What is the best city for HVAC technicians?

After cost of living, the Fairbanks–College, AK area: the median of $93,820 a year buys about what $90,900 would at average U.S. prices.

Which city pays HVAC technicians the most?

Before adjusting for prices, the Fairbanks–College, AK area has the highest median, $93,820. After cost of living it ranks 1st of 384.

What is the best big city for HVAC technicians?

Among the 20 metro areas with the most HVAC technicians, the Chicago–Naperville–Elgin, IL-IN area, 18th overall: its median of $77,960 buys what $75,250 would nationally.

Where does HVAC technician pay go the least far?

Of the 384 metro areas ranked, the Sebring, FL area, where the median of $44,720 buys about what $48,360 would nationally.

Which cities are included?

The 384 metro areas where BLS publishes a median for HVAC technicians and at least 50 of them work. Smaller metros and rural areas are on each state's HVAC technician pay page.

How is cost of living adjusted?

We divide each metro's median by its Regional Price Parity from the Bureau of Economic Analysis (2024), where the U.S. average is 100. A metro with prices 10% above average (110) has its median divided by 1.10.

Best-paying cities for HVAC technicians

Updated September 27, 2026

After adjusting for cost of living, the Fairbanks–College, AK area is the best-paying metro for HVAC technicians: its median of $93,820 a year buys what $90,900 would nationally, according to May 2025 BLS wages and BEA 2024 price levels. It also has the highest pay before adjusting. Among the 20 metros with the most HVAC technicians, the Chicago–Naperville–Elgin, IL-IN area ranks highest (18th overall).

Top 50 metro areas, after cost of living

#	Metro area	After cost of living	Median pay	Price level	Jobs
1	Fairbanks–CollegeAK · $93,820 median · prices 103.2	$90,900	$93,820	103.2	90
2	DecaturIL · $77,770 median · prices 88.4	$87,950	$77,770	88.4	90
3	Grand ForksND-MN · $75,470 median · prices 86.7	$87,080	$75,470	86.7	130
4	PeoriaIL · $78,710 median · prices 91.2	$86,280	$78,710	91.2	370
5	RochesterMN · $77,500 median · prices 90.8	$85,330	$77,500	90.8	190
6	DuluthMN-WI · $75,710 median · prices 88.8	$85,290	$75,710	88.8	170
7	LawtonOK · $72,980 median · prices 85.9	$84,920	$72,980	85.9	280
8	St. CloudMN · $74,420 median · prices 87.6	$84,920	$74,420	87.6	250
9	MankatoMN · $76,670 median · prices 91.0	$84,290	$76,670	91.0	120
10	FargoND-MN · $75,920 median · prices 90.9	$83,550	$75,920	90.9	370
11	RockfordIL · $75,070 median · prices 92.2	$81,460	$75,070	92.2	190
12	AnchorageAK · $85,620 median · prices 105.4	$81,220	$85,620	105.4	330
13	Champaign–UrbanaIL · $74,880 median · prices 92.7	$80,770	$74,880	92.7	240
14	SpringfieldMA · $76,530 median · prices 96.1	$79,670	$76,530	96.1	460
15	El CentroCA · $75,220 median · prices 95.2	$79,030	$75,220	95.2	120
16	SpringfieldIL · $70,730 median · prices 92.7	$76,260	$70,730	92.7	110
17	Kennewick–RichlandWA · $75,660 median · prices 100.1	$75,600	$75,660	100.1	520
18	Chicago–Naperville–ElginIL-IN · $77,960 median · prices 103.6	$75,250	$77,960	103.6	7,210
19	Mount Vernon–AnacortesWA · $77,010 median · prices 102.4	$75,170	$77,010	102.4	150
20	NapaCA · $84,570 median · prices 112.6	$75,140	$84,570	112.6	70
21	Norwich–New London–WillimanticCT · $74,990 median · prices 100.4	$74,660	$74,990	100.4	250
22	Barnstable TownMA · $73,330 median · prices 98.4	$74,560	$73,330	98.4	460
23	Ann ArborMI · $75,000 median · prices 100.9	$74,350	$75,000	100.9	460
24	San Jose–Sunnyvale–Santa ClaraCA · $82,050 median · prices 110.4	$74,310	$82,050	110.4	1,740
25	Hartford–West Hartford–East HartfordCT · $76,180 median · prices 102.7	$74,140	$76,180	102.7	1,320
26	Minneapolis–St. Paul–BloomingtonMN-WI · $77,490 median · prices 104.8	$73,930	$77,490	104.8	2,420
27	Santa Rosa–PetalumaCA · $79,510 median · prices 107.8	$73,770	$79,510	107.8	560
28	Olympia–Lacey–TumwaterWA · $76,260 median · prices 103.7	$73,560	$76,260	103.7	270
29	New HavenCT · $76,880 median · prices 104.6	$73,530	$76,880	104.6	550
30	MinotND · $63,950 median · prices 87.0	$73,480	$63,950	87.0	60
31	Amherst Town–NorthamptonMA · $73,370 median · prices 100.2	$73,190	$73,370	100.2	180
32	Davenport–Moline–Rock IslandIA-IL · $65,190 median · prices 89.1	$73,180	$65,190	89.1	410
33	DaltonGA · $65,560 median · prices 89.8	$72,970	$65,560	89.8	150
34	Trenton–PrincetonNJ · $75,240 median · prices 103.2	$72,920	$75,240	103.2	430
35	Waterbury–SheltonCT · $72,710 median · prices 99.8	$72,870	$72,710	99.8	390
36	TopekaKS · $64,480 median · prices 88.8	$72,600	$64,480	88.8	220
37	Boston–Cambridge–NewtonMA-NH · $78,530 median · prices 108.3	$72,530	$78,530	108.3	6,050
38	Bridgeport–Stamford–DanburyCT · $77,490 median · prices 106.9	$72,510	$77,490	106.9	1,050
39	KokomoIN · $64,800 median · prices 89.6	$72,280	$64,800	89.6	170
40	Santa Maria–Santa BarbaraCA · $78,640 median · prices 108.8	$72,280	$78,640	108.8	260
41	Seattle–Tacoma–BellevueWA · $80,100 median · prices 111.1	$72,080	$80,100	111.1	3,940
42	Stockton–LodiCA · $75,710 median · prices 105.1	$72,040	$75,710	105.1	390
43	WorcesterMA · $73,800 median · prices 102.5	$71,980	$73,800	102.5	800
44	St. JosephMO-KS · $61,910 median · prices 86.4	$71,670	$61,910	86.4	170
45	Watertown–Fort DrumNY · $62,850 median · prices 87.7	$71,670	$62,850	87.7	130
46	Santa Cruz–WatsonvilleCA · $78,330 median · prices 109.9	$71,280	$78,330	109.9	210
47	BozemanMT · $72,970 median · prices 102.5	$71,180	$72,970	102.5	210
48	BismarckND · $64,770 median · prices 91.0	$71,160	$64,770	91.0	200
49	VinelandNJ · $68,250 median · prices 96.0	$71,120	$68,250	96.0	290
50	Lewiston–AuburnME · $67,180 median · prices 94.7	$70,910	$67,180	94.7	160

