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.
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.
Did You Know Electrician Ranks Among the Highest Earning Trade School Jobs? Trade jobs are a great option for people who enjoy working with their hands. This type of job requires a specialized skill set earned through vocational training.
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.”
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.
If your goal is to make six figures while working as an HVAC tech, it is definitely within reach.
The short answer is yes. 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 you like dealing with the latest HVAC technologies, then a career as an HVAC tech may be the right move for you. On the other hand, if you like dealing mainly with electrical wiring, electrical systems, and lighting, then a career as an electrician may be the right move for you.
Your Satisfaction
In HVAC and in plumbing, you need to learn a wider array of skills, and there are more specialties to learn. And, while electrical work is perhaps not as physical as HVAC, it is still physical, and there still is risk of injury from repetitive motions or positions.
California has the most HVAC jobs available, paying over $50,000 a year.
However, HVAC work requires a lot of critical thinking and problem solving as well as knowledge of how air, gas, heat, and electricity all play a part in the system's function. Today many systems depend on computers, so being tech-savvy is also a must.
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.
Yes, HVAC does require a certain amount of math. HVAC professionals need to use mathematical concepts for various tasks such as calculating heating and cooling loads, determining the size of HVAC equipment, measuring airflow, and understanding the principles of thermodynamics and fluid mechanics.
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.
The top five careers for millionaires include engineer, accountant, teacher, management and attorney. 79% of millionaires did not receive any inheritance at all from their parents or other family members.
A $100,000 salary is considered good in most parts of the country, and can cover typical expenses, pay down debt, build savings, and allow for entertainment and hobbies. According to the U.S. Census, only 15.3% of American households make more than $100,000 annually.
Two of the trades generally considered to be the most difficult to learn are electricians and plumbers.
One of the best pros of being an electrician is the high demand for skilled professionals in this field. The Bureau of Labor Statistics (i.e. BLS) projects 6% growth in electrician jobs from 2022 – 2032, which is faster than the average for all occupations.