Cold winters, humid summers downstate, and major regional variation from the city to upstate drive heavy four-season HVAC demand across New York. Average pay runs $74,760/year — 15.4% above the national average — with 24,430 techs employed across New York, Albany, and Syracuse.
Salary Distribution
10th Pct
$48,560
entry-level
25th Pct
$59,720
early career
Median
$74,430
typical wage
75th Pct
$88,130
experienced
90th Pct
$100,680
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 (NYC DOB & FDNY primary)
License type: Varies by municipality
Threshold or scope: All licensing handled at municipal/county level
Continuing education: Varies by municipality
Key details: NYC FDNY Q-01 Refrigeration Operating Engineer (200-hr course or 1 yr exp.); written exam $60, practical $225. NYC oil burning installer Class A/B.
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
1,650
AC & refrigeration · NAICS 238222
HVAC Mechanics Employed
24,430
SOC 49-9021
24.43¢/kWh
Residential Electricity
#45 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
New York 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 New York earn a mean annual wage of $74,760, about 15.4% above the national mean of $64,800 (BLS OEWS, May 2025). Entry-level technicians (10th percentile) average $48,560, and experienced techs at the 90th percentile reach $100,680. See our full salary breakdown for percentile data and metro variation.
The three largest HVAC job markets in New York are New York with about 21,820 HVAC mechanics, Rochester with about 1,850 HVAC mechanics, and Albany with about 1,450 HVAC mechanics. Each city page lists current openings and average pay for that metro.
Three of the most established HVAC programs in New York are SUNY Westchester Community College, Suffolk County Community College, and Monroe 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.