See all 384 metro areas

#	Metro area	After cost of living	Median pay	Price level	Jobs
51	Bremerton–Silverdale–Port OrchardWA · $74,650 median · prices 105.6	$70,690	$74,650	105.6	180
52	Iowa CityIA · $64,440 median · prices 91.5	$70,420	$64,440	91.5	150
53	DubuqueIA · $61,410 median · prices 87.3	$70,320	$61,410	87.3	130
54	Youngstown–WarrenOH · $61,260 median · prices 87.4	$70,100	$61,260	87.4	370
55	BellinghamWA · $72,190 median · prices 103.3	$69,860	$72,190	103.3	240
56	SyracuseNY · $66,600 median · prices 95.7	$69,560	$66,600	95.7	970
57	Waterloo–Cedar FallsIA · $60,400 median · prices 87.1	$69,380	$60,400	87.1	260
58	Baton RougeLA · $62,940 median · prices 90.8	$69,330	$62,940	90.8	1,180
59	New York–Newark–Jersey CityNY-NJ · $77,990 median · prices 112.6	$69,290	$77,990	112.6	21,820
60	SpringfieldOH · $62,670 median · prices 90.5	$69,260	$62,670	90.5	80
61	Sioux CityIA-NE-SD · $59,840 median · prices 86.5	$69,220	$59,840	86.5	200
62	San Luis Obispo–Paso RoblesCA · $75,160 median · prices 108.6	$69,210	$75,160	108.6	200
63	Manchester–NashuaNH · $73,090 median · prices 105.7	$69,180	$73,090	105.7	870
64	Shreveport–Bossier CityLA · $58,620 median · prices 84.8	$69,160	$58,620	84.8	500
65	YakimaWA · $65,900 median · prices 95.5	$68,970	$65,900	95.5	160
66	Rapid CitySD · $61,430 median · prices 89.2	$68,900	$61,430	89.2	360
67	Sioux FallsSD-MN · $62,440 median · prices 90.6	$68,890	$62,440	90.6	600
68	Houma–Bayou Cane–ThibodauxLA · $58,470 median · prices 85.1	$68,700	$58,470	85.1	250
69	New Orleans–MetairieLA · $63,500 median · prices 92.6	$68,580	$63,500	92.6	1,280
70	MonroeLA · $57,270 median · prices 83.6	$68,510	$57,270	83.6	260
71	BloomingtonIL · $64,030 median · prices 93.5	$68,450	$64,030	93.5	140
72	Staunton–Stuarts DraftVA · $62,350 median · prices 91.1	$68,420	$62,350	91.1	230
73	SanduskyOH · $61,040 median · prices 89.3	$68,370	$61,040	89.3	120
74	Des Moines–West Des MoinesIA · $62,640 median · prices 91.7	$68,310	$62,640	91.7	900
75	Kahului–WailukuHI · $74,720 median · prices 109.4	$68,300	$74,720	109.4	110
76	ToledoOH · $62,460 median · prices 91.5	$68,300	$62,460	91.5	650
77	Cedar RapidsIA · $60,680 median · prices 89.0	$68,210	$60,680	89.0	380
78	OmahaNE-IA · $62,570 median · prices 91.9	$68,080	$62,570	91.9	1,600
79	AmesIA · $60,430 median · prices 88.8	$68,030	$60,430	88.8	190
80	La Crosse–OnalaskaWI-MN · $62,400 median · prices 91.8	$68,000	$62,400	91.8	270
81	LimaOH · $60,950 median · prices 89.7	$67,970	$60,950	89.7	160
82	San Francisco–Oakland–FremontCA · $78,490 median · prices 115.6	$67,890	$78,490	115.6	3,980
83	Burlington–South BurlingtonVT · $68,430 median · prices 100.9	$67,790	$68,430	100.9	480
84	OwensboroKY · $60,060 median · prices 88.6	$67,780	$60,060	88.6	160
85	FlorenceSC · $58,790 median · prices 86.8	$67,750	$58,790	86.8	180
86	Kansas CityMO-KS · $62,680 median · prices 92.5	$67,730	$62,680	92.5	3,010
87	Denver–Aurora–CentennialCO · $71,580 median · prices 105.8	$67,670	$71,580	105.8	4,360
88	HammondLA · $57,140 median · prices 84.5	$67,650	$57,140	84.5	130
89	BoulderCO · $71,080 median · prices 105.2	$67,570	$71,080	105.2	340
90	ColumbusOH · $64,440 median · prices 95.5	$67,500	$64,440	95.5	3,000
91	Dayton–Kettering–BeavercreekOH · $62,500 median · prices 92.7	$67,430	$62,500	92.7	1,090
92	PittsfieldMA · $63,900 median · prices 95.1	$67,190	$63,900	95.1	190
93	Grand IslandNE · $58,070 median · prices 86.7	$67,010	$58,070	86.7	80
94	San Diego–Chula Vista–CarlsbadCA · $74,880 median · prices 111.9	$66,920	$74,880	111.9	3,210
95	WichitaKS · $59,520 median · prices 88.9	$66,920	$59,520	88.9	880
96	LebanonPA · $62,370 median · prices 93.2	$66,910	$62,370	93.2	200
97	ClevelandOH · $62,790 median · prices 93.9	$66,850	$62,790	93.9	2,610
98	BinghamtonNY · $62,020 median · prices 92.9	$66,790	$62,020	92.9	380
99	Utica–RomeNY · $61,880 median · prices 92.7	$66,770	$61,880	92.7	260
100	JacksonMI · $61,220 median · prices 91.8	$66,700	$61,220	91.8	110
101	AppletonWI · $61,600 median · prices 92.4	$66,650	$61,600	92.4	320
102	BillingsMT · $62,240 median · prices 93.5	$66,550	$62,240	93.5	300
103	SalinasCA · $72,550 median · prices 109.0	$66,530	$72,550	109.0	300
104	Oklahoma CityOK · $60,120 median · prices 90.4	$66,500	$60,120	90.4	2,120
105	MansfieldOH · $59,010 median · prices 88.9	$66,400	$59,010	88.9	130
106	Battle CreekMI · $60,100 median · prices 90.5	$66,380	$60,100	90.5	130
