Heating, ventilation and air conditioning (HVAC) workers have an aptitude for mechanics and problem solving. Keep reading to learn more about the salaries of these professionals, including how pay varies by location and industry.

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Job Outlook

HVAC professionals typically need an understanding of electrical science, heating, mechanics and installation practices. The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) states that job opportunities will be highly favorable for HVAC mechanics and installers, with a 15% increase from 2016-2026 (www.bls.gov). The BLS also noted that in 2016, 64% of HVAC professionals worked for contractors in heating, air conditioning and plumbing.

Important Facts About HVAC Professions

On-the-Job Training Apprenticeships available lasting 3-5 years Professional Certification Entry-level exams administered by post-secondary institutions Key Skills Physical strength, manual dexterity, customer service oriented, attention to detail, time management Similar Occupations Electricians, boilermakers, sheet metal workers, plumbers, pipefitters, and steamfitters

Salary Overview

The BLS reported that general heating, air conditioning and refrigeration mechanics and installers earned an average annual salary of $50,160 as of May 2018. The BLS reported that in the same year, the bottom 10% of workers made $29,460 or less a year, while the top 10% of professionals earned $76,230 or more a year.

Salary by Industry

According to May 2018 BLS data, the building equipment contractors industry - which had the highest level of employment for HVAC professionals - offered an average annual salary of $49,100. Direct selling establishments offered these professionals an average wage of $50,090, while the commercial and industrial equipment repair industry offered an average wage of $52,670.

Salary by Location

The BLS reported that Florida, California, Texas, New York and Pennsylvania had the highest heating, air conditioning and refrigeration mechanic and installer employment in May 2018. None of these states offered average salaries lower than $40,000; both California and New York had average salaries of at least $58,000 for HVAC professionals. States with the highest average wages for these workers included the District of Columbia ($69,610), Alaska ($66,290) and Connecticut ($64,180).

The lowest-paid heating, air conditioning and refrigeration mechanics and installers made between $29,460 and $36,520 on average, according to May 2018 BLS data. Some of these lowest-paying states included West Virginia, Kentucky, Mississippi, North Carolina, Idaho and Arkansas.