What is the highest paying hvac job

Hiring quality HVAC technicians is crucial to your business. However, to set a salary that will attract the best candidates, you should consider the typical HVAC salary in your state.

How much does HVAC make when starting out or becoming more skilled? Entry-level HVAC technicians earn roughly similar wages across the nation, give or take a few thousand dollars annually. However, as they gain more experience, education, and credentials, an HVAC technician’s salary can improve significantly. 

This guide provides a state-by-state comparison of HVAC tech salaries and insights into what circumstances can increase those salaries.

HVAC Salary by State in 2022

Wage data for HVAC techs vary by source. The following table includes HVAC salaries by state based on the latest data at the time of writing from Indeed and the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) to serve as a more accurate picture of the potential range of average salaries for each state.

Note that these figures do not include commissions, bonuses, and any other additional compensation that HVAC technicians may receive. 

Best States for HVAC Technicians in Terms of Salary

According to Indeed’s data, California pays HVAC technicians the highest average base salary at just over $50,000 per year. Close behind are Massachusetts, New York, Washington, and New Jersey. 

Data from the BLS shows higher figures across the nation, with Alaska paying significantly more annually than other states. Hawaii, Washington, Massachusetts, and Connecticut also top the list as some of the best-paying states for HVAC technicians.

Lowest-Paying States for HVAC Tech Salary

Arkansas, West Virginia, Tennessee, Mississippi, and Kentucky are few states with the lowest average HVAC tech salaries. Looking strictly at the BLS data map of annual mean wages, a group of southeastern states, such as North Carolina, Georgia, and Florida, have the lowest wages. 

According to a report from Arizton Advisory and Intelligence, the northeastern and southeastern HVAC markets took a hit in 2020 primarily due to the COVID-19 pandemic. A lack of workers and limited supplies stalled HVAC services and projects, which could account for some of the country’s wage disparity in the southern part. 

However, the same report projects the United States’ HVAC industry to expand by 4% from 2019-2025, so it’s possible that average wages may increase along with industry growth across the board. 

What are the Best Metropolitan Areas for HVAC Salary?

Metropolitan areas tend to have higher living costs than suburban and rural areas. Therefore, these areas usually come with higher wages, regardless of industry. HVAC technicians may make more in metro areas, and like states, some cities pay more than others.

According to BLS data, the following metropolitan areas are some of the highest payers for HVAC professionals based on average annual salaries:

• Fairbanks, Arkansas: $91,840
• Napa, California: $82,650
• Santa Cruz-Watsonville, California: $76,440
• San Francisco-Oakland-Hayward, California: $76,180
• Anchorage, Alaska: $75,740

Why Do Some States Pay HVAC Technicians More?

The demand for HVAC technicians varies by state, similar to how some states need cybersecurity professionals more than others. Each state has dominating industries, and HVAC is simply more prominent in some areas of the country than others.

For example, a modern desire for sustainability has made HVAC services more important than ever before, as HVAC systems are responsible for as much as 60% of a structure’s energy consumption. Therefore, energy-efficient states, such as California, Massachusetts, and Vermont, could continue to demand more HVAC technicians, leading to higher potential salaries for qualified professionals.

As of 2018, Statista lists California and New York as having some of the highest numbers of HVAC establishments. They’re also two of the highest-paying states in the country, indicating that their demand for qualified technicians may lead to better salaries.

Considering Cost of Living 

Cost of living also affects HVAC salaries across the nation. Each state differs in its housing, transportation, utilities, and other costs that affect daily living. In states with a high cost of living, wages tend to be higher to balance costs.

According to World Population Review, Hawaii, California, and New York have the highest cost of living. These states also pay HVAC technicians some of the best salaries. Likewise, states with low cost of living, such as Mississippi, Arkansas, and Oklahoma, fall on the lower end of the pay scale. 

How Education Level Affects HVAC Technician Salary

An HVAC education program allows learners to build their skills and gain hands-on practice with tools and techniques they’ll use on the job. These programs range from taking several weeks to a couple of years, depending on the certificate or degree a student pursues.

Because graduates complete the program with advanced skills and knowledge, a higher salary usually comes with their credentials. An undergraduate degree in HVAC can lead to a 32% higher median salary than someone without a degree. 

Licensure and HVAC Salary

Gaining HVAC licensure can also increase a technician’s salary. According to Payscale’s February 2022 reported salaries, technicians earn an average of $63,264 a year. However, with a master HVAC license, they earn an average annual salary of $77,000.

HVAC technicians with licensure and a degree could increase their salaries even more.

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