HVAC Technician salary in Washington, DC
Median pay, Washington DC metro
$71,920/year
about $34.58 an hour full-time
Middle half earns $57,670 – $89,240
Half of hvac technicians in the Washington DC metro area earn more than $71,920 a year and half earn less. That's 18% higher than the national median of $61,010, and ranks #10 of the 30 big metro areas we track for this job.
Pay range
| Percentile | Yearly | Hourly* |
|---|---|---|
| 10th (entry level) | $46,920 | $22.56 |
| 25th | $57,670 | $27.73 |
| Median (50th) | $71,920 | $34.58 |
| 75th | $89,240 | $42.90 |
| 90th (top earners) | $105,180 | $50.57 |
*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 Washington DC metro area, here's how an offer compares:
- Below market under $57,670 ($27.73/hr). Fine for a first job in the field, otherwise worth negotiating.
- Typical $57,670 to $89,240 ($27.73 to $42.90/hr). The middle half of what people in this job earn.
- Strong offer over $89,240 ($42.90/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, Washington DC 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.