HVAC Technicians
Salary, job outlook, AI risk & career information
HVAC Technicians in the United States earn a median salary of $61,010 per year — about $29 per hour, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. Roughly 425K people work in this occupation nationwide, with projected employment growth of +8%.
AI & Automation Risk
The core of this occupation involves physical labor, manual dexterity, and real-time problem solving in unpredictable physical environments, which are highly resistant to AI. While AI may assist with peripheral tasks like diagnostic software, scheduling, or energy load calculations, it cannot perform the physical installation, repair, or handling of hazardous materials required for the job.
Salary by City — What You Actually Take Home
Real purchasing power = salary adjusted for cost of living. Higher = more money in your pocket.
| City | Local Salary | Cost of Living | Real Purchasing Power |
|---|---|---|---|
| Fairbanks-College, AKBEST VALUE | $93,820 | Above avg (103.2) | $90,904 |
| Decatur, IL | $77,770 | Below avg (88.4) | $87,953 |
| Grand Forks, ND-MN | $75,470 | Below avg (86.7) | $87,084 |
| Peoria, IL | $78,710 | Below avg (91.2) | $86,275 |
| Rochester, MN | $77,500 | Below avg (90.8) | $85,333 |
| Duluth, MN-WI | $75,710 | Below avg (88.8) | $85,290 |
| St. Cloud, MN | $74,420 | Below avg (87.6) | $84,923 |
| Lawton, OK | $72,980 | Below avg (85.9) | $84,919 |
| Mankato, MN | $76,670 | Below avg (91.0) | $84,294 |
| Fargo, ND-MN | $75,920 | Below avg (90.9) | $83,547 |
| Rockford, IL | $75,070 | Below avg (92.2) | $81,461 |
| Anchorage, AK | $85,620 | Above avg (105.4) | $81,218 |
| Champaign-Urbana, IL | $74,880 | Below avg (92.7) | $80,773 |
| Springfield, MA | $76,530 | Below avg (96.1) | $79,668 |
| El Centro, CA | $75,220 | Below avg (95.2) | $79,034 |