With the right training, experience, and communication skills it's very possible to make over $100,000 per year as an HVAC tech. In 2024, the HVAC technician salary range for the HVAC trade was between $30 per hour, and $43 per hour depending upon certification and HVAC training.
Can HVAC Make 100K a Year? Yes, HVAC technicians can earn $100K a year, especially in the highest paying states or specialized fields such as commercial HVAC or system design. As service techs gain experience and move into higher positions or own their businesses, their annual pay can reach or exceed this threshold.
HVAC Technician
HVAC techs usually go through programs designed specifically for the career. Working for a property management firm or corporate HVAC company usually nets a nice income, but making $100,000 or more a year often requires starting your own company.
Commercial and residential HVAC is already high in demand, but the rise in construction means more and more trained technicians are required to fill positions in this field. Regarding compensation, HVAC technicians also get better-than-average salaries, earning over $50000 annually as of 2020.
HVAC Service Technician
The starting rate for this opportunity ranges from $100k to $200k annually.
An HVAC technician's salary is higher than many other technicians in the U.S. According to the BLS (Bureau of Labor Statistics), The median pay in 2023 was $57,300 per year, with the average pay per hour being $27.55. The salary varies by state, employer, and one's experience level.
Both HVAC technicians and electricians earn similar compensation, though the average annual salary for electricians is about $5,000 higher than that of HVAC techs.
HVAC Technicians need to be able to do some basic calculations to determine the amount of refrigerant to use in a system, translate a blueprint design, and understand the amount of electricity that a system needs. You don't have to be a mathematician, but you should feel comfortable with basic algebra.
The highest-paid HVAC techs are in California, Nevada, and New York. However, just because certain states offer a higher base salary for HVAC techs, this does not mean you cannot earn a higher salary in your state. The highest-paid HVAC techs are not limited by a certain place or time of the year.
Washington is the top state where HVAC technicians earn the most. The average salary here is around $63,283 per year. Factors contributing to this high salary include the state's high cost of living and the consistent demand for HVAC services due to varying climates across the state.
If you're exploring new career options, this year may be the ideal time to pursue a job as an HVAC technician. With the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics reporting the HVAC job outlook expected to grow 6 percent by 2032, it's never been a better time to consider entering this growing field.
Within the HVAC industry, fields that offer the highest pay include commercial HVAC service, system design, and specialized cooling and refrigeration systems. HVAC techs in these areas, especially those in the highest paying states, can earn significantly more than the industry average.
The HVAC industry is growing each year, and a skilled HVAC technician can expect to earn larger salaries than in other trades. HVAC technician salaries can start from $49,500 on average, and over $100,000 per year with the right skills.
On average, many construction managers, electricians, and welders earn more than $100,000 per year. For the trades skills, there is no necessity for two years or less of advanced education. You can place yourself on the path to earning over six figures.
The most common six-figure jobs are in the healthcare industry. Six-figure remote jobs often involve data analysis, new technologies, and consulting services. You don't need a college degree to get a six-figure job. Among the easiest jobs with six-figure salaries are travel writers and multimedia artists.
Two of the trades generally considered to be the most difficult to learn are electricians and plumbers.
The HVAC industry is a highly complex and skilled trade, requiring versatility, unlike all other trades. This field will push you both physically and mentally. The HVAC industry is probably for you if you are a self-starting, motivated individual with a strong desire to continually learn and hone your skills.
California has the most HVAC jobs available, paying over $50,000 a year.
One of the quickest trades to learn is becoming an HVAC (Heating, Ventilation, and Air Conditioning) technician. HVAC technicians are responsible for installing, maintaining, and repairing heating and cooling systems, which are essential for comfort in both residential and commercial buildings.
Job Security – HVAC service can't be exported. Service jobs have never left the U.S. like some other industries have, and they never will. Become a Millionaire – A lot of contractors are young millionaires because HVAC is an industry where it's possible to go from mechanic to millionaire in less than a decade.
HVAC technician, plumber, and electrician salary comparison
As you can see, electricians and plumbers are nearly identical in terms of salary while HVAC technicians make around $10,000 less.