As of May 01, 2026, the average salary for a HVAC Installation Technician I in the United States is $51,970 per year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $25.
However, a HVAC Installation Technician I's salary can vary significantly. Here’s a look at the typical salary range:
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A HVAC Installation Technician I's salary isn't a fixed number. It's shaped by several important factors. Below, we'll explore how your years of experience, geographic location, education and company size can directly affect your earning potential.
Experience is a primary driver of a HVAC Installation Technician I's salary. As you build your skills and take on more complex tasks, your compensation generally increases. Here's how the average salary grows at different career stages:
| Job Role | Years of Experience | Average Salary |
|---|---|---|
| HVAC Installation Technician I | 0-1 years | $51,967 |
| HVAC Installation Technician II | 1-3 years | $60,935 |
| HVAC Installation Technician III | 3-5 years | $67,548 |
| HVAC Field Supervisor | 5+ years | $79,402 |
What Am I Worth?
Your salary can change significantly depending on where you work. States with a higher cost of living and strong industrial sectors often pay more to attract HVAC Installation Technician Is. For example, consider the average annual salaries in these key locations:
Demanded Skills for the Role:
| Skills | Demand Percentage |
|---|---|
| Troubleshooting | 7.58% |
| Electrical Troubleshooting | 4.54% |
| Preventive Maintenance | 1.86% |
| Skill | Salary | Salary % Increase |
|---|---|---|
|
Hydraulics
|
$60,805 |
17%
|
|
Analysis
|
$59,246 |
14%
|
|
Products and Services
|
$56,128 |
8%
|
|
Commitment
|
$55,608 |
7%
|
|
Emergency Services
|
$55,088 |
6%
|
|
Alignment
|
$55,088 |
6%
|
Your level of education can impact your salary potential. While many HVAC Installation Technician Is enter the field with a High School Diploma or Technical Certificate degree, higher education can lead to more specialized and higher-paying roles.
According to our 100% employer-reported salary data, the median salary for a HVAC Installation Technician I with a High School Diploma or Technical Certificate is between $44,880 and $48,844).
HVAC Installation Technician I Salaries by Degree Level
| Degree Level | % of user with this level of education |
|---|---|
| No Diploma | 0.6% |
| High School | 69.3% |
| Associates | 25.5% |
| Bachelors | 3.1% |
| Masters | 0.9% |
| Doctorate | 0.3% |
Understanding how a HVAC Installation Technician I's annual salary breaks down can help with budgeting. Below, you can see the average hourly rate, weekly pay, and monthly pay for this role. Use the buttons to switch between different pay periods.
Last Updated on May 01, 2026For a HVAC Installation Technician I, the most direct path to higher earnings is advancing to the HVAC Installation Technician II role. This promotion typically comes with a significant pay increase, bringing the average annual salary to $61,000 - a projected growth of 17% over your current level.
Salaries for a HVAC Installation Technician I can change over time, reflecting shifts in market demand and the overall economy. The median salary increased from $47,032 in 2023 to around $47,066 in 2025, reflecting changes in demand, location, experience, and the wider economy. For a detailed analysis of HVAC Installation Technician I salary trends, .
| Year | Average Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| 2022 |
View More
|
| 2023 | $47,032 |
| 2024 | $47,245 |
| 2025 | $47,066 |
| 2026 |
View More
|
| 2027 |
View More
|
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Ready to take the next step in your career? Browse thousands of current HVAC Installation Technician I job openings on our job board. Use the search bar below to find your perfect match.
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Working in the HVAC industry presents daily challenges and opportunities to engage in hands-on problem-solving. It demands technical knowledge, critical thinking, flexibility, and independence. With salaries ranging from $45,140 to $60,190, HVAC technicians can find rewarding careers while tackling complex issues in heating, ventilation, and air conditioning systems.
How much does a HVAC technician make in the USA? The average HVAC technician salary ranges from $45,140 to $60,190 per year, with a mid-salary of $51,700. Entry-level positions typically start at $45,140, while experienced technicians can earn up to $60,190 annually.
Technicians aiming for the highest level in HVAC can pursue the Senior Level Efficiency Analyst Certification, the top certification from NATE. To qualify, a technician must first hold two or more Service Specialty Certifications. In terms of salary, HVAC Installation Technicians can expect to earn between $45,140 and $60,190, with a median salary of $51,700.
The highest paid HVAC jobs include positions like Thermal Engineer and HVAC Project Manager, with salaries ranging from $80,000 to $129,000 and $80,000 to $112,000, respectively. For HVAC Installation Technicians, the salary ranges from $45,140 to $60,190, with a mid-salary of $51,700, making it a solid career choice within the HVAC field.
AC technicians are among the most sought-after professionals in the HVAC field, making this specialization a popular choice for training. They ensure that air conditioning units in homes and offices operate efficiently. With salaries ranging from $45,140 to $60,190, this career offers a solid earning potential, making it an attractive option for those entering the HVAC industry.
The salary for HVAC Installation Technicians in the USA ranges from a minimum of $45,140 to a maximum of $60,190, with a median salary of $51,700. This reflects the typical earnings in the field, with top earners potentially making more.
Salary.com provides salary estimates, histograms, trends, and comparisons using data from employer job postings and third-party sources.
We offer detailed salary information across multiple percentiles for your reference. (Click here to learn Why the Salary Midpoint Formula Is Crucial for Achieving Pay Equity.)
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