What is the average HVAC technician salary in Washington D.C.?

The median HVAC technician salary in Washington D.C. is $68,700 per year based on BLS OEWS 2024 data (SOC 49-9021). The middle 50% of technicians earn between $50,838 and $91,371 annually.

How does EPA 608 certification affect HVAC salary in Washington D.C.?

EPA 608 Universal certification adds approximately $3,500 per year to an HVAC technician's salary in Washington D.C., bringing total annual earnings to around $72,200. NATE certification carries the largest premium — about $8,500/year — because fewer than 10% of techs hold it, pushing certified earnings to roughly $77,200.

What is the highest-paying HVAC specialization in Washington D.C.?

Controls and Building Management Systems (BMS) is the highest-paying HVAC specialization in Washington D.C., with an estimated median of $90,684 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 Washington D.C. HVAC salary compare to the national average?

Washington D.C. HVAC technicians earn $68,700/year, which is $14,472 above the national median of $54,228 (+27%). Washington D.C. ranks #3 out of 51 states and territories.

Washington D.C. · HVAC Technician Salary

$68,700/year

Median annual salary for HVAC mechanics and installers in Washington D.C., based on BLS OEWS 2024 data (SOC 49-9021). Salaries range from $50,838 at the 25th percentile to $91,371 at the 75th.

25th Percentile

$50,838

Median

$68,700

75th Percentile

$91,371

National Rank

#3 of 51

Salary by Experience Level in Washington D.C.

Level	Experience	Est. Annual	Est. Hourly
Apprentice / Helper 0–2 yrs Will train; EPA 608 not yet required	0–2 yrs	$48,090	$23/hr
Junior Tech 2–5 yrs EPA 608 Universal typically obtained	2–5 yrs	$60,456	$29/hr
Journeymanmedian 5–10 yrs Median — baseline for this state	5–10 yrs	$68,700	$33/hr
Senior Tech 10–15 yrs NATE certification often present	10–15 yrs	$79,005	$38/hr
Lead / Supervisor 15+ yrs Manages crew or service fleet	15+ yrs	$87,936	$42/hr

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

Certification Pay Premium in Washington D.C.

EPA 608 Universal+$3,500/yr

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

With cert: ~$72,200/yr

NATE Certified+$8,500/yr

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

With cert: ~$77,200/yr

State Journeyman License+$4,200/yr

Required in ~30 states; often the ceiling without it

With cert: ~$72,900/yr

OSHA 30+$2,000/yr

Opens commercial and government service contracts

With cert: ~$70,700/yr

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

Salary by Specialization in Washington D.C.

Specialization	Est. Median	vs. Residential
Residential Service Baseline — most common role in the state	$68,700	baseline
Commercial HVAC RTUs, chillers, AHUs — more system complexity	$78,318	+14%
Refrigeration Supermarket and cold-chain specialists command a consistent premium	$81,066	+18%
Controls / BMS Building automation is the highest-paying specialty by a wide margin	$90,684	+32%
New Construction Install Steady work but lower wages than service-call roles	$64,578	-6%

How Washington D.C. Compares

vs. National Median

National: $54,228/yr · Washington D.C. ranks #3 of 51 states

+27% (+$14,472)

Massachusetts

Median: $68,400/yr

-$300

Washington

Median: $70,200/yr

+$1,500

New York

Median: $66,900/yr

-$1,800

Connecticut

Median: $65,800/yr

-$2,900

Highest-paying states vs Washington D.C.

Illinois$72,100+$3,400

Washington$70,200+$1,500

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Need to know licensing requirements in Washington D.C.?

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

License Guide

Compare with other states:

Massachusetts — $68,400 Washington — $70,200 New York — $66,900 Connecticut — $65,800

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