107	Albany–Schenectady–TroyNY · $66,040 median · prices 99.6	$66,330	$66,040	99.6	1,450
108	Michigan City–La PorteIN · $60,810 median · prices 91.7	$66,330	$60,810	91.7	90
109	St. LouisMO-IL · $63,000 median · prices 95.1	$66,250	$63,000	95.1	2,980
110	Providence–WarwickRI-MA · $67,380 median · prices 101.8	$66,210	$67,380	101.8	1,930
111	Jefferson CityMO · $58,180 median · prices 88.0	$66,130	$58,180	88.0	190
112	ElmiraNY · $62,400 median · prices 94.4	$66,100	$62,400	94.4	80
113	SaginawMI · $60,060 median · prices 90.9	$66,080	$60,060	90.9	210
114	Washington–Arlington–AlexandriaDC-VA-MD-WV · $71,920 median · prices 108.9	$66,050	$71,920	108.9	8,730
115	Eau ClaireWI · $61,280 median · prices 92.8	$66,040	$61,280	92.8	150
116	Longview–KelsoWA · $64,400 median · prices 97.5	$66,020	$64,400	97.5	80
117	Scranton––Wilkes–BarrePA · $61,750 median · prices 93.6	$66,000	$61,750	93.6	650
118	Elkhart–GoshenIN · $59,590 median · prices 90.3	$65,970	$59,590	90.3	240
119	Green BayWI · $61,340 median · prices 93.1	$65,900	$61,340	93.1	420
120	Canton–MassillonOH · $58,910 median · prices 89.4	$65,890	$58,910	89.4	420
121	TulsaOK · $58,750 median · prices 89.2	$65,850	$58,750	89.2	1,620
122	ColumbiaMO · $58,880 median · prices 89.4	$65,830	$58,880	89.4	330
123	Bakersfield–DelanoCA · $66,400 median · prices 100.9	$65,820	$66,400	100.9	680
124	LawrenceKS · $59,390 median · prices 90.2	$65,810	$59,390	90.2	130
125	PaducahKY-IL · $56,610 median · prices 86.1	$65,760	$56,610	86.1	90
126	Lafayette–West LafayetteIN · $61,430 median · prices 93.4	$65,750	$61,430	93.4	230
127	Fort WayneIN · $60,830 median · prices 92.6	$65,710	$60,830	92.6	870
128	PittsburghPA · $62,140 median · prices 94.7	$65,640	$62,140	94.7	2,680
129	ChambersburgPA · $62,090 median · prices 94.6	$65,610	$62,090	94.6	230
130	Fort Collins–LovelandCO · $66,290 median · prices 101.1	$65,550	$66,290	101.1	930
131	RochesterNY · $63,570 median · prices 97.0	$65,510	$63,570	97.0	1,850
132	HelenaMT · $62,670 median · prices 95.7	$65,500	$62,670	95.7	100
133	SheboyganWI · $61,580 median · prices 94.0	$65,500	$61,580	94.0	120
134	Bay CityMI · $60,170 median · prices 91.9	$65,460	$60,170	91.9	70
135	LynchburgVA · $58,500 median · prices 89.4	$65,460	$58,500	89.4	530
136	AkronOH · $61,090 median · prices 93.4	$65,430	$61,090	93.4	850
137	AltoonaPA · $58,550 median · prices 89.5	$65,410	$58,550	89.5	100
138	CincinnatiOH-KY-IN · $62,240 median · prices 95.4	$65,260	$62,240	95.4	2,950
139	MercedCA · $64,040 median · prices 98.3	$65,160	$64,040	98.3	190
140	Oshkosh–NeenahWI · $60,530 median · prices 92.9	$65,140	$60,530	92.9	130
141	VisaliaCA · $64,990 median · prices 99.8	$65,100	$64,990	99.8	330
142	EvansvilleIN · $59,500 median · prices 91.5	$65,010	$59,500	91.5	490
143	Los Angeles–Long Beach–AnaheimCA · $73,830 median · prices 113.6	$65,010	$73,830	113.6	10,720
144	Indianapolis–Carmel–GreenwoodIN · $62,160 median · prices 95.7	$64,960	$62,160	95.7	3,080
145	Fond du LacWI · $59,510 median · prices 91.6	$64,940	$59,510	91.6	100
146	Milwaukee–WaukeshaWI · $62,930 median · prices 96.9	$64,920	$62,930	96.9	1,620
147	KankakeeIL · $62,570 median · prices 96.4	$64,910	$62,570	96.4	50
148	MadisonWI · $63,150 median · prices 97.3	$64,910	$63,150	97.3	1,020
149	Lexington–FayetteKY · $60,280 median · prices 92.9	$64,890	$60,280	92.9	740
150	Traverse CityMI · $60,590 median · prices 93.4	$64,890	$60,590	93.4	210
151	Buffalo–CheektowagaNY · $62,180 median · prices 95.8	$64,880	$62,180	95.8	1,370
152	EriePA · $58,990 median · prices 91.0	$64,860	$58,990	91.0	230
153	LincolnNE · $59,350 median · prices 91.6	$64,810	$59,350	91.6	490
154	Kalamazoo–PortageMI · $61,270 median · prices 94.8	$64,600	$61,270	94.8	430
155	JoplinMO-KS · $55,360 median · prices 85.7	$64,580	$55,360	85.7	210
156	York–HanoverPA · $61,970 median · prices 96.0	$64,550	$61,970	96.0	560
157	EnidOK · $54,290 median · prices 84.3	$64,420	$54,290	84.3	150
158	PuebloCO · $59,110 median · prices 91.8	$64,420	$59,110	91.8	160
159	FlintMI · $59,870 median · prices 93.0	$64,350	$59,870	93.0	430
160	Racine–Mount PleasantWI · $61,740 median · prices 96.0	$64,340	$61,740	96.0	170
161	ManhattanKS · $58,000 median · prices 90.2	$64,330	$58,000	90.2	150
162	WilliamsportPA · $59,260 median · prices 92.3	$64,170	$59,260	92.3	120
163	BloomingtonIN · $60,920 median · prices 95.1	$64,070	$60,920	95.1	180
