Extreme heat across much of the state, long cooling seasons, and enough winter variability to keep heating relevant drive consistent year-round HVAC demand across Texas. Average pay tracks $59,130/year with 34,730 HVAC techs employed across Austin, Dallas, and Houston.
Salary Distribution
10th Pct
$38,100
entry-level
25th Pct
$46,800
early career
Median
$57,760
typical wage
75th Pct
$69,860
experienced
90th Pct
$81,860
senior tech
Wage data source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, OEWS May 2025
Metro Markets
$49,300
$28,130
$72,600
790
$50,380
$36,060
$73,010
530
$54,140
$37,430
$74,100
420
$53,300
$33,430
$75,180
410
$54,510
$34,970
$75,920
260
$60,270
$37,640
$81,630
260
Metro-level salary data from U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, OEWS May 2025. Cities ranked by HVAC employment count.
Licensing
Authority: Texas Department of Licensing & Regulation (TDLR) — Air Conditioning & Refrigeration Contractors
License type: ACR Contractor Class A (unrestricted) or Class B (≤25 tons cooling, ≤1.5M BTU heating)
Threshold or scope: None — required for all ACR contracting
Continuing education: 8 hours annually
Key details: 4 yrs experience under licensed ACR. Class A: $300k/$600k GL. Class B: $100k/$200k GL. Reciprocity with SC and GA (Class II only).
For the most current licensing rules, fees, and reciprocity details, always consult the state authority.
Apprenticeship Programs
3
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
2,931
AC & refrigeration · NAICS 238222
HVAC Mechanics Employed
34,730
SOC 49-9021
14.94¢/kWh
Residential Electricity
#28 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
2A
Hot-Humid
extreme_cooling
Texas sits in a Hot-Humid climate zone where extreme summer heat drives the HVAC market statewide. Cooling demand dominates the trade — AC service, refrigerant work, and high-efficiency system installations make up the bulk of HVAC technician work, with peak season running from May through September.
Climate zone classification per IECC 2021 (International Energy Conservation Code).
FAQ
HVAC mechanics and installers in Texas earn a mean annual wage of $59,130, about 8.7% below the national mean of $64,800 (BLS OEWS, May 2025). Entry-level technicians (10th percentile) average $38,100, and experienced techs at the 90th percentile reach $81,860. See our full salary breakdown for percentile data and metro variation.
The three largest HVAC job markets in Texas are Dallas with about 10,910 HVAC mechanics, Houston with about 7,680 HVAC mechanics, and San Antonio with about 3,160 HVAC mechanics. Each city page lists current openings and average pay for that metro.
Three of the most established HVAC programs in Texas are Dallas College, Tarrant County College, and Lone Star 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.
