Salary, Opportunities, and Growth 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. Both have a large disparity in pay between the highest and lowest-earning ten percent of professionals.
Which is harder to learn HVAC or electrical? HVAC and electrical are very similar. Students are trained on real equipment, and both programs can be completed in as few as 10 months. It is very difficult to say which one is easier because they both involve hands-on learning and theory.
Salaries for HVAC technicians and electricians can vary based on geographical location, company, specialization, certifications and years of experience. The national average salaries are: HVAC technician: $46,862 per year. Electrician: $55,088 per year.
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.
In 2023, the median annual wage for electricians was $61,590, approximately 28% higher than the median wage of $48,060 across all U.S. occupations. Even within the skilled trades, electricians stand out for their pay. On average, electricians earn about 18% more than the broader group of construction trades workers.
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.
Perform routine maintenance on electrical wiring and systems. Familiarity with electrical schematics, blueprints, and manuals. Compensation: $60k-$200k per year.
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.
If your goal is to make six figures while working as an HVAC tech, it is definitely within reach.
HVAC technicians solely focus on the installation, maintenance, and repair of HVAC units. While they have some electrical knowledge and skills, HVAC pros can only assist with electrical tasks related to HVAC systems. Electricians have a broader skill set, allowing them to safely complete more extensive electrical work.
California has the most HVAC jobs available, paying over $50,000 a year.
Some trades that are generally considered easy to learn include HVAC, plumbing, phlebotomy, and medical assisting.
Salary, Opportunities, and Growth
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. Both have a large disparity in pay between the highest and lowest-earning ten percent of professionals.
Two of the trades generally considered to be the most difficult to learn are electricians and plumbers.
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 top 10% of HVAC business owners earned over $78,000 annually. The good news is that HVAC business owners have the potential to increase their yearly revenue to above $3 Million or more. With an average profit margin of 10%, this means that the HVAC owner's profit would be close to $300,000 per year.
Electrician salary overview
In 2021, the median salary for an electrician was $60,040, with amounts ranging based on experience, type of employer worked for, and location. Electricians in the lowest 10% make less than $37,020 per year, while electricians in the highest 10% make more than $99,800 per year.
Washington: Leading the Pack
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.
Metropolitan areas with sweltering summers and icy winters see a higher demand for skilled hands, translating to higher wages compared to rural areas with milder climates. California and New York, for example, boast significantly higher median salaries than states like Oklahoma or Montana.
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.
On average, AC technicians with 1-2 years of experience can expect an annual salary ranging from INR 2.5 lakh to INR 3.5 lakh*. However, salaries can vary from INR 2 lakh to INR 6 lakh or higher for highly skilled and experienced AC technicians.
Absolutely. With high demand, good pay, and opportunities for advancement, becoming an electrician is a smart career choice. It's a stable, rewarding path that offers a lot of variety and the chance to make a real impact with your work.
Those willing to travel could make $200,000 out of the gate, Caldwell told Cowboy State Daily. “It's a possibility depending on where you prefer to go,” he said. “If you work in bigger cities like in California, there are places really crammed for linemen, and you can make $200,000-plus.”