Humid summers and winters that keep heating relevant, with coastal variation drive consistent year-round HVAC demand across Maryland. Average pay runs $73,820/year — 14.0% above the national average — with 8,560 techs employed across Lexington Park, Baltimore, and Salisbury.
Salary Distribution
10th Pct
$46,180
entry-level
25th Pct
$56,280
early career
Median
$70,020
typical wage
75th Pct
$95,790
experienced
90th Pct
$106,740
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: Maryland Department of Labor — Board of HVACR Contractors
License type: Apprentice / Journeyman / Limited Contractor / Master Restricted / Master
Threshold or scope: None — statewide tiered licensing
Continuing education: 16 hours per 2-year renewal cycle (board-approved)
Key details: Master: 3 yrs licensed journeyman + 1,875 hrs in year prior + 70% PSI exam. $300k/$100k liability insurance.
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
589
AC & refrigeration · NAICS 238222
HVAC Mechanics Employed
8,560
SOC 49-9021
17.86¢/kWh
Residential Electricity
#39 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
Maryland 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 Maryland earn a mean annual wage of $73,820, about 14% above the national mean of $64,800 (BLS OEWS, May 2025). Entry-level technicians (10th percentile) average $46,180, and experienced techs at the 90th percentile reach $106,740. See our full salary breakdown for percentile data and metro variation.
The three largest HVAC job markets in Maryland are Baltimore with about 3,960 HVAC mechanics, Lexington Park with about 350 HVAC mechanics, and Hagerstown with about 280 HVAC mechanics. Each city page lists current openings and average pay for that metro.
Three of the most established HVAC programs in Maryland are Community College of Baltimore County, Anne Arundel Community College, and Prince George's 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.