164	Glens FallsNY · $60,780 median · prices 94.9	$64,070	$60,780	94.9	160
165	SalisburyMD · $61,220 median · prices 95.6	$64,030	$61,220	95.6	160
166	South Bend–MishawakaIN-MI · $59,460 median · prices 92.9	$64,030	$59,460	92.9	370
167	Weirton–SteubenvilleWV-OH · $57,000 median · prices 89.0	$64,030	$57,000	89.0	80
168	WausauWI · $59,110 median · prices 92.7	$63,800	$59,110	92.7	140
169	Janesville–BeloitWI · $59,770 median · prices 93.7	$63,790	$59,770	93.7	150
170	HinesvilleGA · $59,910 median · prices 93.9	$63,780	$59,910	93.9	60
171	SpringfieldMO · $56,410 median · prices 88.6	$63,680	$56,410	88.6	690
172	WheelingWV-OH · $56,240 median · prices 88.3	$63,680	$56,240	88.3	100
173	BangorME · $61,430 median · prices 96.5	$63,650	$61,430	96.5	210
174	Lansing–East LansingMI · $60,440 median · prices 95.0	$63,630	$60,440	95.0	490
175	ReadingPA · $61,740 median · prices 97.1	$63,610	$61,740	97.1	510
176	Carson CityNV · $62,400 median · prices 98.1	$63,590	$62,400	98.1	100
177	MonroeMI · $59,340 median · prices 93.5	$63,470	$59,340	93.5	130
178	SpartanburgSC · $57,790 median · prices 91.1	$63,470	$57,790	91.1	390
179	Walla WallaWA · $62,530 median · prices 98.5	$63,470	$62,530	98.5	80
180	GettysburgPA · $60,530 median · prices 95.4	$63,460	$60,530	95.4	90
181	HarrisonburgVA · $60,210 median · prices 94.9	$63,450	$60,210	94.9	340
182	Harrisburg–CarlislePA · $62,570 median · prices 98.7	$63,430	$62,570	98.7	910
183	Grand JunctionCO · $60,540 median · prices 95.5	$63,410	$60,540	95.5	260
184	MuncieIN · $55,850 median · prices 88.1	$63,360	$55,850	88.1	80
185	JacksonTN · $54,150 median · prices 85.5	$63,320	$54,150	85.5	260
186	Louisville/Jefferson CountyKY-IN · $58,930 median · prices 93.1	$63,320	$58,930	93.1	1,890
187	Rocky MountNC · $55,690 median · prices 88.0	$63,280	$55,690	88.0	150
188	Allentown–Bethlehem–EastonPA-NJ · $63,130 median · prices 100.0	$63,150	$63,130	100.0	1,000
189	Oxnard–Thousand Oaks–VenturaCA · $69,710 median · prices 110.5	$63,070	$69,710	110.5	750
190	Greensboro–High PointNC · $58,520 median · prices 92.9	$63,020	$58,520	92.9	1,170
191	Greenville–Anderson–GreerSC · $58,760 median · prices 93.3	$63,010	$58,760	93.3	1,160
192	Grand Rapids–Wyoming–KentwoodMI · $60,190 median · prices 95.5	$63,000	$60,190	95.5	1,920
193	Beaumont–Port ArthurTX · $56,720 median · prices 90.0	$62,990	$56,720	90.0	390
194	Detroit–Warren–DearbornMI · $63,170 median · prices 100.3	$62,980	$63,170	100.3	5,740
195	Philadelphia–Camden–WilmingtonPA-NJ-DE-MD · $64,580 median · prices 102.6	$62,970	$64,580	102.6	8,610
196	NilesMI · $58,130 median · prices 92.4	$62,930	$58,130	92.4	240
197	Portland–South PortlandME · $64,090 median · prices 101.9	$62,920	$64,090	101.9	920
198	JohnstownPA · $54,050 median · prices 85.9	$62,900	$54,050	85.9	140
199	SalemOR · $65,050 median · prices 103.6	$62,760	$65,050	103.6	350
200	Great FallsMT · $60,670 median · prices 96.8	$62,650	$60,670	96.8	150
201	VallejoCA · $67,950 median · prices 108.5	$62,640	$67,950	108.5	490
202	Spokane–Spokane ValleyWA · $62,840 median · prices 100.3	$62,620	$62,840	100.3	610
203	IthacaNY · $64,690 median · prices 103.3	$62,610	$64,690	103.3	120
204	ReddingCA · $63,020 median · prices 100.7	$62,590	$63,020	100.7	160
205	Nashville–Davidson––Murfreesboro––FranklinTN · $60,270 median · prices 96.3	$62,560	$60,270	96.3	3,500
206	Sacramento–Roseville–FolsomCA · $66,670 median · prices 106.7	$62,500	$66,670	106.7	2,940
207	MissoulaMT · $60,240 median · prices 96.4	$62,460	$60,240	96.4	180
208	OdessaTX · $58,580 median · prices 93.9	$62,390	$58,580	93.9	160
209	ModestoCA · $64,760 median · prices 104.1	$62,200	$64,760	104.1	470
210	ChicoCA · $62,920 median · prices 101.2	$62,180	$62,920	101.2	120
211	Hagerstown–MartinsburgMD-WV · $58,410 median · prices 94.2	$62,030	$58,410	94.2	280
212	Austin–Round Rock–San MarcosTX · $60,820 median · prices 98.1	$62,020	$60,820	98.1	3,140
213	CasperWY · $58,150 median · prices 93.8	$61,970	$58,150	93.8	130
214	GreeleyCO · $62,020 median · prices 100.2	$61,910	$62,020	100.2	410
215	Portland–Vancouver–HillsboroOR-WA · $65,260 median · prices 105.4	$61,900	$65,260	105.4	2,580
216	San Antonio–New BraunfelsTX · $58,590 median · prices 94.7	$61,860	$58,590	94.7	3,160
217	Terre HauteIN · $54,300 median · prices 87.8	$61,850	$54,300	87.8	140
218	Slidell–Mandeville–CovingtonLA · $57,320 median · prices 92.7	$61,820	$57,320	92.7	270
