HVAC Technician Starting Salary and Average Salary

Started 4 years ago for 15 an hr as a helper while I went to trade school within a year I was bumped to 17 and then to 20. Through school i found a better job w a refrigeration company. After going full time i pulled in 58k first year and already made that much this year and we still have 4 months left in the year. Commission based pay, 60% on labor and 20% comission. Comission is where its at. I am buying my first house and Im 26. I love the trade it is a lifestyle. This is in Austin Tx

I'm a female tech and installer in upstate NY. I started six years ago, learning on the job, for $15/hr. Now I'm making $27.50/hr. I work on commercial refrigeration, and commercial and residential HVAC. To clarify, I work in a small town. I work mostly side by side with my boss. I'm his only full time employee. I've had no prior schooling or training. Regardless of what the rest of you are making, I am happy. Being in a trade is very rewarding, I've learned so many different things, and worked alongside some other great tradespeople. It's so much more than just fixing coolers and ACs.....

I started in 1997 with a commercial company. Electronics background, no HVAC experience, lots of motivation. I now own the company and average between $150K-$220K salary a year with 2 techs. North of Detroit.

I like how the pay scales with skill set even when being self employed. Great video for someone getting into HVAC.

I live in Texas where we have hot summers I been doing HVAC for 15 years I work on big stuff Chillers and stuff like that 20-30-70 story buildings Hospitals, jails , TV / raido stations etc I make over 175k a year

Im from Cali going to school for HVAC right now . i was an architecture major but was working odd construction jobs. im trying to get as much info and experience as possible i respect and appreciate the info provided !! Tryna make a positive change in my life

Thank you for sharing a good video for those who are interested in HVAC career. You are a good man . God bless you and your family.

I’m from Minnesota as well. I’m currently in school for HVAC so this video is very encouraging.

Lead installer in Northern Arizona I make 18.25/hour, I do residential mostly lots of remodels and changeouts. Been in the trade for 6 years now, started at 10/hour as a helper/shop helper. Over the past 6 years it's been pretty rough but I've learned alot and I am at the point that I can install and diagnose most issues that are wrong with the current system. I've also learned electrical high volt and low volt, plumbing, drywall, and framing doing the trade over the years Hvac teaches you so much and you can almost go anywhere with the skills you learn. I didnt go to college but I went to the school of hard knocks and learned from the guys that led the way, had def some hard moments along the way but I wouldn't change the experience for nothing 👍👍😎🤘

Started at $10 an hour at 18yo. I make $37 an hour 13 years later in the southern Illinois area. This includes 100% paid health, dental, and vision, vacation, and I put in 8% and get 10%.

That is the best, corniest, joke I have heard in a while! Thank you for this video. I have been thinking about getting into residential HVAC for a couple years. It is really, really, really hard to get anyone to come out for service in our area (near Cincinnati, OH). As a matter of fact, Dad's furnace broke 3 days ago and he was waiting patiently to even get a call back. I went over and fixed his furnace, thanks to you, today. I called around a few years ago, for a new install on a new construction and couldn't even get anyone to come out for a quote. I had to break down and pester a friend with HVAC license to buy me a furnace and he and I installed it. I am within 30 minute drive of at least a dozen HVAC companies. They are so busy, they can cherry pick the closest and easiest jobs and ignore the rest. A few years ago, I had one company tell me they don't go more than 20 minutes from their office.

Great advice on continually improving your skills!!!

Awesome video Jay... that’s what I call a true “word of advice” 👍👍👍

Like any trade you have to work your way up, once you prove yourself you will see your pay increase with the level of skill shown. The guy's who continue to improve in knowledge will always be more valuable to the employer and will get paid well. Being able to troubleshoot complex electrical systems in a timely manner is key to making really good money in this industry.

Very nice break down, due to the variation of the question. 👍🏾

I'm a manager at a hotel I overlook the mechanical side of the building Refrigeration air handler unit Etc but I never had a job as HVAC Tech for residential so I have no experience in that field but watching this guy has helped me a lot when I've had issues with my own AC at home. keep up the good work keep the videos coming

I worked for Thompson consulting engineers as a hvac commissioning agent.

Started at $11 in the South Texas area with a local company while still going to school. Working full time and going to school full time for my AAS in AC was tough, but after 2 years I got up to $16, now after 4 years in the field going on 5, I’m making $23 with full benefits and 401k match. I’m looking forward to hitting $30 in the next couple of years

Thanks buddy, I follow you from Barcelona Spain