What is the average HVAC technician salary in Iowa?

The median HVAC technician salary in Iowa is $52,300 per year based on BLS OEWS 2024 data (SOC 49-9021). The middle 50% of technicians earn between $38,702 and $69,559 annually.

How does EPA 608 certification affect HVAC salary in Iowa?

EPA 608 Universal certification adds approximately $3,500 per year to an HVAC technician's salary in Iowa, bringing total annual earnings to around $55,800. NATE certification carries the largest premium — about $8,500/year — because fewer than 10% of techs hold it, pushing certified earnings to roughly $60,800.

What is the highest-paying HVAC specialization in Iowa?

Controls and Building Management Systems (BMS) is the highest-paying HVAC specialization in Iowa, with an estimated median of $69,036 per year — approximately 32% above the residential service baseline. Commercial HVAC and refrigeration roles also pay above average at +14% and +18% respectively.

How does Iowa HVAC salary compare to the national average?

Iowa HVAC technicians earn $52,300/year, which is $1,928 below the national median of $54,228 (-4%). Iowa ranks #33 out of 51 states and territories.

Iowa · HVAC Technician Salary

$52,300/year

Median annual salary for HVAC mechanics and installers in Iowa, based on BLS OEWS 2024 data (SOC 49-9021). Salaries range from $38,702 at the 25th percentile to $69,559 at the 75th.

25th Percentile

$38,702

Median

$52,300

75th Percentile

$69,559

National Rank

#33 of 51

Salary by Experience Level in Iowa

Level	Experience	Est. Annual	Est. Hourly
Apprentice / Helper 0–2 yrs Will train; EPA 608 not yet required	0–2 yrs	$36,610	$18/hr
Junior Tech 2–5 yrs EPA 608 Universal typically obtained	2–5 yrs	$46,024	$22/hr
Journeymanmedian 5–10 yrs Median — baseline for this state	5–10 yrs	$52,300	$25/hr
Senior Tech 10–15 yrs NATE certification often present	10–15 yrs	$60,145	$29/hr
Lead / Supervisor 15+ yrs Manages crew or service fleet	15+ yrs	$66,944	$32/hr

Estimates apply BLS-observed seniority wage progression ratios to the Iowa median. Actual pay depends on employer, company size, and specialization.

Certification Pay Premium in Iowa

EPA 608 Universal+$3,500/yr

Required for any refrigerant work; universal vs. type-specific adds ~$1K

With cert: ~$55,800/yr

NATE Certified+$8,500/yr

Fewer than 10% of techs hold NATE — scarcity drives the premium

With cert: ~$60,800/yr

State Journeyman License+$4,200/yr

Required in ~30 states; often the ceiling without it

With cert: ~$56,500/yr

OSHA 30+$2,000/yr

Opens commercial and government service contracts

With cert: ~$54,300/yr

Premiums are additive and reflect national averages adjusted to the Iowa wage level. Source: ACCA salary survey 2024.

Salary by Specialization in Iowa

Specialization	Est. Median	vs. Residential
Residential Service Baseline — most common role in the state	$52,300	baseline
Commercial HVAC RTUs, chillers, AHUs — more system complexity	$59,622	+14%
Refrigeration Supermarket and cold-chain specialists command a consistent premium	$61,714	+18%
Controls / BMS Building automation is the highest-paying specialty by a wide margin	$69,036	+32%
New Construction Install Steady work but lower wages than service-call roles	$49,162	-6%

How Iowa Compares

vs. National Median

National: $54,228/yr · Iowa ranks #33 of 51 states

-4% (-$1,928)

Maine

Median: $52,700/yr

+$400

Georgia

Median: $52,800/yr

+$500

North Carolina

Median: $51,800/yr

-$500

Nebraska

Median: $51,700/yr

-$600

Highest-paying states vs Iowa

Illinois$72,100+$19,800

Washington$70,200+$17,900

Washington D.C.$68,700+$16,400

Massachusetts$68,400+$16,100

New York$66,900+$14,600

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Need to know licensing requirements in Iowa?

EPA 608, state contractor licenses, NATE certification, and more.

License Guide

Compare with other states:

Maine — $52,700 Georgia — $52,800 North Carolina — $51,800 Nebraska — $51,700

Data source: BLS OEWS 2024, SOC 49-9021 · Last updated 2026