Based on 2276 active listings on HVACJobs.IO. Every listing requires real salary numbers — no "competitive pay" guessing.
Actual posted salaries
Not survey estimates — real numbers employers committed to in job listings.
Updated in real time
Data refreshes as new listings go live. Always current.
Location-specific
Filter by state to see what employers in your market are paying.
Compare Pay by Certification
See how NATE, EPA 608, and other certifications affect your earning potential — powered by community-submitted data.
View Benchmark Tool →| Specialization | BLS Median (est.) | Live listings range | Open listings |
|---|---|---|---|
| Residential Technician | $54,228 | $0K – $600K | 1789 jobs → |
| Commercial Technician | $62,000 | $35K – $395K | 187 jobs → |
| Refrigeration Technician | $59,000 | $44K – $146K | 47 jobs → |
| Controls / BMS Technician | $72,000 | $45K – $130K | 105 jobs → |
| Installer | $52,000 | $37K – $312K | 118 jobs → |
Required for refrigerant handling; universal vs. type-specific matters.
Gold standard — fewer than 10% of techs hold it, so it commands real premiums.
Commercial systems are more complex; commercial techs earn substantially more.
Emergency and 24/7 coverage comes with meaningful pay increases.
Building automation is the highest-paying HVAC specialty by a wide margin.
Median annual wages for HVAC mechanics and installers (SOC 49-9021). Click any state for a full breakdown by experience, certification, and city.
Data Sources
BLS benchmark salaries from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS), May 2024 release, SOC 49-9021. Live listing data from HVACJobs.IO employer-posted positions with verified salary ranges. All salary figures are pre-tax annual equivalents. Data refreshes as new listings are published.
| Apprentice / Helper | $40,000 | $35K – $81K | 30 jobs → |
BLS medians are national estimates. Live ranges reflect what employers on this board are currently offering.
Most HVAC pay curves flatten after 10 years — certification matters more.
All states — click for full breakdown
