Humid summers and winters cold enough to keep heating active drive consistent year-round HVAC demand across Kentucky. Average pay tracks $58,870/year with 5,100 HVAC techs employed across Louisville, Lexington, and Owensboro.
Salary Distribution
10th Pct
$38,790
entry-level
25th Pct
$47,780
early career
Median
$58,620
typical wage
75th Pct
$67,540
experienced
90th Pct
$80,020
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: Kentucky Department of Housing, Buildings & Construction (DHBC) — Division of HVAC
License type: HVAC Apprentice / Journeyman / Master Contractor
Threshold or scope: None — statewide tiered licensing
Continuing education: 6 hours per renewal cycle (HVAC Journeyman and Contractor)
Key details: Annual renewal by last day of license holder's birth month. Master $250 / Journeyman $50. Reciprocity exam waiver with Ohio Master.
For the most current licensing rules, fees, and reciprocity details, always consult the state authority.
Apprenticeship Programs
4
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
418
AC & refrigeration · NAICS 238222
HVAC Mechanics Employed
5,100
SOC 49-9021
12.79¢/kWh
Residential Electricity
#12 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
Kentucky 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 Kentucky earn a mean annual wage of $58,870, about 9.1% below the national mean of $64,800 (BLS OEWS, May 2025). Entry-level technicians (10th percentile) average $38,790, and experienced techs at the 90th percentile reach $80,020. See our full salary breakdown for percentile data and metro variation.
The three largest HVAC job markets in Kentucky are Louisville/Jefferson County with about 1,890 HVAC mechanics, Lexington with about 740 HVAC mechanics, and Bowling Green with about 230 HVAC mechanics. Each city page lists current openings and average pay for that metro.
Three of the most established HVAC programs in Kentucky are Gateway Community & Technical College, Jefferson Community & Technical College, and Southcentral Kentucky Community & Technical 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.
