Humid summers and winters cold enough to keep heating active, with coastal exposure drive consistent year-round HVAC demand across Delaware. Average pay runs $66,140/year — 2.1% above the national average — with 1,730 techs employed across Dover.
Salary Distribution
10th Pct
$45,000
entry-level
25th Pct
$53,060
early career
Median
$62,320
typical wage
75th Pct
$76,740
experienced
90th Pct
$97,600
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: Delaware Division of Professional Regulation — Board of Plumbing, HVACR & Refrigeration Examiners
License type: HVACR Master License (and Master Restricted)
Threshold or scope: None — statewide license required
Continuing education: 5 hours per 2-year renewal cycle (renews October 31 of even years)
Key details: Up to 7 years supervised experience or 2 years post-journeyman + exam. Reciprocity with CT, IA, MD.
For the most current licensing rules, fees, and reciprocity details, always consult the state authority.
Apprenticeship Programs
2
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
135
AC & refrigeration · NAICS 238222
HVAC Mechanics Employed
1,730
SOC 49-9021
16.57¢/kWh
Residential Electricity
#35 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
4A
Mixed-Humid
mixed_balanced
Delaware is in a Mixed-Humid zone with meaningful heating and cooling demand. HVAC technicians here work the full system mix — gas furnaces and boilers in winter, AC and heat pumps in summer — making for relatively balanced seasonal volume.
Climate zone classification per IECC 2021 (International Energy Conservation Code).
FAQ
HVAC mechanics and installers in Delaware earn a mean annual wage of $66,140, about 2.1% above the national mean of $64,800 (BLS OEWS, May 2025). Entry-level technicians (10th percentile) average $45,000, and experienced techs at the 90th percentile reach $97,600. See our full salary breakdown for percentile data and metro variation.
The largest HVAC job market in Delaware is Dover with about 180 HVAC mechanics. Each city page lists current openings and average pay for that metro.
Three of the most established HVAC programs in Delaware are Delaware Technical Community College, Delaware Technical Community College, and Delaware Skills Center. 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.
