What is the average HVAC technician salary in New Jersey?

The median HVAC technician salary in New Jersey is $65,200 per year based on BLS OEWS 2024 data (SOC 49-9021). The middle 50% of technicians earn between $48,248 and $86,716 annually.

How does EPA 608 certification affect HVAC salary in New Jersey?

EPA 608 Universal certification adds approximately $3,500 per year to an HVAC technician's salary in New Jersey, bringing total annual earnings to around $68,700. NATE certification carries the largest premium — about $8,500/year — because fewer than 10% of techs hold it, pushing certified earnings to roughly $73,700.

What is the highest-paying HVAC specialization in New Jersey?

Controls and Building Management Systems (BMS) is the highest-paying HVAC specialization in New Jersey, with an estimated median of $86,064 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 New Jersey HVAC salary compare to the national average?

New Jersey HVAC technicians earn $65,200/year, which is $10,972 above the national median of $54,228 (+20%). New Jersey ranks #7 out of 51 states and territories.

New Jersey · HVAC Technician Salary

$65,200/year

Median annual salary for HVAC mechanics and installers in New Jersey, based on BLS OEWS 2024 data (SOC 49-9021). Salaries range from $48,248 at the 25th percentile to $86,716 at the 75th.

25th Percentile

$48,248

Median

$65,200

75th Percentile

$86,716

National Rank

#7 of 51

Salary by Experience Level in New Jersey

Level	Experience	Est. Annual	Est. Hourly
Apprentice / Helper 0–2 yrs Will train; EPA 608 not yet required	0–2 yrs	$45,640	$22/hr
Junior Tech 2–5 yrs EPA 608 Universal typically obtained	2–5 yrs	$57,376	$28/hr
Journeymanmedian 5–10 yrs Median — baseline for this state	5–10 yrs	$65,200	$31/hr
Senior Tech 10–15 yrs NATE certification often present	10–15 yrs	$74,980	$36/hr
Lead / Supervisor 15+ yrs Manages crew or service fleet	15+ yrs	$83,456	$40/hr

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

Certification Pay Premium in New Jersey

EPA 608 Universal+$3,500/yr

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

With cert: ~$68,700/yr

NATE Certified+$8,500/yr

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

With cert: ~$73,700/yr

State Journeyman License+$4,200/yr

Required in ~30 states; often the ceiling without it

With cert: ~$69,400/yr

OSHA 30+$2,000/yr

Opens commercial and government service contracts

With cert: ~$67,200/yr

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

Salary by Specialization in New Jersey

Specialization	Est. Median	vs. Residential
Residential Service Baseline — most common role in the state	$65,200	baseline
Commercial HVAC RTUs, chillers, AHUs — more system complexity	$74,328	+14%
Refrigeration Supermarket and cold-chain specialists command a consistent premium	$76,936	+18%
Controls / BMS Building automation is the highest-paying specialty by a wide margin	$86,064	+32%
New Construction Install Steady work but lower wages than service-call roles	$61,288	-6%

How New Jersey Compares

vs. National Median

National: $54,228/yr · New Jersey ranks #7 of 51 states

+20% (+$10,972)

Connecticut

Median: $65,800/yr

+$600

Minnesota

Median: $63,700/yr

-$1,500

New York

Median: $66,900/yr

+$1,700

Hawaii

Median: $63,100/yr

-$2,100

Highest-paying states vs New Jersey

Illinois$72,100+$6,900

Washington$70,200+$5,000

Washington D.C.$68,700+$3,500

Massachusetts$68,400+$3,200

New York$66,900+$1,700

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Need to know licensing requirements in New Jersey?

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

License Guide

Compare with other states:

Connecticut — $65,800 Minnesota — $63,700 New York — $66,900 Hawaii — $63,100

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