Long, humid cooling seasons with enough winter weather to keep heating relevant drive consistent year-round HVAC demand across North Carolina. Average pay sits at $57,400/year, but 15,230 HVAC techs employed across Charlotte, Durham, and Winston make it one of the highest-volume hiring markets in the country.
Salary Distribution
10th Pct
$37,780
entry-level
25th Pct
$46,830
early career
Median
$57,260
typical wage
75th Pct
$64,310
experienced
90th Pct
$77,160
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: NC State Board of Examiners of Plumbing, Heating & Fire Sprinkler Contractors + NC Refrigeration Board
License type: H-1 (heating Group 1) / H-2 (heating Group 2) / H-3 (heating Group 3) / Refrigeration Contractor
Threshold or scope: None — statewide licensing across two boards
Continuing education: None at state level (CE requirement disbanded in 2012)
Key details: Heating/ductwork/hydronics: Plumbing & Heating Board (nclicensing.org). Commercial refrigeration: Refrigeration Board (refrigerationboard.org).
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
895
AC & refrigeration · NAICS 238222
HVAC Mechanics Employed
15,230
SOC 49-9021
14.13¢/kWh
Residential Electricity
#18 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
3A
Warm-Humid
cooling_dominant
North Carolina has a Warm-Humid climate where cooling demand defines the HVAC market. Summer is peak season for AC repair and condenser work, with moderate but real winter heating demand on heat pumps and furnaces across most of the state.
Climate zone classification per IECC 2021 (International Energy Conservation Code).
FAQ
HVAC mechanics and installers in North Carolina earn a mean annual wage of $57,400, about 11.4% below the national mean of $64,800 (BLS OEWS, May 2025). Entry-level technicians (10th percentile) average $37,780, and experienced techs at the 90th percentile reach $77,160. See our full salary breakdown for percentile data and metro variation.
The three largest HVAC job markets in North Carolina are Charlotte with about 3,860 HVAC mechanics, Raleigh with about 2,550 HVAC mechanics, and Greensboro with about 1,170 HVAC mechanics. Each city page lists current openings and average pay for that metro.
Three of the most established HVAC programs in North Carolina are Asheville-Buncombe Technical Community College, Davidson-Davie Community College, and Guilford 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.
