If you are comparing career paths or trying to figure out whether your pay is fair, you want a straight number first.
In the United States, HVAC technicians earn a median of $59,810 per year ($28.75/hour), according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (May 2024 data, SOC 49-9021). Most workers fall between $39,130 (bottom 10%) and $91,020 (top 10%).
In Canada, HVAC mechanics earn a median of $37.50/hour nationally, per Job Bank Canada (NOC 72402, updated November 2025). That works out to roughly $78,000/year on a full-time schedule. Typical hourly pay ranges from $22.00 on the low end to $56.00 on the high end.
Location, experience, certifications, and the type of work (residential service vs commercial install) move those numbers up or down fast. Below is a full breakdown for both countries.
Last updated: June 2026. US figures from BLS OEWS May 2024. Canadian figures from Job Bank November 2025.
How much do HVAC techs make in the US?
The national picture from BLS is straightforward:
| Metric | Amount |
|---|---|
| Median annual wage | $59,810 |
| Median hourly wage | $28.75 |
| Mean annual wage | $62,690 |
| 10th percentile | $39,130 |
| 90th percentile | $91,020 |
That median sits above the median for all US occupations ($49,500 in May 2024), but well below specialized trades like electrical power-line installers. HVAC pay is closer to electricians ($62,350 median) and plumbers ($62,970 median).
US HVAC salary by experience level
BLS does not publish experience bands directly, but you can map wage percentiles to rough career stages:
| Experience level | Approximate annual salary | Approximate hourly rate |
|---|---|---|
| Entry-level (0–2 years) | $39,130–$50,000 | $18.81–$24.00 |
| Mid-career (3–7 years) | $55,000–$70,000 | $26.00–$34.00 |
| Senior (8+ years) | $75,000–$91,020+ | $36.00–$44.00+ |
Apprentices and first-year helpers often start below the 10th percentile while they are still in training. Journeyman-level techs with EPA certification and a few years under their belt usually land near or above the national median.
Highest-paying US states for HVAC technicians
Climate, cost of living, and union density all affect state-level pay. These are the top-paying states by median annual wage (BLS OEWS, May 2024):
| State | Median hourly | Median annual |
|---|---|---|
| Alaska | $40.22 | $83,660 |
| District of Columbia | $40.09 | $83,390 |
| Massachusetts | $37.02 | $76,990 |
| Connecticut | $35.53 | $73,910 |
| Minnesota | $35.29 | $73,390 |
| Illinois | $34.44 | $71,260 |
| New Jersey | $33.56 | $69,800 |
| Washington | $32.51 | $67,630 |
| New York | $32.05 | $66,670 |
| California | $31.39 | $65,290 |
| Hawaii | $30.67 | $63,780 |
| Maryland | $31.25 | $65,000 |
On the other end, West Virginia ($46,040), Mississippi ($47,270), and Arkansas ($47,240) report the lowest state medians. That spread of nearly $40,000 between the highest and lowest states is one of the largest in the skilled trades.
What affects HVAC pay in the US
Several factors push wages above or below the median:
- Certifications. EPA Section 608 certification is required federally for refrigerant handling. Optional certs like NATE can help you command higher pay, especially on commercial accounts.
- Commercial vs residential. Commercial refrigeration, chiller work, and building automation often pay more than residential service calls.
- Union membership. Union HVAC techs in major metros can earn 15–25% more than non-union counterparts, though availability varies by region.
- Overtime and on-call work. Peak heating and cooling seasons mean plenty of shops pay time-and-a-half. Techs who take on-call rotations can add $5,000–$10,000+ to base salary.
- Specialization. Controls technicians, VRF/mini-split specialists, and industrial refrigeration techs often sit at the top of the pay range.
US job outlook
Employment of HVAC technicians is projected to grow 8% from 2024 to 2034, according to BLS. That is much faster than the average for all occupations. About 40,100 openings are projected each year, driven by new construction, system replacements, and retirements.
How much do HVAC techs make in Canada?
Canadian wage data comes from Job Bank, which tracks the NOC 72402 occupation (heating, ventilation and air conditioning mechanic). Figures below reflect the November 2025 update.
National overview
| Metric | Amount |
|---|---|
| Low hourly wage | $22.00 |
| Median hourly wage | $37.50 |
| High hourly wage | $56.00 |
| Estimated median annual (2,080 hrs) | ~$78,000 |
About 83% of Canadian HVAC mechanics receive at least one non-wage benefit (pension, dental, insurance, paid leave), per Job Bank.
Canadian HVAC wages by province and territory
| Province / territory | Low ($/hr) | Median ($/hr) | High ($/hr) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Alberta | $25.00 | $40.00 | $54.00 |
| British Columbia | $24.23 | $40.00 | $62.00 |
| Manitoba | $18.00 | $36.07 | $45.00 |
| New Brunswick | $20.50 | $29.76 | $45.63 |
| Newfoundland and Labrador | $20.00 | $36.00 | $46.00 |
| Nova Scotia | $20.70 | $30.84 | $53.85 |
| Ontario | $21.00 | $37.00 | $58.00 |
| Prince Edward Island | $21.02 | $31.21 | $34.02 |
| Quebec | $22.40 | $38.00 | $46.08 |
| Saskatchewan | $28.50 | $40.00 | $59.00 |
| Northwest Territories | n/a | n/a | n/a |
| Nunavut | n/a | n/a | n/a |
| Yukon | n/a | n/a | n/a |
Alberta, British Columbia, and Saskatchewan share the highest provincial medians at $40.00/hour. New Brunswick and Prince Edward Island sit lowest. Job Bank does not publish reliable wage data for the three northern territories for this occupation.
