In short
Heating, air conditioning and refrigeration mechanics earned a median $61,010 a year in May 2025, about $29 an hour, according to BLS. The bottom 10 percent earned under $40,050 and the top 10 percent over $95,210. New installers and helpers start near the bottom. Service techs who troubleshoot on their own, refrigeration specialists and commercial controls techs tend to earn the most.
Yearly wages for heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanics and installers across the U.S., BLS OEWS, May 2025. Hourly figures divide by 2,080 hours, so overtime is not counted. New apprentices usually sit near or below the bottom-quarter line.
| Middle pay | $61,010 a year, roughly $29.33 an hour (May 2025) |
|---|---|
| How most people start | Certificate to start, then long-term on-the-job training |
| People in the trade | About 440,900 nationwide (2025) |
| Growth to 2035 | BLS expects 10.9% growth |
| Openings a year | Around 40,600, counting retirements |
From the BLS Employment Projections table (2025 to 2035) and May 2025 wage survey. These are U.S. numbers. Local shops may pay above or below them, and apprentices start well under the middle figure.
What moves HVAC pay
- Service over install: techs who diagnose and repair usually out-earn installers.
- Commercial and refrigeration: rooftop units, chillers and supermarket refrigeration pay more than residential replacement work.
- Certifications: EPA 608 is required to handle refrigerant; additional industry certifications can help with raises.
- Seasons and on-call: summer and winter peaks bring overtime that is not in the BLS figures.
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Straight answers
How much do HVAC techs make an hour?
The median works out to about $29 an hour.
Is HVAC a good paying trade?
It pays close to electricians and plumbers at the middle, and BLS projects 10.9% job growth by 2035.
How much do HVAC apprentices make?
Apprentices start at a share of the full rate and step up on a schedule. See apprentice pay.