Hot, humid summers and cold winters in a dense urban-suburban corridor drive heavy four-season HVAC demand across Washington D.C. Average pay runs $84,920/year — 31.1% above the national average — with 400 techs employed across the Washington metro area.
Salary Distribution
10th Pct
$49,940
entry-level
25th Pct
$77,730
early career
Median
$84,390
typical wage
75th Pct
$101,940
experienced
90th Pct
$108,240
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: DC Department of Licensing and Consumer Protection (DLCP)
License type: Refrigeration & AC License — Apprentice / Journeyman / Master
Threshold or scope: Master required for systems >25 HP; full tiered progression
Continuing education: Not published at state level; confirm with DLCP
Key details: Master: 5 yrs experience on systems >25HP + exam. Contractor must designate a master and post bond.
For the most current licensing rules, fees, and reciprocity details, always consult the state authority.
Apprenticeship Programs
3
Verified Programs
Apprenticeship sponsor data verified through union local primary sources, state Building Trades directories, and apprenticeship.gov.
Training
Trade school program information for this state is being updated.
Program details vary by school. Verify cost, duration, and certification requirements directly with each institution.
Industry Density
Contracting Businesses
55
AC & refrigeration · NAICS 238222
HVAC Mechanics Employed
400
SOC 49-9021
17.71¢/kWh
Residential Electricity
#37 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
District of Columbia 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 District of Columbia earn a mean annual wage of $84,920, about 31.1% above the national mean of $64,800 (BLS OEWS, May 2025). Entry-level technicians (10th percentile) average $49,940, and experienced techs at the 90th percentile reach $108,240. See our full salary breakdown for percentile data and metro variation.
The largest HVAC job market in District of Columbia is Washington with about 8,730 HVAC mechanics. Each city page lists current openings and average pay for that metro.
Have a different question? Reach our team at team@findhvacjobs.com.
