Very hot summers, windy shoulder seasons, and winters cold enough to keep heating in the mix drive consistent year-round HVAC demand across Oklahoma. Average pay sits at $57,640/year with 5,650 HVAC techs employed across Oklahoma City, Tulsa, and Enid.
Salary Distribution
10th Pct
$36,050
entry-level
25th Pct
$44,190
early career
Median
$57,560
typical wage
75th Pct
$72,110
experienced
90th Pct
$79,660
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: Oklahoma Construction Industries Board (CIB) — Committee of Mechanical Examiners
License type: Apprentice / Journeyman / Contractor (HVAC/R Limited, HVAC/R Unlimited, Sheet Metal, Process Piping, Hydronics)
Threshold or scope: None — any HVAC work requires apprentice registration or higher
Continuing education: 6 hours per 3-year renewal cycle
Key details: Journeyman: 3 yrs exp + PSI exam (70%). Contractor: +1 yr as journeyman + business/law exam. $5,000 surety bond + $50,000 GL + workers' comp.
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
395
AC & refrigeration · NAICS 238222
HVAC Mechanics Employed
5,650
SOC 49-9021
12.24¢/kWh
Residential Electricity
#7 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
Oklahoma 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 Oklahoma earn a mean annual wage of $57,640, about 11% below the national mean of $64,800 (BLS OEWS, May 2025). Entry-level technicians (10th percentile) average $36,050, and experienced techs at the 90th percentile reach $79,660. See our full salary breakdown for percentile data and metro variation.
The three largest HVAC job markets in Oklahoma are Oklahoma City with about 2,120 HVAC mechanics, Tulsa with about 1,620 HVAC mechanics, and Lawton with about 280 HVAC mechanics. Each city page lists current openings and average pay for that metro.
Three of the most established HVAC programs in Oklahoma are Tulsa Technology Center, Kiamichi Technology Centers, and Mid-America Technology Center. 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.
