HVAC installers perform an essential role in business as they install HVAC systems, troubleshoot issues, and communicate with customers.
Many factors affect HVAC installer salaries, including geographic location, experience, and certifications. As industry demand increases for these workers, businesses may find it challenging to know the right competitive pay to attract job seekers. Those seeking jobs as an HVAC installer may not know what experience or training they can obtain to work their way up in the field and achieve higher pay.
Whether you’re a contractor seeking to attract more employees to your commercial or residential HVAC business, or you’re looking for a job as an HVAC installer, this guide gives clarity about HVAC installer salaries in each state, job outlook, and the digital tools contractors can use to help their techs and business succeed.
What is the Average Salary for an HVAC Installer?
The average pay for a full-time heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanic and installer is $59,810 annually, or $28.75 per hour, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS).
HVAC salaries or hourly wages vary by experience, no matter which area of the country you work. A database of HVAC salaries from Payscale.com, projected to June 1, 2025, shows how the salaries differ by experience level.
Median HVAC salaries by state and experience level | ||||
| Entry | Intermediate | Senior | Supervisor |
State | <2 years | 2-4 years | 4-7 years | 7+ years |
Alabama | $50,900 | $61,900 | $72,600 | $85,400 |
Alaska | $55,700 | $67,700 | $79,400 | $93,500 |
Arizona | $52,900 | $64,300 | $75,400 | $88,700 |
Arkansas | $50,000 | $60,800 | $71,400 | $84,000 |
California | $59,200 | $72,000 | $84,500 | $99,400 |
Colorado | $54,800 | $66,500 | $78,100 | $91,900 |
Connecticut | $56,500 | $68,600 | $80,600 | $94,800 |
Delaware | $54,700 | $66,500 | $78,100 | $91,800 |
Florida | $52,100 | $63,300 | $74,300 | $87,400 |
Georgia | $53,000 | $64,400 | $75,600 | $89,000 |
Hawaii | $56,100 | $68,200 | $80,100 | $94,200 |
Idaho | $51,300 | $62,300 | $73,200 | $86,100 |
Illinois | $55,200 | $67,100 | $78,800 | $92,700 |
Indiana | $52,000 | $63,100 | $74,100 | $87,200 |
Iowa | $51,100 | $62,100 | $72,900 | $85,800 |
Kansas | $51,900 | $63,100 | $74,000 | $87,100 |
Kentucky | $51,100 | $62,000 | $72,800 | $85,700 |
Louisiana | $52,200 | $63,400 | $74,500 | $87,600 |
Maine | $52,500 | $63,800 | $74,900 | $88,200 |
Maryland | $55,500 | $67,500 | $79,200 | $93,200 |
Massachusetts | $57,500 | $69,800 | $82,000 | $96,400 |
Michigan | $53,200 | $64,600 | $75,900 | $89,300 |
Minnesota | $54,400 | $66,100 | $77,600 | $91,400 |
Mississippi | $49,500 | $60,200 | $70,700 | $83,100 |
Missouri | $52,300 | $63,600 | $74,600 | $87,800 |
Montana | $50,800 | $61,700 | $72,500 | $85,300 |
Nation | $54,100 | $65,700 | $77,200 | $90,800 |
Nebraska | $51,500 | $62,600 | $73,400 | $86,400 |
Nevada | $53,000 | $64,400 | $75,600 | $88,900 |
New Hampshire | $55,000 | $66,800 | $78,500 | $92,300 |
New Jersey | $58,300 | $70,800 | $83,100 | $97,800 |
New Mexico | $52,500 | $63,700 | $74,800 | $88,000 |
New York | $56,900 | $69,200 | $81,200 | $95,600 |
North Carolina | $52,900 | $64,300 | $75,500 | $88,800 |
North Dakota | $51,300 | $62,400 | $73,200 | $86,100 |
Ohio | $52,200 | $63,400 | $74,400 | $87,500 |
Oklahoma | $51,200 | $62,200 | $73,000 | $85,900 |
Oregon | $55,000 | $66,800 | $78,400 | $92,200 |
Pennsylvania | $53,900 | $65,500 | $76,900 | $90,500 |
Rhode Island | $54,400 | $66,100 | $77,600 | $91,300 |
South Carolina | $51,200 | $62,200 | $73,000 | $85,900 |
South Dakota | $50,100 | $60,800 | $71,400 | $84,000 |
