How much do hvac technicians make?

HVAC Technicians earn a national median of $57,300 per year, about $28 per hour. Most earn between $36,700 and $91,600, depending on experience, certification, specialty, and location.

What is the hourly rate for a hvac technician?

The national median is roughly $28 per hour, with apprentice / helper work near $17/hr and top hvac technicians above $38/hr.

Which states pay hvac technicians the most?

Higher-wage, higher-cost states and strong union markets pay above the national median. Use the state links below to see local pay for hvac technicians.

Pay data / HVAC Technicians / Salary

HVAC Technician Salary

HVAC Technicians in the United States earn a median of $57,300 a year, about $28 an hour. Pay runs from around $36,700 for newer hvac technicians to $91,600+ for the most experienced and certified.

Bottom 10%

$36,700

Median

$57,300

Top 10%

$91,600

HVAC Technician pay by experience

Apprentice / Helper
$35,500$17/hr
Assisting installs and learning the trade.
Service Technician
$57,300$28/hr
EPA-certified and running calls solo.
Lead / Senior Tech
$79,100$38/hr
Commercial, controls, and crew-lead work.

What moves the number

·EPA 608 and NATE certification. Certified techs command higher rates.
·Commercial and refrigeration work. Rooftop units and cold storage pay more than residential.
·Seasonality and on-call. Peak summer and winter overtime lifts annual pay.
·Install vs service. Lead installers and service managers sit at the top of the range.

HVAC Technician salary by state

Local pay swings with cost of living, union density, and demand. Pick a state for hvac technicians pay near you.

Frequently asked

How much do hvac technicians make?: HVAC Technicians earn a national median of $57,300 per year, about $28 per hour. Most earn between $36,700 and $91,600, depending on experience, certification, specialty, and location.
What is the hourly rate for a hvac technician?: The national median is roughly $28 per hour, with apprentice / helper work near $17/hr and top hvac technicians above $38/hr.
Which states pay hvac technicians the most?: Higher-wage, higher-cost states and strong union markets pay above the national median. Use the state links below to see local pay for hvac technicians.

Figures are estimates for 2026, anchored to national wage data and adjusted for experience and location. Actual pay varies by employer, certification, and market.