Last reviewed: September 2026 · By the HVAC Brief Editorial Team · Our sourcing and editorial standards
409,670 people work as HVAC mechanics and installers in the US, at a median wage of $29.33 an hour or $61,010 a year. The trade is entered through apprenticeship or a trade programme, and EPA Section 608 certification is required by federal rule to handle refrigerants.
The sector has been growing. Employment across plumbing, heating and air conditioning contractors rose to about 1,355,400 as of July 2026, and average hourly earnings at those firms reached $42.61.
What the job pays
| Measure, SOC 49-9021, May 2025 | Hourly | Annual |
|---|---|---|
| Median | $29.33 | $61,010 |
| Mean | $31.14 | $64,780 |
State medians vary widely, from $23.26 in Alabama to $37.21 in Illinois across the large states we examined. Our state-by-state wage breakdown shows the states with the most jobs are not the best paid.
The route in
- Apprenticeship or trade programme. Both routes exist. An apprenticeship pays while you train; a programme front-loads classroom time. Neither is federally mandated, and requirements are set by states and employers.
- EPA Section 608 certification. This one is federal. Under 40 CFR part 82 subpart F, technicians who maintain, service, repair or dispose of equipment containing regulated refrigerants must be certified. It is not optional.
- State or local licensing. Varies considerably. Some states license HVAC contractors at state level, others leave it to municipalities, and requirements differ for working as an employee versus contracting independently.
- Manufacturer and A2L training. Increasingly relevant as the refrigerant transition proceeds, because the new A2L refrigerants have different handling requirements from R-410A.
Employment in the sector grew about 18% since 2019 and average hourly earnings rose about 40%. Both rising together indicates competition for experienced people inside a growing trade rather than a shrinking one, which is a favourable entry condition.
What the work actually involves
SOC 49-9021 covers installing and repairing heating, air conditioning and refrigeration equipment. In practice that means diagnostics, refrigerant handling, electrical work, ductwork and increasingly controls. It is field work in occupied buildings, in attics and on roofs, with a seasonal load pattern that peaks in extreme weather.
The occupation code is narrower than “works in HVAC”. Of the roughly 1,355,400 people employed by plumbing, heating and air conditioning contractors, 409,670 are counted in the mechanic and installer occupation. The rest are office, sales, supervisory and other roles.
Frequently asked questions
How do you become an HVAC technician?
Through an apprenticeship or a trade programme, followed by EPA Section 608 certification, which federal rule requires for anyone servicing equipment with regulated refrigerants. State and local licensing requirements vary considerably and are separate from the federal certification.
How much do HVAC technicians earn?
The national median was $29.33 an hour, or $61,010 a year, in the BLS May 2025 release for SOC 49-9021, with 409,670 people employed. The mean was higher at $31.14 hourly, indicating higher earners pull the distribution upward.
Is EPA 608 certification required?
Yes, for handling regulated refrigerants. Under 40 CFR part 82 subpart F, technicians who maintain, service, repair or dispose of equipment containing regulated refrigerants must hold Section 608 certification. It is a federal requirement, separate from any state licence.
Is HVAC a growing trade?
By employment, yes. Plumbing, heating and air conditioning contractors employed about 1,355,400 people as of July 2026, up roughly 19% since 2019, while average hourly earnings rose about 40% over the same period.
Methodology and limitations
Wage and employment figures are BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics, May 2025, SOC 49-9021, and BLS Current Employment Statistics for NAICS 238220. Certification requirements are from 40 CFR part 82 subpart F.
- OEWS covers wage and salary employees and excludes self-employed contractors.
- We do not list state licensing requirements, which change and vary by jurisdiction. Confirm with your state board.
- We publish no training programme costs or durations, as no federal source compiles them.
Sources
- US Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics, May 2025, SOC 49-9021; Current Employment Statistics, NAICS 238220, via the BLS Public Data API v2.
- US Environmental Protection Agency, 40 CFR part 82 subpart F, refrigerant technician certification.
The HVAC Brief is an independent trade publication. We do not sell equipment, take manufacturer advertising, or accept payment for placement in our research. Corrections welcome.
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