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 Commercial HVAC Service Manager with a median salary of $118,500. Top earners in this role can make up to $172,000 annually. Below is a complete ranking of all 11 HVAC job titles by salary.

$118,500
Highest Median
$88,353
Overall HVAC Median
$172,000
Top Earners Make
791
Open Positions

Top 10 Highest Paying HVAC Jobs

  1. 1
    Range: $118,500 - $172,000
    $118,500 Median
  2. 2
    Range: $90,000 - $120,000
    $115,000 Median
  3. 3
    Range: $104,120 - $148,255
    $112,000 Median
  4. 4
    Range: $77,227 - $135,406
    $101,130 Median
  5. 5
    Range: $75,000 - $125,000
    $90,000 Median
  6. 6
    Range: $85,000 - $125,000
    $90,000 Median
  7. 7
    Range: $61,933 - $108,142
    $81,095 Median
  8. 8
    Range: $54,011 - $109,476
    $73,529 Median
  9. 9
    Range: $54,400 - $84,333
    $73,089 Median
  10. 10
    Range: $48,814 - $97,037
    $72,545 Median

Complete HVAC Salary Rankings

Rank Job Title Entry (10th %ile) Median Top Earners (90th %ile)
1 Commercial HVAC Service Manager $118,500 $118,500 $172,000
2 HVAC Service Manager $90,000 $115,000 $120,000
3 Senior HVAC Technician $104,120 $112,000 $148,255
4 HVAC Engineer $77,227 $101,130 $135,406
5 HVAC Estimator $75,000 $90,000 $125,000
6 HVAC Project Manager $85,000 $90,000 $125,000
7 Commercial HVAC Technician $61,933 $81,095 $108,142
8 HVAC Service Technician $54,011 $73,529 $109,476
9 Commercial HVAC Installer $54,400 $73,089 $84,333
10 HVAC Installer $48,814 $72,545 $97,037
11 HVAC Apprentice $36,000 $45,000 $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 $110,441 +25%
2 Hawaii $107,791 +22%
3 New York $106,024 +20%
4 Massachusetts $104,257 +18%
5 New Jersey $102,489 +16%
6 Alaska $101,606 +15%
7 Connecticut $101,606 +15%
8 Washington $98,955 +12%
9 Maryland $97,188 +10%
10 Colorado $95,421 +8%

Key Takeaways

Frequently Asked Questions

What HVAC job pays the most?
The highest paying HVAC job is Commercial HVAC Service Manager with a median salary of $118,500. Top earners in this role can make up to $172,000 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 $88,353, with top earners making $172,000 or more annually.

Find Your HVAC Salary

Use our interactive tool to calculate your personalized HVAC salary based on title, experience, and location.