HVAC Technician salary in Houston, TX
Median pay, Houston metro
$58,940/year
about $28.34 an hour full-time
Middle half earns $47,040 – $73,900
Half of hvac technicians in the Houston metro area earn more than $58,940 a year and half earn less. That's 3% lower than the national median of $61,010, and ranks #26 of the 30 big metro areas we track for this job.
Pay range
| Percentile | Yearly | Hourly* |
|---|---|---|
| 10th (entry level) | $38,780 | $18.64 |
| 25th | $47,040 | $22.62 |
| Median (50th) | $58,940 | $28.34 |
| 75th | $73,900 | $35.53 |
| 90th (top earners) | $83,120 | $39.96 |
*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 Houston metro area, here's how an offer compares:
- Below market under $47,040 ($22.62/hr). Fine for a first job in the field, otherwise worth negotiating.
- Typical $47,040 to $73,900 ($22.62 to $35.53/hr). The middle half of what people in this job earn.
- Strong offer over $73,900 ($35.53/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, Houston 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.