Hot summers, cold winters, and fast swings between the two drive heavy four-season HVAC demand across Missouri. Average pay runs $62,410/year, with 7,220 techs employed across St. Louis, Kansas City, and St. Joseph.
Salary Distribution
10th Pct
$39,180
entry-level
25th Pct
$47,040
early career
Median
$59,950
typical wage
75th Pct
$74,610
experienced
90th Pct
$88,760
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: Local building departments (county and municipal)
License type: Varies by municipality
Threshold or scope: All trade licensing at local level
Continuing education: Varies by municipality
Key details: Kansas City MO, St. Louis, Springfield each have own programs.
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
665
AC & refrigeration · NAICS 238222
HVAC Mechanics Employed
7,220
SOC 49-9021
12.91¢/kWh
Residential Electricity
#14 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
Missouri 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 Missouri earn a mean annual wage of $62,410, about 3.7% below the national mean of $64,800 (BLS OEWS, May 2025). Entry-level technicians (10th percentile) average $39,180, and experienced techs at the 90th percentile reach $88,760. See our full salary breakdown for percentile data and metro variation.
The three largest HVAC job markets in Missouri are Kansas City with about 3,010 HVAC mechanics, St. Louis with about 2,980 HVAC mechanics, and Springfield with about 690 HVAC mechanics. Each city page lists current openings and average pay for that metro.
Three of the most established HVAC programs in Missouri are St. Louis Community College, Metropolitan Community College - Kansas City, and Ozarks Technical 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.