219	YumaAZ · $57,290 median · prices 92.7	$61,800	$57,290	92.7	280
220	Hanford–CorcoranCA · $62,670 median · prices 101.6	$61,680	$62,670	101.6	80
221	LancasterPA · $60,530 median · prices 98.3	$61,600	$60,530	98.3	940
222	MemphisTN-MS-AR · $56,780 median · prices 92.2	$61,600	$56,780	92.2	1,740
223	ElizabethtownKY · $55,740 median · prices 90.6	$61,540	$55,740	90.6	160
224	LongviewTX · $55,050 median · prices 89.5	$61,520	$55,050	89.5	350
225	ColumbiaSC · $57,610 median · prices 93.7	$61,510	$57,610	93.7	1,220
226	Charlotte–Concord–GastoniaNC-SC · $59,840 median · prices 97.3	$61,470	$59,840	97.3	3,860
227	MidlandMI · $56,490 median · prices 91.9	$61,450	$56,490	91.9	90
228	Lexington ParkMD · $61,840 median · prices 100.8	$61,370	$61,840	100.8	350
229	Atlantic City–HammontonNJ · $60,640 median · prices 98.9	$61,340	$60,640	98.9	480
230	DoverDE · $59,810 median · prices 97.5	$61,340	$59,810	97.5	180
231	KnoxvilleTN · $56,780 median · prices 92.6	$61,340	$56,780	92.6	1,470
232	RenoNV · $61,940 median · prices 101.0	$61,320	$61,940	101.0	760
233	FresnoCA · $62,580 median · prices 102.2	$61,260	$62,580	102.2	1,300
234	Bowling GreenKY · $55,230 median · prices 90.2	$61,240	$55,230	90.2	230
235	FayettevilleNC · $56,220 median · prices 92.0	$61,120	$56,220	92.0	490
236	Muskegon–Norton ShoresMI · $56,550 median · prices 92.5	$61,120	$56,550	92.5	180
237	KingstonNY · $61,470 median · prices 100.7	$61,040	$61,470	100.7	260
238	Colorado SpringsCO · $61,460 median · prices 100.7	$61,030	$61,460	100.7	950
239	Virginia Beach–Chesapeake–NorfolkVA-NC · $59,470 median · prices 97.9	$60,720	$59,470	97.9	2,840
240	Durham–Chapel HillNC · $59,180 median · prices 97.6	$60,650	$59,180	97.6	750
241	KenoshaWI · $61,260 median · prices 101.1	$60,580	$61,260	101.1	120
242	Baltimore–Columbia–TowsonMD · $63,180 median · prices 104.5	$60,470	$63,180	104.5	3,960
243	RichmondVA · $59,130 median · prices 97.9	$60,420	$59,130	97.9	2,700
244	Riverside–San Bernardino–OntarioCA · $64,300 median · prices 106.4	$60,410	$64,300	106.4	4,820
245	Lake Havasu City–KingmanAZ · $56,810 median · prices 94.1	$60,370	$56,810	94.1	270
246	WacoTX · $55,860 median · prices 92.5	$60,360	$55,860	92.5	440
247	MidlandTX · $57,800 median · prices 95.8	$60,340	$57,800	95.8	260
248	Yuba CityCA · $62,850 median · prices 104.2	$60,300	$62,850	104.2	90
249	Salt Lake City–MurrayUT · $60,790 median · prices 100.9	$60,270	$60,790	100.9	2,540
250	AshevilleNC · $58,120 median · prices 96.5	$60,220	$58,120	96.5	660
251	Winston–SalemNC · $55,360 median · prices 92.0	$60,150	$55,360	92.0	700
252	GreenvilleNC · $53,160 median · prices 88.4	$60,130	$53,160	88.4	220
253	AbileneTX · $54,330 median · prices 90.4	$60,120	$54,330	90.4	260
254	Las Vegas–Henderson–North Las VegasNV · $60,240 median · prices 100.2	$60,110	$60,240	100.2	3,150
255	Sherman–DenisonTX · $56,330 median · prices 93.8	$60,070	$56,330	93.8	170
256	CharlottesvilleVA · $59,540 median · prices 99.1	$60,050	$59,540	99.1	420
257	Raleigh–CaryNC · $58,900 median · prices 98.2	$60,010	$58,900	98.2	2,550
258	Wildwood–The VillagesFL · $51,220 median · prices 85.4	$59,960	$51,220	85.4	200
259	CheyenneWY · $57,820 median · prices 96.5	$59,920	$57,820	96.5	200
260	State CollegePA · $57,970 median · prices 96.8	$59,910	$57,970	96.8	190
261	Kiryas Joel–Poughkeepsie–NewburghNY · $65,530 median · prices 109.4	$59,890	$65,530	109.4	1,150
262	Coeur d'AleneID · $58,800 median · prices 98.3	$59,820	$58,800	98.3	570
263	AlbuquerqueNM · $57,110 median · prices 95.5	$59,770	$57,110	95.5	1,000
264	Houston–Pasadena–The WoodlandsTX · $58,940 median · prices 98.6	$59,760	$58,940	98.6	7,680
265	LafayetteLA · $51,970 median · prices 87.2	$59,590	$51,970	87.2	450
266	Pinehurst–Southern PinesNC · $52,580 median · prices 88.3	$59,520	$52,580	88.3	160
267	Hilton Head Island–Bluffton–Port RoyalSC · $58,280 median · prices 98.0	$59,460	$58,280	98.0	420
268	Pensacola–Ferry Pass–BrentFL · $58,030 median · prices 97.7	$59,390	$58,030	97.7	950
269	Wenatchee–East WenatcheeWA · $61,630 median · prices 103.9	$59,340	$61,630	103.9	120
270	FarmingtonNM · $52,040 median · prices 87.7	$59,330	$52,040	87.7	110
271	Prescott Valley–PrescottAZ · $58,280 median · prices 98.3	$59,320	$58,280	98.3	260
272	Phoenix–Mesa–ChandlerAZ · $61,170 median · prices 103.3	$59,210	$61,170	103.3	8,070
273	Eugene–SpringfieldOR · $60,050 median · prices 101.6	$59,120	$60,050	101.6	370
