Do HVAC Technicians Make Good Money? Earnings in 2023
Learn how much HVAC techs and HVAC business owners are making
By Jake Perry | Updated March 9, 2023
HVAC technicians are in high demand. They are the people who make sure our homes and businesses are comfortable all year round.
Do HVAC technicians make good money?
HVAC technicians make a good median annual salary of $48,630. In hourly terms, that’s $23.38 per hour. The top 10% of HVAC technicians make more than $78,210 per year, while the bottom 10% make less than $34,320 per year (1).
So, what contributes to such an extensive range in salaries? Let’s take a look.
HVAC Technician Salaries by Region
Geographical location plays a significant role in how much an HVAC technician makes.
For example, HVAC technicians in California make a median salary of $61,670 per year, while those in Texas make a median salary of $51,270 per year.
Here is a breakdown of median salaries for how much HVAC contractors make per state:
HVAC technician salary by state:
State | Median Salary |
California | $61,670 |
Texas | $51,270 |
New York | $66,180 |
Florida | $46,850 |
Pennsylvania | $53,840 |
Idaho | $46,250 |
Maine | $52,050 |
Source: https://www.bls.gov/oes/current/oes499021.htm
As you can see, the salaries of HVAC workers differ considerably from state to state. This could be due to many factors, such as living costs, tax brackets, and weather conditions.
HVAC Technician Salaries by Experience Level
Another factor that affects how much an HVAC technician makes is experience level.
Just like with any other profession, entry-level workers will not make as much as those working in the field for many years.
Here is a breakdown of median salaries for HVAC technicians by experience level:
Experience Level | Average Salary |
Entry level | $48,400 per year |
Mid-career | $58,100 per year |
Experienced | $65,400 per year |

As you can see from this data, experience does matter when it comes to earning potential in this profession. However, even entry-level workers can expect to earn a good salary.
And since there is a lot of room for growth potential in this field (the average salary for experienced workers is nearly 150% of that of entry-level workers), it is certainly a profession worth considering if you are looking for a stable and well-paying career.
Industry Specialization
Another big factor that affects wages is the industry you specialize in.
HVAC technicians can work in various industries, each with its own pay scale. This is due to variables such as job saturation, geographical location, and the work’s technical.
Here is the breakdown of different sectors with the mean average pay:
HVAC Industry | Average Salary |
Educational services | $55,640 |
Retail trade | $55,620 |
Wholesale trade | $50,390 |
Plumbing, heating, and air-conditioning contractors | $48,140 |
As you can see, there is a big difference in the average salary of HVAC technicians depending on which industry they specialize in.
The most important thing for you is to figure out which area you are most interested in and then research the average salary in that particular sector.
HVAC Worker Summary
What Do HVAC Workers Do?
The HVAC trade involves installing, repairing and maintaining heating, ventilation and air conditioning systems.
HVAC technicians work in both commercial and residential settings. These specialists must be able to diagnose issues with these systems and decide on the finest course of action to achieve resolution.
They may have to replace components or entire systems in certain situations.
Most HVAC technicians work full-time, and their hours can differ a lot. Some may have regular business hours, while others need to be able to make service calls in the evening or on weekends.
While the job can be challenging, it is also very rewarding. HVAC technicians are vital in keeping homes and businesses comfortable all year round.
They are also in high demand, meaning there is a lot of potential for job security and career growth.
Job Outlook for HVAC Technicians
The job outlook for HVAC technicians is very positive. The Bureau of Labor Statistics expects the profession to grow by 5% from 2021 to 2031, which aligns with the national average growth rate.
This growth is due to several factors, such as increasing demand for energy-efficient buildings and an aging population needing more repairs and maintenance on their homes and businesses.
Is a Career In HVAC For You?
If you are interested in a career in HVAC, you should consider a few things.
First and foremost, you need to have the right skills and qualifications. A high school diploma is usually sufficient, but many employers prefer candidates who have completed an apprenticeship or postsecondary training program.
You should also be comfortable working with your hands and have good problem-solving skills.
Another vital thing to consider is the work environment. HVAC technicians typically work in indoor and outdoor settings, so you must be comfortable working in various conditions.
The job can also be physically demanding, so you should be in good physical shape.
Pro-tip: Don’t just go for the highest paying salary for a job. Money can only bring you so much fulfillment in life, and it’s much better to choose an industry/sector you enjoy rather than one that brings you extra cash.
One-Man HVAC Business
As an HVAC technician, you may consider starting your own one-man HVAC business. After all, being your own boss has a lot of advantages.
You can set your own hours, choose your own projects, and make as much money as you want. But is it worth it?
Before taking the plunge, here are a few things to consider:
- Starting your own HVAC business is a lot of work. In addition to being an HVAC technician, you’ll also need to be a salesperson, bookkeeper, and marketing expert. If you’re not prepared to put in the extra effort, it’s probably not worth it.
- You’ll need to invest a lot of money upfront. In addition to the cost of tools and equipment, you’ll also need to pay for office space, insurance, and marketing.
- You’ll have to deal with a lot of paperwork. As your own boss, you’ll be responsible for keeping track of all your income and expenses.
- HVAC business profit margins can be high. But they can also be low when starting if you don’t work frugally. HVAC company profit margins are entirely down to how efficiently you can run the business.
How Much Do HVAC Business Owners Make?
HVAC company owners earn an average of $35,000 to $75,000 per year. Few exceed $100,000 in earnings, but the ones who do are due to effective systems in their business, thorough analysis of every aspect they can, and increased productivity.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does an HVAC technician do?
HVAC technicians install, repair and maintain heating, ventilation and air conditioning systems.
What is the job outlook for HVAC technicians?
The job outlook is very positive, with the profession expected to grow by 5% from 2021 to 2031.
Do I need any special qualifications to be an HVAC technician?
Most employers prefer candidates who have completed an apprenticeship or postsecondary training program, but a high school diploma is usually sufficient. You should also be comfortable working with your hands and have good problem-solving skills.
Conclusion
HVAC technicians are in high demand due to their crucial role in keeping our homes and businesses comfortable throughout the year.
They are also very well compensated for their work, with the median annual salary being just over $48k per year.
Of course, there is quite a range in salaries depending on factors such as geographical location and experience level, but even entry-level workers can expect to earn a good wage.
If you are considering a career in HVAC technology, rest assured that you can expect to earn a good living doing so.
References
- https://www.bls.gov/ooh/installation-maintenance-and-repair/heating-air-conditioning-and-refrigeration-mechanics-and-installers.htm
Written by Jake Perry

Jake Perry is a writer from the United Kingdom. He travels the world while working from his laptop, learning about new business trends from startups around the world.