Hot, humid summers and cold winters drive heavy four-season HVAC demand across New Jersey. Average pay runs $77,580/year — 19.8% above the national average — with 10,330 techs employed across Trenton, Vineland, and Atlantic City.
Salary Distribution
10th Pct
$48,020
entry-level
25th Pct
$56,700
early career
Median
$74,450
typical wage
75th Pct
$96,910
experienced
90th Pct
$116,550
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: NJ Division of Consumer Affairs — State Board of Examiners of Heating, Ventilating, Air Conditioning and Refrigeration Contractors
License type: Master HVACR Contractor
Threshold or scope: None — full statewide licensing
Continuing education: Not published at state level; confirm with the Board of Examiners
Key details: 4 years experience + trade/business exams. $3,000 HVACR specialty bond + commercial liability insurance.
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
879
AC & refrigeration · NAICS 238222
HVAC Mechanics Employed
10,330
SOC 49-9021
19.34¢/kWh
Residential Electricity
#41 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
New Jersey 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 New Jersey earn a mean annual wage of $77,580, about 19.8% above the national mean of $64,800 (BLS OEWS, May 2025). Entry-level technicians (10th percentile) average $48,020, and experienced techs at the 90th percentile reach $116,550. See our full salary breakdown for percentile data and metro variation.
The three largest HVAC job markets in New Jersey are Atlantic City with about 480 HVAC mechanics, Trenton with about 430 HVAC mechanics, and Vineland with about 290 HVAC mechanics. Each city page lists current openings and average pay for that metro.
Three of the most established HVAC programs in New Jersey are Raritan Valley Community College, Lincoln Tech - Union, and Mercer County 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.