Apprenticeship and Red Seal in Canada
Most Canadian HVAC mechanics enter through a registered apprenticeship (typically 4–5 years) and write the Red Seal exam for interprovincial mobility.
The wage jump from apprentice to journeyman is significant:
- First-year apprentices often start around $18–$25/hour (roughly 55–65% of journeyman rates).
- Journeyman Red Seal holders typically earn the provincial median or above.
- Union journeymen in Ontario and BC can reach $45–$62/hour depending on the local agreement and type of work.
Industrial and commercial refrigeration roles in BC and Alberta frequently pay at the high end of the provincial range, especially in remote or fly-in sites.
What affects HVAC pay in Canada
- Province and city. Toronto, Vancouver, and Calgary markets pay more than smaller rural communities, but cost of living follows.
- Union vs non-union. UA (United Association) locals in Ontario and BC set wage floors well above non-union residential shops.
- Type of work. Commercial install, process cooling, and industrial refrigeration command premiums over basic residential service.
- Red Seal status. Employers often pay more for interprovincially certified journeymen who can work across provinces without re-testing.
US vs Canada: how do HVAC tech salaries compare?
| Factor | United States | Canada |
|---|---|---|
| Median hourly pay | $28.75 | $37.50 |
| Median annual pay | $59,810 | ~$78,000 |
| Typical range | $39,130–$91,020 | $22.00–$56.00/hr |
| Key credential | EPA Section 608 (federal) | Red Seal / provincial apprenticeship |
| Highest-paying region | Alaska, DC, Massachusetts | Alberta, BC, Saskatchewan |
| Job growth outlook | 8% (2024–2034) | Strong demand in most provinces |
On paper, Canadian median hourly pay is higher. But direct comparisons are tricky. Cost of living, tax structure, benefits packages, and currency all affect take-home pay. A tech in Toronto at $37/hour is not automatically better off than a tech in a lower-cost US market at $30/hour.
Both countries have strong demand for HVAC workers. Climate extremes, aging building stock, and heat pump adoption are driving work in residential and commercial markets on both sides of the border.
Employee pay vs running your own HVAC shop
The salary numbers above reflect employed HVAC technicians: W-2 workers, apprentices, and journeymen on someone else's payroll.
Running your own shop is a different math problem. Owner-operators and side-job techs can earn more than the median, but they also carry overhead, callbacks, vehicle costs, insurance, and slow months.
What usually separates techs who do well on their own:
- Tight pricing on diagnostics and scope. Giving away troubleshooting time is the fastest way to lose money.
- Clean paperwork. Equipment notes, photos, and approved scope protect you when a customer disputes a bill.
- Project-based work. Full system replacements, mini-split installs, and quoted add-ons tend to have better margins than high-volume dispatch service.
If you are thinking about side work or going out on your own, our guide on how to start doing side jobs in HVAC walks through the practical first steps.
Dave is built for small HVAC contractors quoting project work: replacements, installs, and add-ons where scope, equipment photos, and professional estimates matter. It is not dispatch software for shops running 15 service tickets a day. If that is your workflow, see how Dave handles HVAC estimating and invoicing.
Frequently asked questions
How much does an HVAC tech make per hour?
In the US, the median is $28.75/hour (BLS, May 2024). In Canada, the median is $37.50/hour (Job Bank, November 2025). Entry-level techs and apprentices often start lower. Senior techs in high-paying states or provinces can exceed $45/hour.
What is the starting salary for an HVAC technician?
US entry-level techs and apprentices typically start around $18–$24/hour, or roughly $39,000–$50,000/year. Canadian first-year apprentices often earn $18–$25/hour depending on province and employer. Pay rises quickly once you complete apprenticeship hours and pass certification exams.
Do HVAC techs make good money?
Yes, relative to the overall job market. The US median ($59,810) beats the national median for all occupations ($49,500). Canadian medians are higher in hourly terms. HVAC is also a trade with clear advancement: certifications, specializations, and ownership all push earnings up over time.
Which state or province pays HVAC techs the most?
In the US, Alaska leads with a median of $83,660/year, followed by DC, Massachusetts, and Connecticut. In Canada, Alberta, British Columbia, and Saskatchewan share the top provincial median at $40.00/hour. Union industrial roles in BC and Ontario can exceed those figures.
How much do HVAC techs make in Canada vs the US?
Canadian HVAC mechanics earn a higher median hourly rate ($37.50 vs $28.75), but cost of living and taxes differ. The US has a wider top-end range (90th percentile above $91,000). Both markets have strong demand and room for six-figure earnings with specialization or business ownership.
Can HVAC techs make six figures?
Yes, but it usually takes one of three paths: senior commercial/industrial specialization (top 10% of employed techs earn $91,020+ in the US), significant overtime during peak seasons, or running your own business with solid pricing and repeat customers. Straight W-2 residential service work at median pay will not get you to six figures without one of those factors.
Related resources
- How to Start Doing Side Jobs in HVAC - Practical first steps for techs building toward their own business
- HVAC Estimating and Invoicing in Dave - Software for small HVAC contractors quoting project work
- HVAC Replacement Cost Calculator - Estimate replacement costs by system type and home size
- Free HVAC Estimate Template - Download a professional estimate template for HVAC jobs
- HVAC System Replacement Quote Playbook - Step-by-step guide to quoting replacement jobs