Long, cold winters and warm, often humid summers drive heavy four-season HVAC demand across Michigan. Average pay tracks $64,490/year with 12,590 HVAC techs employed across Ann Arbor, Kalamazoo, and Saginaw.
Salary Distribution
10th Pct
$40,210
entry-level
25th Pct
$48,040
early career
Median
$60,850
typical wage
75th Pct
$77,780
experienced
90th Pct
$95,290
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: Michigan Department of Licensing & Regulatory Affairs (LARA) — Bureau of Construction Codes, Mechanical Division
License type: Mechanical Contractor License (HVAC/Refrigeration/Ductwork/Hydronic etc.)
Threshold or scope: None — statewide licensing
Continuing education: Not published at state level; confirm with LARA Bureau of Construction Codes
Key details: 3 yrs experience in classification + state trade exam. Renewals every 3 yrs on August 31.
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
737
AC & refrigeration · NAICS 238222
HVAC Mechanics Employed
12,590
SOC 49-9021
19.3¢/kWh
Residential Electricity
#40 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
Michigan 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 Michigan earn a mean annual wage of $64,490, about 0.4% below the national mean of $64,800 (BLS OEWS, May 2025). Entry-level technicians (10th percentile) average $40,210, and experienced techs at the 90th percentile reach $95,290. See our full salary breakdown for percentile data and metro variation.
The three largest HVAC job markets in Michigan are Detroit with about 5,740 HVAC mechanics, Grand Rapids with about 1,920 HVAC mechanics, and Lansing with about 490 HVAC mechanics. Each city page lists current openings and average pay for that metro.
Three of the most established HVAC programs in Michigan are Oakland Community College, Kirtland Community College, and Wayne County Community College District. 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.
