HVAC Technician Salary - Mountain West
Smaller markets with growing demand, Colorado and Nevada leading wages
Wage figures reflect all hvac technicians across all employment types -- union and non-union, residential and commercial, apprentice through master. Union journeymen typically earn above the state median. Non-union residential work typically falls below it. State figures are averages -- wages vary significantly between metro and rural markets within the same state. City-level data coming soon.
The Mountain West is a growing market for HVAC technicians with wages near or above the national median in the leading states. Connecticut and New Hampshire-adjacent markets notwithstanding, DC at $84,390 leads while Colorado at $65,200 and Nevada at $60,510 perform near the national median. Rapid population growth across Colorado, Idaho, Utah, and Nevada is driving construction demand that is beginning to push wages upward in major metro markets.
UA and Sheet Metal Workers union density in the Mountain West is moderate and concentrated in major metros. Denver's HVAC locals cover a solid commercial market. Las Vegas has strong union presence driven by casino and resort HVAC work -- large complex systems requiring skilled commercial mechanics. Salt Lake City has a growing UA presence. Idaho and Montana are primarily non-union markets. Controls and BAS work is increasingly in demand across the region.
Cost of living in the Mountain West has risen with population growth. Colorado at 101.8 and Nevada at 100.7 are near the national average. Idaho at 101.7 has appreciated significantly. Montana at 105.9 reflects resort market appreciation. Utah at 100.6 is near average. Wyoming at 93.7 remains the most affordable market in the region. For HVAC technicians, Wyoming and Montana offer the best purchasing power relative to wages.
- →Rapid residential and commercial construction across Denver, Salt Lake City, Boise, and Las Vegas metros
- →Casino and resort HVAC infrastructure in Las Vegas -- complex large-scale systems
- →Data center HVAC and cooling systems expanding into Nevada and Colorado
- →Semiconductor and advanced manufacturing facility HVAC in Idaho and Colorado
- →Building automation and energy efficiency upgrades across the region's commercial building stock
Las Vegas is the standout destination for traveling HVAC journeymen in the Mountain West. Casino and resort HVAC work runs year-round and UA locals regularly recruit travelers for major projects. Denver is active on commercial construction. Controls specialists are in demand across the region. Check RoadDog Jobs and Where2Bro for current Las Vegas and Denver openings.
Effective wage adjusts the BLS median for cost of living -- what your paycheck actually buys relative to the national average.
| State | Median Annual | COL Index | Effective Wage |
|---|---|---|---|
| Colorado | $65,200 +$4,190 vs. national | 101.8 | $64,047 +$3,037 vs. national |
| Montana | $60,850 $-160 vs. national | 105.9 | $57,460 $-3,550 vs. national |
| Nevada | $60,510 $-500 vs. national | 100.7 | $60,089 $-921 vs. national |
| Utah | $58,730 $-2,280 vs. national | 100.6 | $58,380 $-2,630 vs. national |
| Idaho | $56,240 $-4,770 vs. national | 101.7 | $55,300 $-5,710 vs. national |
| Wyoming | $54,700 $-6,310 vs. national | 93.7 | $58,378 $-2,632 vs. national |
Wage data: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics, May 2025 - HVAC Technicians - Cross-Industry, All Ownership
Cost of living data provided by the Missouri Economic Research and Information Center (MERIC). The data has been modified for use from its original source, which is the State of Missouri. THE STATE OF MISSOURI MAKES NO REPRESENTATIONS OR WARRANTY AS TO THE COMPLETENESS, ACCURACY, TIMELINESS, OR CONTENT OF ANY DATA MADE AVAILABLE THROUGH THIS SITE. THE STATE OF MISSOURI EXPRESSLY DISCLAIMS ALL WARRANTIES, WHETHER EXPRESS OR IMPLIED, INCLUDING ANY IMPLIED WARRANTIES OF MERCHANTABILITY, OR FITNESS FOR A PARTICULAR PURPOSE. