As of March 01, 2026, the average salary for an HVAC Mechanic III in the United States is $67,541 per year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $32.
However, an HVAC Mechanic III's salary can vary significantly. Here’s a look at the typical salary range:
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An HVAC Mechanic III'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 an HVAC Mechanic III'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 Mechanic I | 0-1 years | $51,967 |
| HVAC Mechanic II | 1-3 years | $60,936 |
| HVAC Mechanic III | 3-5 years | $67,541 |
| HVAC Supervisor | 5+ years | $79,391 |
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 Mechanic IIIs. For example, consider the average annual salaries in these key locations:
Demanded Skills for the Role:
| Skills | Demand Percentage |
|---|---|
| Customer Service | 12.69% |
| Hydraulics | 2.99% |
| Preventive Maintenance | 1.53% |
| Skill | Salary | Salary % Increase |
|---|---|---|
|
Material Handling
|
$74,971 |
11%
|
|
Effective Communication
|
$72,269 |
7%
|
|
Teamwork
|
$71,593 |
6%
|
|
Mechanical Aptitude
|
$70,918 |
5%
|
|
Technical Support
|
$70,918 |
5%
|
|
Microsoft Office
|
$70,243 |
4%
|
Your level of education can impact your salary potential. While many HVAC Mechanic IIIs 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 an HVAC Mechanic III with a High School Diploma or Technical Certificate is between $69,737 and $74,532).
HVAC Mechanic III Salaries by Degree Level
| Degree Level | % of user with this level of education |
|---|---|
| No Diploma | 1.4% |
| High School | 67.7% |
| Associates | 25.8% |
| Bachelors | 3.1% |
| Masters | 1.4% |
| Doctorate | 0.7% |
Understanding how an HVAC Mechanic III'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 March 01, 2026For an HVAC Mechanic III, the most direct path to higher earnings is advancing to the HVAC Supervisor role. This promotion typically comes with a significant pay increase, bringing the average annual salary to $79,391 - a projected growth of 18% over your current level.
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Compensation PlanningHere are companies hiring for HVAC Mechanic III and their salaries, click below for more details.
Ready to take the next step in your career? Browse thousands of current HVAC Mechanic III job openings on our job board. Use the search bar below to find your perfect match.
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An HVAC Mechanic III's earning potential can vary widely depending on several factors, including location, industry, experience, education, and the specific employer. According to the latest salary data by Salary.com, an HVAC Mechanic III earns the most in San Jose, CA, where the annual salary of an HVAC Mechanic III is $85,189.
The highest pay for HVAC Mechanic III is $79,351.
The lowest pay for HVAC Mechanic III is $56,611.
Performs maintenance and service repairs on heating, ventilating, and air conditioning systems. Installs new units or replacement parts for existing units according to specifications and established safety guidelines. Follows blueprints or engineering specifications to install units. Performs troubleshooting to identify the cause of problems. Maintains and secures a spare parts inventory. Recommends purchasing maintenance equipment and supplies as required to improve processes and efficiencies. Typically requires an apprenticeship and/or completion of technical training. Requires a high school diploma. The regulations governing the location may require an HVAC Mechanical State License and EPA Section 608 Certification (CFC). Typically reports to a supervisor or manager. Works independently within established procedures associated with the specific job function. Has gained proficiency in multiple competencies relevant to the job. Typically requires 3-5 years of related experience.
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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