Milder coastal and valley climates with hotter interior summers create long heating and cooling seasons across Oregon. Average pay runs $68,430/year — 5.6% above the national average — with 3,980 techs employed across Portland, Salem, and Bend.
Salary Distribution
10th Pct
$46,990
entry-level
25th Pct
$56,340
early career
Median
$62,940
typical wage
75th Pct
$78,890
experienced
90th Pct
$94,520
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: OR Construction Contractors Board (CCB) for business + OR Building Codes Division (BCD) for trade (LEB/LME)
License type: CCB Contractor license + LME (Limited Energy Tech) / LEB (Limited Energy Contractor) trade license
Threshold or scope: None — CCB required for any contracting; trade license required for technicians
Continuing education: 16 hours per 2-year renewal (CCB business + safety)
Key details: CCB: 16-hr business course + exam + $15-20k bond. Trade license through BCD.
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
275
AC & refrigeration · NAICS 238222
HVAC Mechanics Employed
3,980
SOC 49-9021
14.7¢/kWh
Residential Electricity
#24 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
4C
Mixed-Marine
mild_balanced
Oregon has a Mixed-Marine climate that produces steady, year-round HVAC demand without extreme seasonal peaks. Technicians here see a more predictable workload with growing demand for energy efficiency, indoor air quality, and modernization work.
Climate zone classification per IECC 2021 (International Energy Conservation Code).
FAQ
HVAC mechanics and installers in Oregon earn a mean annual wage of $68,430, about 5.6% above the national mean of $64,800 (BLS OEWS, May 2025). Entry-level technicians (10th percentile) average $46,990, and experienced techs at the 90th percentile reach $94,520. See our full salary breakdown for percentile data and metro variation.
The three largest HVAC job markets in Oregon are Portland with about 2,580 HVAC mechanics, Eugene with about 370 HVAC mechanics, and Salem with about 350 HVAC mechanics. Each city page lists current openings and average pay for that metro.
Three of the most established HVAC programs in Oregon are Portland Community College, Chemeketa Community College, and Lane 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.
