Hot, humid summers and generally mild winters with occasional cold snaps keep cooling systems under steady year-round load across Alabama. Average pay sits at $51,320/year with 8,260 HVAC techs employed across Huntsville, Decatur, and Birmingham.
Salary Distribution
10th Pct
$36,510
entry-level
25th Pct
$40,340
early career
Median
$48,370
typical wage
75th Pct
$60,020
experienced
90th Pct
$65,690
senior tech
Wage data source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, OEWS May 2025
Metro Markets
Metro-level salary data from U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, OEWS May 2025. Cities ranked by HVAC employment count.
Licensing
Authority: Alabama Board of Heating, Air Conditioning & Refrigeration Contractors (HACR)
License type: Certified HVAC Contractor
Threshold or scope: None — required for all HVAC, AC & refrigeration work
Continuing education: 4 hours annually
Key details: 3,000 hrs experience OR 2 yr apprenticeship OR approved school. $20,000 performance bond (increased from $15k in 2025).
For the most current licensing rules, fees, and reciprocity details, always consult the state authority.
Apprenticeship Programs
5
Verified Programs
Apprenticeship sponsor data verified through union local primary sources, state Building Trades directories, and apprenticeship.gov.
Training
Program details vary by school. Verify cost, duration, and certification requirements directly with each institution.
Industry Density
Contracting Businesses
785
AC & refrigeration · NAICS 238222
HVAC Mechanics Employed
8,260
SOC 49-9021
15.18¢/kWh
Residential Electricity
#31 of 51
State Energy Rank
Establishment data from BLS QCEW NAICS 238222. Employment from U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics, May 2025 (SOC 49-9021). Electricity rates from EIA Electric Power Annual 2024.
Climate Profile
3A
Warm-Humid
cooling_dominant
Alabama has a Warm-Humid climate where cooling demand defines the HVAC market. Summer is peak season for AC repair and condenser work, with moderate but real winter heating demand on heat pumps and furnaces across most of the state.
Climate zone classification per IECC 2021 (International Energy Conservation Code).
FAQ
HVAC mechanics and installers in Alabama earn a mean annual wage of $51,320, about 20.8% below the national mean of $64,800 (BLS OEWS, May 2025). Entry-level technicians (10th percentile) average $36,510, and experienced techs at the 90th percentile reach $65,690. See our full salary breakdown for percentile data and metro variation.
The three largest HVAC job markets in Alabama are Birmingham with about 2,370 HVAC mechanics, Mobile with about 820 HVAC mechanics, and Huntsville with about 770 HVAC mechanics. Each city page lists current openings and average pay for that metro.
Three of the most established HVAC programs in Alabama are Bevill State Community College, Bishop State Community College, and Shelton State Community College. Programs typically run 6–24 months and prepare graduates for EPA Section 608 certification and entry-level positions. See our trade schools directory for full program details.
Have a different question? Reach our team at team@findhvacjobs.com.