274	BendOR · $61,150 median · prices 103.6	$59,020	$61,150	103.6	340
275	Urban HonoluluHI · $65,450 median · prices 111.0	$58,980	$65,450	111.0	1,060
276	Atlanta–Sandy Springs–RoswellGA · $58,970 median · prices 100.1	$58,940	$58,970	100.1	7,060
277	OgdenUT · $59,150 median · prices 100.3	$58,940	$59,150	100.3	1,090
278	MedfordOR · $59,750 median · prices 101.4	$58,910	$59,750	101.4	200
279	JacksonvilleFL · $58,590 median · prices 99.5	$58,890	$58,590	99.5	3,340
280	Fayetteville–Springdale–RogersAR · $53,620 median · prices 91.4	$58,700	$53,620	91.4	1,240
281	ColumbusIN · $54,490 median · prices 93.0	$58,590	$54,490	93.0	70
282	JacksonMS · $52,060 median · prices 89.0	$58,460	$52,060	89.0	770
283	Lakeland–Winter HavenFL · $56,680 median · prices 97.1	$58,350	$56,680	97.1	1,120
284	WinchesterVA-WV · $56,250 median · prices 96.5	$58,320	$56,250	96.5	200
285	GoldsboroNC · $51,540 median · prices 88.5	$58,260	$51,540	88.5	160
286	Boise CityID · $57,270 median · prices 98.4	$58,210	$57,270	98.4	2,270
287	FlagstaffAZ · $58,360 median · prices 100.3	$58,170	$58,360	100.3	140
288	CharlestonWV · $51,510 median · prices 88.7	$58,060	$51,510	88.7	350
289	Myrtle Beach–Conway–North Myrtle BeachSC · $54,230 median · prices 93.6	$57,910	$54,230	93.6	630
290	TucsonAZ · $56,070 median · prices 96.9	$57,870	$56,070	96.9	1,380
291	Charleston–North CharlestonSC · $58,410 median · prices 101.0	$57,850	$58,410	101.0	1,270
292	Dallas–Fort Worth–ArlingtonTX · $59,560 median · prices 103.1	$57,770	$59,560	103.1	10,910
293	LoganUT-ID · $55,420 median · prices 95.9	$57,770	$55,420	95.9	230
294	RomeGA · $52,040 median · prices 90.2	$57,720	$52,040	90.2	80
295	Naples–Marco IslandFL · $59,540 median · prices 103.2	$57,690	$59,540	103.2	910
296	AlbanyOR · $58,890 median · prices 102.1	$57,680	$58,890	102.1	130
297	North Port–Bradenton–SarasotaFL · $59,070 median · prices 102.4	$57,680	$59,070	102.4	1,870
298	GadsdenAL · $49,300 median · prices 85.7	$57,560	$49,300	85.7	120
299	GainesvilleFL · $55,670 median · prices 96.7	$57,550	$55,670	96.7	480
300	PocatelloID · $50,940 median · prices 88.9	$57,300	$50,940	88.9	190
301	Palm Bay–Melbourne–TitusvilleFL · $57,240 median · prices 100.0	$57,240	$57,240	100.0	1,130
302	TallahasseeFL · $53,690 median · prices 93.9	$57,170	$53,690	93.9	620
303	Port St. LucieFL · $57,210 median · prices 100.2	$57,080	$57,210	100.2	830
304	Brunswick–St. SimonsGA · $49,920 median · prices 87.7	$56,920	$49,920	87.7	140
305	Hickory–Lenoir–MorgantonNC · $50,300 median · prices 88.5	$56,850	$50,300	88.5	300
306	TexarkanaTX-AR · $47,760 median · prices 84.0	$56,850	$47,760	84.0	130
307	Cape Coral–Fort MyersFL · $58,170 median · prices 102.3	$56,830	$58,170	102.3	2,110
308	Punta GordaFL · $57,090 median · prices 100.5	$56,790	$57,090	100.5	290
309	SumterSC · $49,880 median · prices 88.0	$56,670	$49,880	88.0	110
310	Kingsport–BristolTN-VA · $48,950 median · prices 86.4	$56,620	$48,950	86.4	290
311	MorristownTN · $48,650 median · prices 86.4	$56,330	$48,650	86.4	50
312	BurlingtonNC · $52,450 median · prices 93.2	$56,280	$52,450	93.2	280
313	Fort SmithAR-OK · $48,160 median · prices 85.9	$56,070	$48,160	85.9	410
314	DecaturAL · $48,750 median · prices 87.2	$55,900	$48,750	87.2	330
315	Corpus ChristiTX · $51,760 median · prices 92.7	$55,850	$51,760	92.7	640
316	Brownsville–HarlingenTX · $47,910 median · prices 86.0	$55,730	$47,910	86.0	260
317	LaredoTX · $48,450 median · prices 87.0	$55,720	$48,450	87.0	180
318	ChattanoogaTN-GA · $50,950 median · prices 91.5	$55,700	$50,950	91.5	850
319	Anniston–OxfordAL · $47,780 median · prices 85.9	$55,590	$47,780	85.9	130
320	ClarksvilleTN-KY · $50,480 median · prices 90.9	$55,500	$50,480	90.9	330
321	Twin FallsID · $51,080 median · prices 92.1	$55,460	$51,080	92.1	260
322	Macon–Bibb CountyGA · $48,980 median · prices 88.5	$55,330	$48,980	88.5	210
323	Huntington–AshlandWV-KY-OH · $48,860 median · prices 88.4	$55,260	$48,860	88.4	360
324	AlexandriaLA · $47,330 median · prices 85.7	$55,240	$47,330	85.7	190
325	TuscaloosaAL · $48,430 median · prices 87.7	$55,210	$48,430	87.7	450
326	Lake CharlesLA · $47,360 median · prices 85.9	$55,160	$47,360	85.9	220
327	AlbanyGA · $48,320 median · prices 87.7	$55,120	$48,320	87.7	140
328	DothanAL · $46,210 median · prices 83.8	$55,120	$46,210	83.8	250
329	GainesvilleGA · $53,310 median · prices 96.8	$55,090	$53,310	96.8	330
