Long, humid summers, mild winters, and significant coastal moisture keep cooling systems under steady year-round load across South Carolina. Average pay sits at $56,460/year with 6,920 HVAC techs employed across Charleston, Spartanburg, and Greenville.
Salary Distribution
10th Pct
$39,170
entry-level
25th Pct
$46,560
early career
Median
$56,610
typical wage
75th Pct
$62,990
experienced
90th Pct
$75,530
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: SC Contractor's Licensing Board (Mechanical) + SC Residential Builders Commission (Residential HVAC)
License type: Mechanical Contractor (HVAC) for commercial; Residential Specialty HVAC for residential
Threshold or scope: Commercial license required for any commercial mechanical work; residential specialty for residential
Continuing education: Not published at state level; confirm with the Contractor's Licensing Board
Key details: 2 yrs commercial exp + technical + business exams. Residential Specialty bond $10k. Reciprocity: AL, NC, MS (residential).
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
622
AC & refrigeration · NAICS 238222
HVAC Mechanics Employed
6,920
SOC 49-9021
14.23¢/kWh
Residential Electricity
#22 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
South 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 South Carolina earn a mean annual wage of $56,460, about 12.8% below the national mean of $64,800 (BLS OEWS, May 2025). Entry-level technicians (10th percentile) average $39,170, and experienced techs at the 90th percentile reach $75,530. See our full salary breakdown for percentile data and metro variation.
The three largest HVAC job markets in South Carolina are Charleston with about 1,270 HVAC mechanics, Columbia with about 1,220 HVAC mechanics, and Greenville with about 1,160 HVAC mechanics. Each city page lists current openings and average pay for that metro.
Three of the most established HVAC programs in South Carolina are Technical College of the Lowcountry, Spartanburg Community College, and Midlands Technical 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.
