How Much Do Heating and Air Technicians Really Make?

The HVAC industry is a lucrative one. It’s for a pretty simple reason–our heating and cooling systems are an integral part of our lifestyle and businesses. It might be one of the most important elements when it comes to keeping an ambiance comfortable. 

Are you thinking about snagging a career in the HVAC industry? If you are, you’re probably wondering how much heating and air techs make, and that’s exactly why we’re writing this blog post! We’re going to dive into HVAC technician salaries and a few elements that are sure to influence your salary expectations. 

We know that having a keen understanding of how much heating and air techs make will not only help determine if you want to enter the industry but will also help employers attract a reliable talent pool. Without further ado, let’s get started!

How Much Do Heating and Air Techs Make? Key Factors That Influence Pay 

HVAC technicians are fundamental when it comes to our comfort regardless of what the setting is. They make sure that the space is livable and breathable. But, if you’re asking yourself “How much do heating and air techs make?” The answer lies in quite a few different factors. Let’s take a look at a few:

• Experience and Skill Level

The experience level of a heating and air technician is one of the most important aspects affecting their earnings. Like any other industry, with more experience comes a higher earning potential. That said, if you’re a technician who is just starting out, there’s a chance you may earn a lower salary, but as time goes on, you’ll obtain additional skills and with them, a pay increase. 

If you’ve racked up several years of experience, especially if you’ve specialized in complex HVAC systems, your salary can rise significantly. Not to mention, if you’ve achieved certifications from NATE (North American Tech Excellence) you have an even better shot at earning more and displaying some solid expertise. 

If you have more experience, you’ll be a more valuable player. Simple!

• Location, Location, Location 

Where you work will always play a huge role in how much you earn. Whether we’re talking about metropolitan areas with extreme temperatures and higher living costs, where heating and air techs are likely to earn more.

Living and working in an area where air conditioning and heating are a year-round fundamental aspect of life, the need for skilled HVAC technicians skyrockets. A bigger demand means driving up wages. 

• The Type of HVAC Job and Employment

When we’re talking about the type of HVAC job you have, we’re talking about the very nature of your work. Residential HVAC services pay differently than commercial HVAC services will. Obviously, both are essential, but one involves larger spaces with more complex systems which is grounds for a higher wage. Not to mention, when you work for a larger company, you’re able to achieve a higher salary and benefits than you would as an independent contractor. 

On the same note, the very type of HVAC system you work with can have quite the impact on your pay. Let’s say you specialize in high-end, energy-efficient HVAC systems, or you’re trained to work with complex geothermal units, you can absolutely command a higher salary due to your niche expertise. 

HVAC Technician Salary Estimates: What You Can Expect 

Now that we’ve mulled over some of the most important factors that drive how much heating and air techs make, it’s time to take a look at the salary for HVAC technicians. The pay, like we mentioned is based on the previously mentioned elements, but we can still give you a pretty good idea of what you can expect to earn as an HVAC professional in the United States. Let’s dive in:

National Average HVAC Technician Salary 

You can expect the average salary for an HVAC technician to be anywhere between $45,000 and $65,000 per year, contingent upon several factors. Technicians with more experience under their belt or extra certifications stand to make a lot more. Potentially, those salaries exceed $75,000 yearly. 

Make no mistake that your average salary will be dependent on your skills, experience, and region. That said, it’s pretty easy to find steady and lucrative work.

Regional Salary Differences 

The salaries for heating and air technicians largely rely on where you’re based. Typically, in a place with a climate like New Orleans, where HVAC technicians are in high demand, a higher salary is expected. On the other hand,  their rural counterparts where HVAC systems aren’t utilized as often would deliver lower wages. 

Now, for the numbers: A New Orleans technician stands to make anywhere between $50,000 and $75,000. And if they specialize in a complex area of the industry, they could make along the lines of $80,000 or more!

Specialized Roles and Certifications

Are you a pro in specific areas of your HVAC work? Maybe you’re super proficient in refrigeration or commercial HVAC systems. You can earn a lot more for your expertise! In the same token, you certainly can earn more, the more certified you are. 

How to Increase Your Salary as an HVAC Technician 

So you want to increase your earning potential! There are a lot of ways to do that, and some of the most proficient ways to do so is through continued education and certifications. That said, the more experienced you are in niche aspects of the industry, the more valuable you are.

Get Certified

Receiving your certifications from esteemed organizations like NATE or even becoming EPA-certified is a great way to elevate that earning potential. These accolades will show all of your potential employers and clients that you’re well-equipped to handle whatever challenges their system throws at you. 

Gain Experience and Specialize 

Like most viable careers, you earn more money as your experience increases. As you work through your career journey, you’ll come across more and more complex systems. The more you work with them, the more familiar you’ll become, and the compensation for your newfound skillset will follow. 

Relocate to High-Demand Areas 

If you’re not already in a high-demand city, you should consider relocating or opening your services up to areas that need them most. That way, you’ll be paid handsomely for your expertise. 

The Future of HVAC Technicians 

In the HVAC industry, growth is to be expected, especially in the coming years. We’re evolving into a world that has an increasing demand for energy-efficient systems and technology that is green thumb-friendly. 

If you’re just starting out, it’s important to note that the HVAC industry is a lucrative one. It offers a very promising future to technicians that are ready to help their city go round. 

Are you ready to get your career started as an HVAC technician? Maybe you’re an employer looking for your pick of the litter. Maybe you’re an HVAC owner who happened to stumble across this blog post. Either way, you can click here to speak with the Optimum Air Solutions team and learn more!

We’re well-versed in all things HVAC and are willing to help anyone better understand the industry whether it be for their careers or their home’s heating and cooling needs. 

We promise to have you breathing easy in the Big Easy in no time.