330	Las CrucesNM · $49,650 median · prices 90.2	$55,040	$49,650	90.2	240
331	Wichita FallsTX · $49,240 median · prices 89.5	$55,010	$49,240	89.5	160
332	JonesboroAR · $47,230 median · prices 85.9	$55,000	$47,230	85.9	170
333	Sierra Vista–DouglasAZ · $49,080 median · prices 89.2	$55,000	$49,080	89.2	120
334	McAllen–Edinburg–MissionTX · $47,170 median · prices 85.9	$54,920	$47,170	85.9	530
335	Florence–Muscle ShoalsAL · $46,560 median · prices 84.8	$54,890	$46,560	84.8	250
336	Auburn–OpelikaAL · $48,170 median · prices 87.9	$54,780	$48,170	87.9	260
337	Cape GirardeauMO-IL · $47,150 median · prices 86.1	$54,780	$47,150	86.1	110
338	LewistonID-WA · $49,880 median · prices 91.2	$54,720	$49,880	91.2	100
339	Johnson CityTN · $48,010 median · prices 87.9	$54,600	$48,010	87.9	230
340	LubbockTX · $49,850 median · prices 91.3	$54,590	$49,850	91.3	420
341	Killeen–TempleTX · $49,630 median · prices 91.1	$54,460	$49,630	91.1	410
342	MobileAL · $47,960 median · prices 88.1	$54,440	$47,960	88.1	820
343	Hot SpringsAR · $46,630 median · prices 85.7	$54,390	$46,630	85.7	150
344	SavannahGA · $51,770 median · prices 95.2	$54,380	$51,770	95.2	450
345	AmarilloTX · $49,840 median · prices 91.8	$54,280	$49,840	91.8	350
346	MontgomeryAL · $48,680 median · prices 89.7	$54,280	$48,680	89.7	540
347	VictoriaTX · $48,550 median · prices 89.8	$54,040	$48,550	89.8	100
348	Blacksburg–Christiansburg–RadfordVA · $50,030 median · prices 92.7	$53,960	$50,030	92.7	190
349	Little Rock–North Little Rock–ConwayAR · $48,000 median · prices 89.4	$53,710	$48,000	89.4	1,470
350	HuntsvilleAL · $49,940 median · prices 93.1	$53,660	$49,940	93.1	770
351	Gulfport–BiloxiMS · $48,230 median · prices 90.0	$53,590	$48,230	90.0	330
352	TylerTX · $49,300 median · prices 92.2	$53,500	$49,300	92.2	290
353	College Station–BryanTX · $48,530 median · prices 91.0	$53,360	$48,530	91.0	270
354	San AngeloTX · $49,330 median · prices 92.5	$53,360	$49,330	92.5	130
355	ValdostaGA · $47,020 median · prices 88.3	$53,270	$47,020	88.3	100
356	Augusta–Richmond CountyGA-SC · $48,900 median · prices 91.9	$53,210	$48,900	91.9	620
357	BirminghamAL · $48,740 median · prices 91.6	$53,180	$48,740	91.6	2,370
358	HattiesburgMS · $46,590 median · prices 87.6	$53,160	$46,590	87.6	100
359	Panama City–Panama City BeachFL · $51,600 median · prices 97.3	$53,030	$51,600	97.3	450
360	JacksonvilleNC · $48,570 median · prices 92.1	$52,740	$48,570	92.1	210
361	RoanokeVA · $49,230 median · prices 93.6	$52,590	$49,230	93.6	660
362	El PasoTX · $47,270 median · prices 89.9	$52,570	$47,270	89.9	790
363	ColumbusGA-AL · $46,780 median · prices 89.3	$52,390	$46,780	89.3	330
364	Athens–Clarke CountyGA · $48,890 median · prices 93.3	$52,380	$48,890	93.3	240
365	Parkersburg–ViennaWV · $45,600 median · prices 87.1	$52,370	$45,600	87.1	90
366	Idaho FallsID · $49,190 median · prices 94.4	$52,100	$49,190	94.4	390
367	Warner RobinsGA · $48,670 median · prices 93.8	$51,890	$48,670	93.8	220
368	WilmingtonNC · $49,860 median · prices 96.4	$51,710	$49,860	96.4	710
369	OcalaFL · $49,020 median · prices 95.2	$51,470	$49,020	95.2	600
370	MorgantownWV · $47,970 median · prices 93.3	$51,400	$47,970	93.3	170
371	Sebastian–Vero Beach–West Vero CorridorFL · $50,470 median · prices 98.3	$51,340	$50,470	98.3	340
372	Miami–Fort Lauderdale–West Palm BeachFL · $58,040 median · prices 114.2	$50,840	$58,040	114.2	9,140
373	Homosassa SpringsFL · $47,470 median · prices 93.5	$50,790	$47,470	93.5	170
374	Orlando–Kissimmee–SanfordFL · $51,460 median · prices 101.4	$50,740	$51,460	101.4	5,140
375	BeckleyWV · $44,600 median · prices 88.4	$50,470	$44,600	88.4	100
376	Crestview–Fort Walton Beach–DestinFL · $48,810 median · prices 97.0	$50,300	$48,810	97.0	570
377	Tampa–St. Petersburg–ClearwaterFL · $50,540 median · prices 100.9	$50,090	$50,540	100.9	6,090
378	Santa FeNM · $49,360 median · prices 98.8	$49,980	$49,360	98.8	150
379	Provo–Orem–LehiUT · $48,930 median · prices 98.2	$49,810	$48,930	98.2	1,050
380	Deltona–Daytona Beach–Ormond BeachFL · $49,290 median · prices 99.4	$49,600	$49,290	99.4	820
381	Daphne–Fairhope–FoleyAL · $46,870 median · prices 94.7	$49,500	$46,870	94.7	540
382	Grants PassOR · $48,190 median · prices 97.8	$49,290	$48,190	97.8	80
383	St. GeorgeUT · $47,790 median · prices 97.3	$49,110	$47,790	97.3	420
384	SebringFL · $44,720 median · prices 92.5	$48,360	$44,720	92.5	170