Tennessee | $51,700 | $62,800 | $73,700 | $86,700 |
Texas | $53,900 | $65,500 | $76,900 | $90,400 |
Utah | $52,700 | $64,000 | $75,100 | $88,400 |
Vermont | $51,200 | $62,200 | $73,000 | $85,900 |
Virginia | $54,700 | $66,500 | $78,100 | $91,900 |
Washington | $58,000 | $70,500 | $82,700 | $97,300 |
West Virginia | $49,200 | $59,800 | $70,100 | $82,500 |
Wisconsin | $52,700 | $64,100 | $75,200 | $88,500 |
Wyoming | $49,600 | $60,200 | $70,700 | $83,200 |
SOURCE: Payscale.com |
The job title and type of work duties also affect pay levels. For instance, commercial HVAC installers typically earn more than residential HVAC installers. A lead installer often earns more because they’re following installation plans and directing installer assistants. But they may earn less than some HVAC service technicians who are qualified to diagnose more complex HVAC issues.
In addition, geographic location affects salaries. An HVAC tech working in a high-demand area likely will earn more pay than one working in an area with less demand.
Top States for HVAC Installer Salaries
HVAC installers receive higher pay in specific states, due to industry demand or the area’s cost of living.
Payscale’s annual median salary data for the job of HVAC mechanic II, which is comparable to installer pay, shows top-paying states include:
California: $72,000
New Jersey: $70,800
Washington: $70,500
Massachusetts: $69,800
New York: $69,200
Connecticut: $68,600
Hawaii: $68,200
Alaska: $67,700
Maryland: $67,500
Illinois: $67,100
In contrast, states with the lowest pay for this position include:
West Virginia: $59,800
Mississippi: $60,200
Wyoming: $60,200
Arkansas: $60,800
South Dakota: $60,800
Regional demand plays a factor in these salary variations. These factors include:
Labor shortages
Urban vs. rural areas
Climate
Amount of new construction
In order for contractors to offer competitive wages, it’s crucial they know the average pay for specific job descriptions in an area. It’s also a good idea for those seeking HVAC installer job openings to know average pay rates so they’re adequately compensated for their skill set.
Benefits for HVAC Installers
Contractors who offer attractive benefits for HVAC installers gain a hiring edge. Consider offering the following benefits to employees:
Health, dental, and vision insurance
Retirement plans
Life insurance
Paid time off
Sign-on bonuses
Performance pay and incentives, such as tool allowances
Referral bonuses
Health and wellness programs
Tuition/professional training coverage or reimbursement
Mentorship opportunities
Career advancement potential within the company
Determine what other HVAC businesses offer employees and provide a comprehensive benefits package to attract and retain quality workers.
Job Outlook and Career Growth for HVAC Installers
The job outlook for HVAC installers is expected to substantially grow. The Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) predicts a 9% increase from 2023 to 2033 for heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanics and installers, which is more than double the national average of 4% for all occupations.
This means HVAC installation technicians have more opportunities than ever to obtain training and advance in their roles. With the focus on automated HVAC technology and renewable energy, HVAC techs can expand their knowledge and make themselves marketable to employers. As more clients seek efficient solutions and convenient ways to monitor their systems, HVAC companies profit by offering specialized equipment and services.
Certifications and Qualifications for Higher Pay
Training and certifications can make a difference in how much a HVAC installer makes.
