Milder coastal climates and hotter inland summers create long heating and cooling seasons across Washington. Average pay runs $78,860/year — 21.7% above the national average — with 7,370 techs employed across Seattle, Longview, and Mount Vernon.
Salary Distribution
10th Pct
$48,810
entry-level
25th Pct
$60,170
early career
Median
$75,660
typical wage
75th Pct
$93,970
experienced
90th Pct
$120,360
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: WA Department of Labor & Industries (L&I) — Contractor Registration + Electrical Section (low-voltage)
License type: Specialty Contractor Registration (HVAC) + 06A/06B Electrical Specialty (low-voltage HVAC controls)
Threshold or scope: None — registration required to bid/contract
Continuing education: Not published at state level; confirm with L&I
Key details: $6k-$12k bond depending on contractor type. Trade low-voltage electrical license required for control wiring (06A or 06B).
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
430
AC & refrigeration · NAICS 238222
HVAC Mechanics Employed
7,370
SOC 49-9021
11.9¢/kWh
Residential Electricity
#5 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
Washington 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 Washington earn a mean annual wage of $78,860, about 21.7% above the national mean of $64,800 (BLS OEWS, May 2025). Entry-level technicians (10th percentile) average $48,810, and experienced techs at the 90th percentile reach $120,360. See our full salary breakdown for percentile data and metro variation.
The three largest HVAC job markets in Washington are Seattle with about 3,940 HVAC mechanics, Spokane with about 610 HVAC mechanics, and Kennewick with about 520 HVAC mechanics. Each city page lists current openings and average pay for that metro.
Three of the most established HVAC programs in Washington are Bellingham Technical College, Bates Technical College, and Clover Park 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.