Price level: BEA Regional Price Parity, U.S. average = 100. Every metro links to its full HVAC technician pay page. By state: best states for HVAC technicians.

How we ranked them

Each metro area's median annual wage for heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanics and installers (BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics, May 2025, SOC 49-9021) divided by its Bureau of Economic Analysis Regional Price Parity for 2024 (all items, U.S. = 100), then ranked. Metros are included when BLS publishes a median and at least 50 HVAC technicians work there. Wages exclude self-employed HVAC technicians. Methodology

Questions

What is the best city for HVAC technicians?: After cost of living, the Fairbanks–College, AK area: the median of $93,820 a year buys about what $90,900 would at average U.S. prices.
Which city pays HVAC technicians the most?: Before adjusting for prices, the Fairbanks–College, AK area has the highest median, $93,820. After cost of living it ranks 1st of 384.
What is the best big city for HVAC technicians?: Among the 20 metro areas with the most HVAC technicians, the Chicago–Naperville–Elgin, IL-IN area, 18th overall: its median of $77,960 buys what $75,250 would nationally.
Where does HVAC technician pay go the least far?: Of the 384 metro areas ranked, the Sebring, FL area, where the median of $44,720 buys about what $48,360 would nationally.
Which cities are included?: The 384 metro areas where BLS publishes a median for HVAC technicians and at least 50 of them work. Smaller metros and rural areas are on each state's HVAC technician pay page.
How is cost of living adjusted?: We divide each metro's median by its Regional Price Parity from the Bureau of Economic Analysis (2024), where the U.S. average is 100. A metro with prices 10% above average (110) has its median divided by 1.10.