HVAC Technician salary in Detroit, MI
Median pay, Detroit metro
$63,170/year
about $30.37 an hour full-time
Middle half earns $48,240 – $80,780
Half of hvac technicians in the Detroit metro area earn more than $63,170 a year and half earn less. That's 4% higher than the national median of $61,010, and ranks #16 of the 30 big metro areas we track for this job.
Pay range
| Percentile | Yearly | Hourly* |
|---|---|---|
| 10th (entry level) | $42,840 | $20.60 |
| 25th | $48,240 | $23.19 |
| Median (50th) | $63,170 | $30.37 |
| 75th | $80,780 | $38.84 |
| 90th (top earners) | $95,610 | $45.97 |
*Yearly pay divided by 2,080 hours (40 hours × 52 weeks), the full-time basis BLS uses.
Is your offer fair?
For a hvac technician job in the Detroit metro area, here's how an offer compares:
- Below market under $48,240 ($23.19/hr). Fine for a first job in the field, otherwise worth negotiating.
- Typical $48,240 to $80,780 ($23.19 to $38.84/hr). The middle half of what people in this job earn.
- Strong offer over $80,780 ($38.84/hr). Higher than three quarters of workers here.
Before you accept
- EPA 608 certification is required to work with refrigerants, and more certifications usually mean more pay.
- Summer and winter peaks bring overtime. Ask how much is typical and how it's paid.
- Ask whether you get a company van, tools and paid on-call time.
Also watch for the common warning signs in the posting itself: 15 job posting red flags.
Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics, 2025, Detroit metro. Occupation: Heating, Air Conditioning, and Refrigeration Mechanics and Installers (SOC 49-9021). Figures cover wage and salary workers and don't include bonuses, benefits or overtime.