HVAC Technician Salary in Florida (2025)

Updated April 25, 2025 | Brad Fishbein

Thinking about becoming an HVAC technician in Florida?

You’re not alone — and you’re asking the right question:
"What kind of money can I actually make?"

The short answer: Florida HVAC technicians earn a strong income — and with 15% job growth projected by 2030, skilled pros are in a great position to secure high wages and long-term career stability.


Quick Salary Snapshot – HVAC Technicians in Florida (2025)

  • 💵 Average Salary: $50,590/year
  • ⏱️ Hourly Rate: $24.32
  • 📈 Job Growth: +15.2% projected by 2030
  • 👷 Apprentice Pay: $16–$22/hour
  • 🏙️ Top-Paying City: Naples – ~$53,400/year
  • 🎓 Training Required: 6 months–2 years (school or apprenticeship)

📊 Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Florida DEO

Florida HVAC Salary Growth Outlook

Average HVAC Technician Salary in Florida

According to the latest U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) data:

Role Average Hourly Wage Average Annual Salary
Statewide Average $24.32 $50,590
Top 10% Earners $33.50+ $69,680+

📊 Source: BLS – HVAC Technicians in Florida (SOC 49-9021)


Top-Paying Cities for HVAC Technicians in Florida

HVAC salaries in Florida vary a lot by metro area. Here's what recent data from Indeed shows as of early 2025:

City / Metro Area Avg. Hourly Wage Avg. Annual Salary
Naples $25.68 ~$53,4141
Miami $24.90 ~$51,7922
Orlando $24.10 ~$50,1283
Tampa $23.55 ~$48,9844
Jacksonville $23.70 ~$49,2965

💡 Annual salaries estimated based on 40 hours/week and 52 weeks/year.

📈 Naples currently leads Florida in HVAC pay.


Apprentice HVAC Technician Pay in Florida

Apprentices earn starting wages but typically get step raises every 6–12 months.

Here's what real Florida data shows:

Source Starting Pay Top Apprentice Pay
ABC Florida Gulf Coast $16.00/hr $22.50/hr
Associated Builders & Contractors FL East Coast $16.50/hr $23.00/hr
Indeed Job Listings (avg FL) $17.00/hr $22.00/hr

🔎 Source: ABC Gulf Coast, ABC East Coast, Indeed

✅ Many HVAC apprenticeships also offer:

  • Tuition assistance
  • Tool allowances
  • Health insurance and retirement benefits

What Impacts Your HVAC Salary?

Several factors shape your earning potential:

  • ✅ Certifications — EPA Section 608 certification is required; NATE or HVAC Excellence certifications boost pay.
  • ✅ Experience — Senior techs and field supervisors make considerably more.
  • ✅ Specialties — Commercial HVAC, refrigeration, and chiller technicians tend to earn top dollar.
  • ✅ Union Membership — Union HVAC techs often have higher wages and benefits.

Senior Tech & Business Owner Pay

Top HVAC technicians and small business owners often exceed basic BLS figures:

Position Estimated Salary
BLS 90th Percentile $69,680
Senior HVAC Technician $70,000 – $90,000+
HVAC Business Owner w/ Crew $80,000 – $120,000+

🧾 Want to verify a contractor’s license or pay rates?
Use Florida’s DBPR License Lookup tool to view real contractor records.


Florida HVAC Technician Job Growth Outlook

According to Florida’s Department of Economic Opportunity:

  • 📈 Job growth: +15% expected through 2030
  • 📊 Drivers: New construction, green building upgrades, hurricane-resistant retrofits, and aging population’s demand for cooling systems

🏗️ With Florida’s extreme heat and rapid development, HVAC demand is only expected to rise.


✅ TL;DR – How Much Do HVAC Techs Make in Florida?

Here’s the bottom line:

  • 💵 Average salary: $50,590/year
  • 📈 Top earners: $70K–$120K+
  • 🧰 Apprentice wage: $16–$22/hour
  • 🌆 Best-paying areas: Naples, Miami, Orlando
  • 🔧 Your income grows with: certifications, specialty training, experience, and union affiliation

Citations

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Brad Fishbein Licensed Mold Assessor

Meet the author: Brad Fishbein is a Florida Licensed Mold Assessor and council-certified Microbial Investigator. He’s the founder of TradeCareerPath.com and has completed over 5,000 mold inspections since 2009. Brad now helps homeowners and tradespeople make smart decisions about mold, licensing, and skilled career paths.