Some of the coldest winters in the country, plus warm summers drive consistent HVAC service work across Minnesota. Average pay runs $73,990/year — 14.2% above the national average — with 4,200 techs employed across Minneapolis, Mankato, and Rochester.
Salary Distribution
10th Pct
$48,220
entry-level
25th Pct
$58,860
early career
Median
$76,350
typical wage
75th Pct
$87,190
experienced
90th Pct
$100,030
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: Minnesota Department of Labor & Industry (DLI) — Construction Codes & Licensing Division (CCLD)
License type: Mechanical Contractor Bond filing (no exam or trade license at state level)
Threshold or scope: $25,000 mechanical contractor bond required for any gas/HVAC/cooling/fuel-burning/refrigeration work
Continuing education: None at state level. Minneapolis & St. Paul require comp cards.
Key details: Per Minn. Stat. § 326B.197. Bond filing fee $100, 2-year validity. Minneapolis & St. Paul comp cards reciprocal.
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
415
AC & refrigeration · NAICS 238222
HVAC Mechanics Employed
4,200
SOC 49-9021
15.45¢/kWh
Residential Electricity
#32 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
6A
Cold-Humid
extreme_heating
Heating dominates Minnesota's Cold-Humid climate. Deep winters create high-stakes demand for furnace, boiler, and heat pump reliability — HVAC technicians here build careers around heating systems with short but intense summer cooling demand.
Climate zone classification per IECC 2021 (International Energy Conservation Code).
FAQ
HVAC mechanics and installers in Minnesota earn a mean annual wage of $73,990, about 14.2% above the national mean of $64,800 (BLS OEWS, May 2025). Entry-level technicians (10th percentile) average $48,220, and experienced techs at the 90th percentile reach $100,030. See our full salary breakdown for percentile data and metro variation.
The three largest HVAC job markets in Minnesota are Minneapolis with about 2,420 HVAC mechanics, St. Cloud with about 250 HVAC mechanics, and Rochester with about 190 HVAC mechanics. Each city page lists current openings and average pay for that metro.
Three of the most established HVAC programs in Minnesota are Minneapolis College, Minnesota State College Southeast, and Saint Paul 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.
