HVAC technicians work hard and face unique challenges on the job. If you're hiring HVAC professionals, ensure you're offering competitive wages that reflect their skills and efforts. If you're an HVAC technician, check the information below to make sure you're receiving the pay you deserve.
When discussing a new job with an HVAC technician, one of the most common questions I hear is, "What’s the pay?" It’s understandable—no one works for free. Unfortunately, the typical response, "Well, that depends," isn’t very satisfying.
Salary can vary based on several factors, including your skills, experience, training or certifications, and even how well you interview (which we can assist you with). However, one of the most significant influences on pay is location.
A technician in California typically earns about $45 per hour, whereas in New York, the same technician with similar skills and experience can expect to make around $38 per hour. It's important to note that wages can vary significantly within each state. For instance, while Texas averages $30 per hour, a technician in Dallas might earn around $21 per hour.
In addition to variations in experience and location, there are also different types of HVAC technicians. The national average hourly wage for an HVAC technician in the U.S. is $28.26, but this term encompasses a wide range of roles, including Residential HVAC Technicians, Commercial HVAC Technicians, Installation Technicians, and Service Technicians, etc. Below are the national average salaries for some of the most common types of HVAC technicians:
RESIDENTIAL HVAC TECHNICIAN – $33.85/HR
COMMERCIAL HVAC TECHNICIAN – $43.26/HR
INSTALLATION TECHNICIANS – $29.00/hr
SERVICE TECHNICIANS – $25.00/hr
If you want a full breakdown of the average pay for each state, click here. Please keep in mind that these figures are intended to provide a general overview of expected pay. Our insights come from working with numerous companies worldwide and engaging with hundreds of technicians and installers. As a result, we believe these base wages do not accurately represent the current market rates for qualified HVAC technicians and installers.
What does all this mean? Essentially, when it comes to “How Much Does it Pay?”, the answer remains “It Depends.” However, we now have a better understanding of the factors involved. If you're aiming for the highest earnings, consider becoming a HVAC technician in Massachusetts or North Dakota.
In addition to a stable salary, various factors can enhance your earnings, such as SPIFFs, commissions, bonuses, and more.
Are you receiving the compensation you deserve? And if you run a shop, are you offering your HVAC technicians fair pay? Providing a competitive wage is crucial for keeping talented technicians on your team.
If you feel undervalued or are looking for a change, reach out to us at 1-833-937-3546 or visit our website to discover how Rockstar Recruiting can help you secure a high-paying HVAC technician position.