HVAC Mechanics and Installers Salary in the United States (2026)
Based on U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics data · Updated 2026 · High Demand
| State | Avg Salary | vs National | Demand |
|---|---|---|---|
| Hawaii | $100,409 | +55.0% | High |
| District of Columbia | $98,466 | +52.0% | High |
| California | $91,988 | +42.0% | High |
| New York | $89,396 | +38.0% | High |
| Alaska | $85,510 | +32.0% | High |
| Massachusetts | $84,214 | +30.0% | High |
| New Jersey | $82,918 | +28.0% | High |
| Washington | $80,975 | +25.0% | High |
| Connecticut | $79,032 | +22.0% | High |
| Maryland | $74,497 | +15.0% | High |
| Rhode Island | $74,497 | +15.0% | High |
| New Hampshire | $73,849 | +14.0% | High |
| Oregon | $72,554 | +12.0% | High |
| Colorado | $71,258 | +10.0% | High |
| Virginia | $71,258 | +10.0% | High |
| Vermont | $69,962 | +8.0% | High |
| Delaware | $68,019 | +5.0% | High |
| Illinois | $68,019 | +5.0% | High |
| Maine | $66,076 | +2.0% | High |
| Nevada | $66,076 | +2.0% | High |
| Minnesota | $64,780 | +0.0% | High |
| Utah | $64,780 | +0.0% | High |
| Arizona | $64,132 | -1.0% | High |
| Pennsylvania | $64,132 | -1.0% | High |
| Florida | $63,484 | -2.0% | High |
| Montana | $61,541 | -5.0% | High |
| Texas | $61,541 | -5.0% | High |
| Georgia | $60,245 | -7.0% | High |
| Idaho | $60,245 | -7.0% | High |
| Wyoming | $60,245 | -7.0% | High |
| North Dakota | $59,598 | -8.0% | High |
| Wisconsin | $59,598 | -8.0% | High |
| North Carolina | $58,950 | -9.0% | High |
| Michigan | $58,302 | -10.0% | High |
| Louisiana | $57,006 | -12.0% | High |
| Nebraska | $57,006 | -12.0% | High |
| New Mexico | $57,006 | -12.0% | High |
| Ohio | $57,006 | -12.0% | High |
| South Carolina | $57,006 | -12.0% | High |
| Tennessee | $57,006 | -12.0% | High |
| Alabama | $56,359 | -13.0% | High |
| Missouri | $56,359 | -13.0% | High |
| South Dakota | $56,359 | -13.0% | High |
| Iowa | $55,711 | -14.0% | High |
| Indiana | $55,063 | -15.0% | High |
| Kansas | $55,063 | -15.0% | High |
| Oklahoma | $54,415 | -16.0% | High |
| Arkansas | $53,767 | -17.0% | High |
| Kentucky | $53,767 | -17.0% | High |
| Mississippi | $51,824 | -20.0% | High |
| West Virginia | $50,528 | -22.0% | High |
A HVAC Mechanics and Installers's salary is influenced by several key factors including geographic location, years of experience, employer type, and educational background. States with higher costs of living — such as California, New York, and Washington — typically offer 20–40% higher salaries than the national average to compensate for living expenses.
Experience plays a major role in compensation. Entry-level HVAC Mechanics and Installerss typically earn $42,808–$53,840 per year, while senior professionals with 10+ years of experience can command $78,662–$87,593 annually. Specialization and advanced certifications can further boost earning potential.
Employer size also matters. Large corporations and government agencies tend to offer more competitive packages including benefits, retirement plans, and bonuses. The HVAC Mechanics and Installers role currently has high demand in the job market with a 3.2% growth rate, making it one of the steadily growing careers in the Skilled Trades sector.
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What is the average salary for a HVAC Mechanics and Installers?The average salary for a HVAC Mechanics and Installers in the United States is $64,780 per year, with a median of $61,010.
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What is the starting salary for a HVAC Mechanics and Installers?Entry-level HVAC Mechanics and Installerss typically earn between $42,808 and $53,840 per year depending on location and employer.
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What state pays HVAC Mechanics and Installerss the most?California, New York, and Washington typically pay HVAC Mechanics and Installerss the highest salaries due to high cost of living and strong job markets.
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How much does a HVAC Mechanics and Installers make per hour?Based on the average annual salary of $64,780, a HVAC Mechanics and Installers earns approximately $31.14 per hour (based on 2,080 working hours/year).
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Is HVAC Mechanics and Installers a good career in 2026?Yes — the HVAC Mechanics and Installers role has high demand with 3.2% year-over-year salary growth, indicating a strong and growing career path.