In the HVAC industry, certain types of work require licenses and certifications. In many areas, HVAC technicians must hold a state or local license. The Environmental Protection Agency’s Section 608 Technician Certification is also required for those who service equipment with refrigerants.
Additional professional training and certifications show a tech’s commitment to quality work and typically results in higher pay.
Professional HVAC training and certifications include:
North American Technician Excellence (NATE): NATE certification types include entry-level certificates and professional certification exams. Specialty certification exams include low GWP refrigerants, ground source heat pump installer, HVAC performance verifier, and senior level efficiency analyst.
HVAC Excellence: Managed by ESCO Institute, HVAC Excellence offers many professional level technician certifications.
HVAC educational courses: HVAC installers can obtain degrees or certificates from colleges or trade schools in specific areas of study, demonstrating their knowledge in the field.
HVAC installers also may want to consider joining state or regional trade associations to learn more about emerging HVAC technology and equipment, and network with other professionals in the trades.
>> Want to know more about HVAC licensing requirements? Check out our HVAC licensing guide covering all 50 states.
Overtime Pay and Additional Compensation
When it comes to salaries, HVAC installers typically earn overtime and additional compensation based on performance.
The federal Fair Labor Standards Act requires overtime pay for covered, nonexempt employees to be at least one and one-half times the employer’s standard rate of pay for 40 hours of work. Some states with overtime laws require employers to pay more than this amount.
In the HVAC industry, it’s common for employers to incentivize employees with sign-on bonuses, which they pay to a new employee at once or over a period of time. Some companies offer referral bonuses in an effort to find and hire good techs. Commission-based pay structures provide bonuses to employees based on sales or for achieving a performance goal.
HVAC installer wages and pay structures vary by employer and function as a tool to attract skilled, high-quality workers.
Cost of Living Adjustment by Location
A cost-of-living adjustment is an increase in the HVAC installer pay rate based on the higher cost of living in a specific area. For example, HVAC installers in Chicago earn an average of 31.3% more than the national average, according to Payscale data.
Other cities with higher-than average salaries include:
Denver: 13.1% more
San Jose, California: 8.2% more
Cities with lower-than average salaries include:
Los Angeles, California: 17.6% less
Indianapolis, Indiana: 10.9% less
Phoenix, Arizona: 2.1% less
It’s important to consider cost of living factors when comparing HVAC installer salaries.
The #1 newsletter for the trades.
How ServiceTitan Supports HVAC Businesses
With ServiceTitan, HVAC contractors stay one step ahead when it comes to compensating employees and improving performance. All-in-one HVAC software streamlines payroll, keeps HVAC techs efficient and profitable in the field, and enables contractors to monitor real-time metrics to make better business decisions.
Streamline payroll and automate incentives
ServiceTitan’s integrated processing tools provide real-time timesheet tracking to ensure accurate payroll. Configurable payroll simplifies complex performance pay structures, allowing you to automate commission and bonuses to reward techs for achieving goals.
Payroll software aggregates timesheet data, showing contractors how labor costs stack up against jobs. A clear view into costs ensures contractors stay on top of budgets and improve the efficiency and profitability of each job.
Empower techs to boost sales in the field
ServiceTitan’s mobile app enables HVAC techs to easily create professional estimates in the field with built-in profit margins. On a mobile device, techs can show clients multiple options with photos to simplify the sales process and close more sales in the field.
Techs can renew client service or membership agreements to retain your client base and keep their HVAC systems well maintained. They can also accept instant payment in the field to complete services faster and keep customers satisfied.
Use real-time metrics to improve profit
Customized, cloud-based reporting gives HVAC contractors meaningful and immediate access to the KPIs that matter most to business. Live dashboards with robust tools show overall business performance and details relating to departments, field service teams, and even individual HVAC techs.
The ability to drill down into the details empowers contractors to gain greater insight into critical areas, improve performance, and grow business revenue.
Ready to see how ServiceTitan improves HVAC business? Schedule a demo today.
