HVAC Technician Salary in Texas
Statewide median pay from the Bureau of Labor Statistics, and what it costs to get into the trade here.
Median annual
$54,640
statewide
Median hourly
$26.27
per hour
Jobs in state
31,910
people employed
Cost to enter
$50
licence + training
What the licence costs against the pay
At the state median, the licence and training pay for themselves in roughly 0.0 months of work. That is the number to compare when you are choosing between states — a cheaper licence in a lower-paying state can still be the slower route to break even.
Pay in other states
| State | Median annual | Licence cost | Break-even |
|---|---|---|---|
| California | $70,050 | $650 | 0 mo |
| Florida | $52,220 | $535 | 0 mo |
| Texas | $54,640 | $50 | 0 mo |
How to read these numbers
- Median, not average. A handful of very high earners drag the average up; the median is the middle person.
- Statewide. Metro pay in this trade often runs 10–25% above the state figure, and rural areas below it.
- Before overtime. BLS base pay excludes overtime and shift differentials, which matter a lot in this trade.
Sources
- BLS OEWS state table (archive snapshot)Median annual wage for HVAC Technician in Texas, May 2024
- https://www.tdlr.texas.gov/acr/certified-tech-apply.htm“Applicants may become qualified for technician certification by completing a department-approved certification program consisting of 2,000 hours of combined instruction and practical experience.”
- https://www.tdlr.texas.gov/acr/certified-tech-apply.htm“To apply for a new technician registration, submit a completed Certified Technician Application Form (PDF) along with the non-refundable application fee of $50.”
- https://www.tdlr.texas.gov/acr/technician-renew.htm“An air conditioning and refrigeration "registered technician" or "certification technician" designation is valid for a period of 1 year from the date of issue.”
- https://www.tdlr.texas.gov/acr/technician-renew.htm“Registered technician | $20 | Certified technician | $35”
- https://www.tdlr.texas.gov/acr/acrExamStats2025.htm“Certified ACR Technician | 39 | 83 | 122 | 31.97%”
- https://www.tdlr.texas.gov/acr/acrexam.htm“Upon confirmation, you will receive an eligibility email notice from PSI.”
- https://www.tdlr.texas.gov/acr/acrstate.htm“If you hold an air conditioning license in South Carolina or Georgia, please see the licensing reciprocity page for information on licensing agreements between these states.”