How Much Do HVACs Earn in 2026? (+ Data From Our Own Job Listings)
Insurance premiums climb, eggs start feeling like a luxury, and with fuel prices rising, you might be seriously considering trading in for a small car just to keep up.
With all these pressures, it’s no surprise we’re constantly checking salary comparisons and wondering where our careers could take us. That’s why at Darwin Recruitment, we’ve pulled data from our own job listings and trusted online sources to give HVAC professionals a clear view of the salary landscape; helping you see where you stand, uncover better opportunities, and step into negotiations from a stronger position.
Ready to sink into the data (and find out where you’re job hunting first)? Here are the facts:
Average HVAC technician salaries, according to online sources
By compiling data from reputable sources, which use user-submitted salaries, employer job postings, labour market reports, and surveys, we’ve calculated the average annual HVAC salaries by state:
| State | Average Yearly Salary (Rounded Off) |
|---|---|
| Alabama | $ 47,000 - $ 52,000 |
| Alaska | $ 61,000 - $ 76,000 |
| Arizona | $ 48,000 - $ 55,000 |
| Arkansas | $ 38,500 - $ 53,000 |
| California | $ 58,000 - $ 66,000 |
| Colorado | $ 57,000 - $ 67,000 |
| Connecticut | $ 56,000 - $ 69,000 |
| Delaware | $ 54,000 - $ 63,000 |
| Florida | $ 44,000 - $ 54,000 |
| Georgia | $ 47,000 - $ 55,500 |
| Hawaii | $ 61,000 - $ 62,000 |
| Idaho | $ 47,000 - $ 55,000 |
| Illinois | $ 53,500 - $ 62,000 |
| Indiana | $ 48,500 - $ 59,000 |
| Iowa | $ 49,000 - $ 57,000 |
| Kansas | $ 48,000 - $ 57,000 |
| Kentucky | $ 48,000 - $ 58,000 |
| Louisiana | $ 48,000 - $ 52,500 |
| Maine | $ 49,000 - $ 62,500 |
| Maryland | $ 57,000 - $ 64,500 |
| Massachusetts | $ 61,500 - $ 71,500 |
| Michigan | $ 49,500 - $ 59,000 |
| Minnesota | $ 57,500 - $ 63,500 |
| Mississippi | $ 40,000 - $ 56,000 |
| Missouri | $ 48,000 - $ 57,000 |
| Montana | $ 48,000 - $ 65,000 |
| Nebraska | $ 48,000 - $ 58,000 |
| Nevada | $ 57,000 - $ 60,000 |
| New Hampshire | $ 57,000 - $ 68,500 |
| New Jersey | $ 60,000 - $ 62,500 |
| New Mexico | $ 49,000 - $ 57,000 |
| New York | $ 61,000 - $ 71,000 |
| North Carolina | $ 47,500 - $ 58,500 |
| North Dakota | $ 60,500 - $ 68,500 |
| Ohio | $ 49,000 - $ 61,000 |
| Oklahoma | $ 47,000 - $ 57,000 |
| Oregon | $ 57,000 - $ 65,000 |
| Pennsylvania | $ 48,500 - $ 60,000 |
| Rhode Island | $ 57,500 - $ 72,500 |
| South Carolina | $ 43,000 - $ 57,500 |
| South Dakota | $ 47,000 - $ 59,000 |
| Tennessee | $ 46,500 - $ 55,000 |
| Texas | $ 48,000 - $ 57,000 |
| Utah | $ 47,500 - $ 59,000 |
| Vermont | $ 59,500 - $ 62,000 |
| Virginia | $ 59,000 - $ 63,000 |
| Washington | $ 60,000 - $ 70,000 |
| West Virginia | $ 45,500 - $ 49,000 |
| Wisconsin | $ 57,000 - $ 59,000 |
| Wyoming | $ 49,000 - $ 59,000 |
Our own findings: HVAC salaries
Our data on current roles aligns closely with our research, while also highlighting the upper range of earnings. For example, HVAC technician salaries start around $52,000, but some employers are prepared to offer as much as $110,000 a year for the right candidate.
Beyond location, the main factors influencing pay potential include:
- Seniority and years of experience
- Company size
- Scope of duties and responsibilities
Skills shortage + high demand = your moment. Here’s how to break into HVAC.
What are the highest-paying HVAC roles?
Sometimes, moving to a similar role in a new state isn’t enough. If you’re looking to leverage your skills, experience, and qualifications to earn more, these are some of the highest-paying HVAC roles to consider:
Senior HVAC technician/supervisor
A technician at this level of experience oversees teams, manages projects, and ensures systems are installed and maintained to the highest standards. A lot of hands-on experience is key here.
You’ll probably also need supervisory or team-lead experience.
HVAC design engineer
For this role, you’ll need to plan and design heating, ventilation, and air-conditioning systems for commercial and industrial projects. Remember: strong technical knowledge and problem-solving skills drive higher pay.
For this role, you may need a tertiary qualification such as a Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering or HVAC Design. You’ll also need proficiency in CAD software, knowledge of building codes, and a professional engineering (PE) license for advanced roles.
HVAC project manager
As an HVAC project manager, you’ll be responsible for coordinating large-scale HVAC projects from start to finish, managing budgets, timelines, and client expectations.
Although, high responsibility often comes with top-tier compensation.
Of course, you’ll need a good amount of experience on the field. In addition, a project management certification (PMP or equivalent) wouldn’t hurt, strong leadership skills (naturally), and familiarity with building codes and compliance standards.
Can you afford to live there? Check with us
Another major factor to consider when moving states is the cost of living. A higher salary doesn’t always mean more money in your pocket; if rent, food, and utilities are significantly higher, the benefit can disappear fast.
That’s where we can help. Our cost of living calculator makes it easy to compare cities side by side, so you can make the best decision for you and your family.
Don’t miss out on great jobs in the US
At Darwin Recruitment, we make job searching simple. Browse open roles directly on our website, use filters and keyword search, and quickly find opportunities that match your skills and goals.
