Highest Paying HVAC Jobs in 2026

Data-driven ranking of top HVAC careers by median salary

Based on 11 job titles | Updated April 2026

Quick Answer

The highest paying HVAC job is HVAC Engineer with a median salary of $121,855. Top earners in this role can make up to $148,255 annually. Below is a complete ranking of all 11 HVAC job titles by salary.

$121,855
Highest Median
$90,578
Overall HVAC Median
$172,000
Top Earners Make
1,205
Open Positions

Top 10 Highest Paying HVAC Jobs

  1. 1
    Range: $104,120 - $148,255
    $121,855 Median
  2. 2
    Range: $118,500 - $172,000
    $118,500 Median
  3. 3
    Range: $90,000 - $120,000
    $115,000 Median
  4. 4
    Range: $104,120 - $148,255
    $112,000 Median
  5. 5
    Range: $75,000 - $125,000
    $90,000 Median
  6. 6
    Range: $90,000 - $115,000
    $90,000 Median
  7. 7
    Range: $62,068 - $108,023
    $80,659 Median
  8. 8
    Range: $50,527 - $99,585
    $73,699 Median
  9. 9
    Range: $54,667 - $109,864
    $73,483 Median
  10. 10
    Range: $54,349 - $83,674
    $73,163 Median

Complete HVAC Salary Rankings

Rank Job Title Entry (10th %ile) Median Top Earners (90th %ile)
1 HVAC Engineer $104,120 $121,855 $148,255
2 Commercial HVAC Service Manager $118,500 $118,500 $172,000
3 HVAC Service Manager $90,000 $115,000 $120,000
4 Senior HVAC Technician $104,120 $112,000 $148,255
5 HVAC Estimator $75,000 $90,000 $125,000
6 HVAC Project Manager $90,000 $90,000 $115,000
7 Commercial HVAC Technician $62,068 $80,659 $108,023
8 HVAC Installer $50,527 $73,699 $99,585
9 HVAC Service Technician $54,667 $73,483 $109,864
10 Commercial HVAC Installer $54,349 $73,163 $83,674
11 HVAC Apprentice $36,000 $48,000 $100,000

Highest Paying States for HVAC

Location significantly impacts HVAC earnings. These states offer the highest overall HVAC salaries:

Rank State Overall HVAC Median vs. National
1 California $113,223 +25%
2 Hawaii $110,505 +22%
3 New York $108,694 +20%
4 Massachusetts $106,882 +18%
5 New Jersey $105,070 +16%
6 Alaska $104,165 +15%
7 Connecticut $104,165 +15%
8 Washington $101,447 +12%
9 Maryland $99,636 +10%
10 Colorado $97,824 +8%

Key Takeaways

Frequently Asked Questions

What HVAC job pays the most?
The highest paying HVAC job is HVAC Engineer with a median salary of $121,855. Top earners in this role can make up to $148,255 annually.
How much do HVAC project managers make?
HVAC Project Managers earn competitive salaries due to their leadership responsibilities. Check our detailed salary page for current median and top-earner data.
What certifications increase HVAC salary the most?
EPA Section 608 certification is required for most HVAC work. Additional certifications like NATE (North American Technician Excellence), HVAC Excellence, and manufacturer-specific certifications can increase earning potential by 10-20%.
Do HVAC technicians make good money?
Yes, HVAC technicians earn above-average wages. The national median is $90,578, with top earners making $172,000 or more annually.

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