleaner
  Salary Range: $28,000 – $36,000

In addition to managing salaries, HVAC business owners face other challenges such as invoicing, dispatch, marketing, and payment processing.

Bottom Line

So we got all the answers to ‘How much do HVAC techs make a year?’, ‘How much do HVAC techs make an hour?’ and all other questions related to the topic.

The HVAC career is quite exciting in the current market climate. We’re not judging that based on only the salary factor. Although the salary is good, all the other facilities you get if you choose to be an HVAC tech are great, actually. 

While entry-level technicians may start at around $22 per hour, those with more experience can earn significantly more. Any seasoned professionals and managers can reach upwards of $32 per hour or more.

Ultimately, HVAC technicians can expect a lucrative career with numerous opportunities for growth and specialization.