Cold winters, humid summers, and a dense stock of older homes drive heavy four-season HVAC demand across Massachusetts. Average pay runs $77,760/year — 20.0% above the national average — with 8,200 techs employed across Boston, Springfield, and Worcester.
Salary Distribution
10th Pct
$50,820
entry-level
25th Pct
$61,070
early career
Median
$77,300
typical wage
75th Pct
$95,070
experienced
90th Pct
$102,410
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: MA Division of Occupational Licensure — Office of Public Safety & Inspections (OPSI), Bureau of Pipefitters, Refrigeration Technicians & Sprinkler Fitters
License type: Refrigeration Apprentice / Technician / Contractor
Threshold or scope: Systems ≥10 tons refrigeration trigger state license; <10 tons unlicensed at state level
Continuing education: Not published at state level; confirm with OPSI
Key details: Separate Sheet Metal Workers Board. Gas-fired heating regulated by Board of Plumbers & Gas Fitters.
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
Program details vary by school. Verify cost, duration, and certification requirements directly with each institution.
Industry Density
Contracting Businesses
790
AC & refrigeration · NAICS 238222
HVAC Mechanics Employed
8,200
SOC 49-9021
29.35¢/kWh
Residential Electricity
#49 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
5A
Cool-Humid
heating_dominant
Massachusetts is in a Cool-Humid zone where heating demand defines the HVAC market. Furnace, boiler, and heat pump work dominate the trade, with emergency winter service driving demand. Summer cooling work is shorter but real.
Climate zone classification per IECC 2021 (International Energy Conservation Code).
FAQ
HVAC mechanics and installers in Massachusetts earn a mean annual wage of $77,760, about 20% above the national mean of $64,800 (BLS OEWS, May 2025). Entry-level technicians (10th percentile) average $50,820, and experienced techs at the 90th percentile reach $102,410. See our full salary breakdown for percentile data and metro variation.
The three largest HVAC job markets in Massachusetts are Boston with about 6,050 HVAC mechanics, Worcester with about 800 HVAC mechanics, and Barnstable Town with about 460 HVAC mechanics. Each city page lists current openings and average pay for that metro.
Three of the most established HVAC programs in Massachusetts are Quinsigamond Community College, Springfield Technical Community College, and Franklin Cummings Tech. 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.
