HVAC Technician Pay: Maintenance Worker to HVAC Tech (May 2025 BLS Data)
Heating and air conditioning is one of the most in-demand skilled trades, and many techs start in general building maintenance. Here is the pay ladder in May 2025 federal data.
The pay ladder at a glance
| Occupation | U.S. jobs | 10th pct. | Median | 90th pct. | Typical entry education | Projected growth 2025–35 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| General maintenance worker | 1,529,700 | $35,350 | $49,590 | $77,180 | High school diploma or equivalent | +4.2% |
| HVAC technician | 409,670 | $40,050 | $61,010 | $95,210 | Postsecondary nondegree award | +10.9% |
| Mechanic / installer supervisor | 617,500 | $49,600 | $79,860 | $126,790 | High school diploma or equivalent | +4.1% |
Wages are May 2025 estimates from BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics, May 2025; growth and education from BLS Employment Projections, 2025–35. The 10th and 90th percentiles show the range from entry-level or lower-paying employers to the most experienced or best-paid workers. For comparison, the median for all U.S. occupations was $50,980.
Maintenance to HVAC
General maintenance and repair workers earn a median of $49,590. HVAC mechanics and installers earn $61,010. The BLS Occupational Outlook Handbook says HVAC technicians typically need a postsecondary nondegree award and a lengthy period of on-the-job training, and may need a license or certification.
Experienced techs
The 90th percentile for HVAC techs is $95,210. BLS projects 10.9% employment growth from 2025 to 2035, with about 40,600 openings a year.
Into supervision
First-line supervisors of mechanics, installers and repairers earn $79,860. Lead tech and service manager roles are the usual path.
Where hvac technicians earn the most
State medians for heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanics and installers vary widely. The five highest-paying states in the May 2025 survey:
| State | Median annual wage | Employment |
|---|---|---|
| District of Columbia | $84,390 | 400 |
| Alaska | $77,430 | 610 |
| Illinois | $77,410 | 9,740 |
| Massachusetts | $77,300 | 8,200 |
| Connecticut | $76,610 | 3,800 |
Pay tips for HVAC techs
- Commercial and refrigeration work often pays more than residential service.
- On-call pay. Ask how after-hours calls are paid; time spent responding is work time.
Published October 27, 2026. Sources are linked in the text.
Header image: original chart by JobPayRaise.com using BLS OEWS May 2025 data.
Comments (1)
Before you chase a raise, make sure your paperwork is in order: EPA rules under Section 608 of the Clean Air Act require technicians who maintain, service, repair or dispose of equipment that could release ozone-depleting refrigerants to be certified. Employers often won't put uncertified techs on refrigerant jobs. Details: EPA Section 608 Technician Certification.