HVAC Technician Salary in Texas (2025)
Updated April 25, 2025 | Brad Fishbein
Thinking about becoming an HVAC technician in Texas?
You’re not alone — and you’re asking the right question:
"What kind of money can I actually make?"
The short answer: HVAC technicians in Texas earn solid and growing wages — and with projected demand increasing through 2030, it’s a strong career bet.
Quick Salary Snapshot – HVAC Technicians in Texas (2025)
- 💵 Average Salary: $52,180/year
- ⏱️ Hourly Rate: $25.09
- 📈 Job Growth: +15.4% projected by 2030
- 👷 Apprentice Pay: $18–$24/hour
- 🏙️ Top-Paying City: Austin – ~$56,500/year
- 🎓 Training Required: 6 months–2 years (school or apprenticeship)
📊 Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Texas Workforce Commission
Average HVAC Technician Salary in Texas
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics:
| Role | Average Hourly Wage | Average Annual Salary |
|---|---|---|
| Statewide Average | $25.09 | $52,180 |
| Top 10% Earners | $34.80+ | $72,400+ |
Top-Paying Cities for HVAC Technicians in Texas
Recent data from Indeed shows variation across Texas metros:
| City / Metro Area | Avg. Hourly Wage | Avg. Annual Salary |
|---|---|---|
| Austin | $27.16 | ~$56,4921 |
| Dallas-Fort Worth | $25.95 | ~$53,9762 |
| Houston | $25.10 | ~$52,2083 |
| San Antonio | $24.80 | ~$51,5844 |
| El Paso | $22.90 | ~$47,6325 |
💡 Annual salaries are based on 40 hours/week × 52 weeks.
Apprentice HVAC Technician Pay in Texas
HVAC apprentices in Texas earn entry-level pay with performance-based raises.
| Program / Source | Starting Pay | Top Apprentice Pay |
|---|---|---|
| Texas State Technical College | $18.25/hr | $24.00/hr |
| ABC Central Texas Training | $18.50/hr | $25.00/hr |
| Indeed Listings (statewide avg) | $19.00/hr | $24.50/hr |
🔎 Sources: TSTC, ABC Central TX, Indeed
✅ Most programs include:
- On-the-job training
- Tuition reimbursement
- Certification prep and tools
What Affects HVAC Salary in Texas?
Texas HVAC pay depends on a few major factors:
- ✅ Licensing — You must be registered with TDLR. A Class A or Class B license allows higher pay.
- ✅ Certifications — EPA Section 608, NATE, and HVAC Excellence can boost your rate.
- ✅ Experience — More years = more responsibility = more pay.
- ✅ Area — Metro areas like Austin and Dallas generally pay more than rural counties.
Senior Tech & Business Owner Pay
As HVAC professionals gain skills or launch their own companies, pay scales up:
| Position | Estimated Salary |
|---|---|
| BLS 90th Percentile | $72,400 |
| Senior HVAC Technician | $75,000 – $90,000+ |
| HVAC Business Owner w/ Crew | $90,000 – $120,000+ |
🧾 Want to verify license status?
Check the Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation (TDLR) for contractor details.
Texas HVAC Technician Job Growth Outlook
According to the Texas Workforce Commission:
- 📈 Job growth: +15.4% projected through 2030
- 📊 Factors: Construction booms, tech sector expansion, aging infrastructure, and intense summer demand
🏗️ With Texas’ explosive population growth, HVAC will remain a top-tier skilled trade.
✅ TL;DR – How Much Do HVAC Techs Make in Texas?
- 💵 Average salary: $52,180/year
- 📈 Top earners: $72K–$110K+
- 🧰 Apprentice wage: $18–$24/hour
- 🌆 Best-paying areas: Austin, DFW, Houston
- 🔧 Your income grows with: licenses, certs, city, and business ownership
Citations
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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.
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