Hot, humid summers and relatively mild but active winters drive consistent year-round HVAC demand across Tennessee. Average pay sits at $57,810/year, but 9,740 HVAC techs employed across Nashville, Jackson, and Memphis make it one of the highest-volume hiring markets in the country.
Salary Distribution
10th Pct
$38,540
entry-level
25th Pct
$46,990
early career
Median
$55,490
typical wage
75th Pct
$65,590
experienced
90th Pct
$81,590
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: Tennessee Board for Licensing Contractors (under TN Dept. of Commerce & Insurance)
License type: CMC (Full Mechanical Contractor) or CMC-C (HVAC/Refrigeration/Gas Piping Contractor)
Threshold or scope: $25,000+ project value (labor + materials, including subcontractor portions)
Continuing education: None at state level for HVAC
Key details: ~3 yrs exp + Business/Law + Trade exam. Reciprocity (exam-waiver only): AL, AR, GA, LA, MS, NC, OH, SC, WV. NASCLA accepted.
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
600
AC & refrigeration · NAICS 238222
HVAC Mechanics Employed
9,740
SOC 49-9021
12.42¢/kWh
Residential Electricity
#9 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
4A
Mixed-Humid
mixed_balanced
Tennessee is in a Mixed-Humid zone with meaningful heating and cooling demand. HVAC technicians here work the full system mix — gas furnaces and boilers in winter, AC and heat pumps in summer — making for relatively balanced seasonal volume.
Climate zone classification per IECC 2021 (International Energy Conservation Code).
FAQ
HVAC mechanics and installers in Tennessee earn a mean annual wage of $57,810, about 10.8% below the national mean of $64,800 (BLS OEWS, May 2025). Entry-level technicians (10th percentile) average $38,540, and experienced techs at the 90th percentile reach $81,590. See our full salary breakdown for percentile data and metro variation.
The three largest HVAC job markets in Tennessee are Nashville with about 3,500 HVAC mechanics, Memphis with about 1,740 HVAC mechanics, and Knoxville with about 1,470 HVAC mechanics. Each city page lists current openings and average pay for that metro.
Three of the most established HVAC programs in Tennessee are TCAT Henry/Carroll, TCAT Memphis, and TCAT Nashville. 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.
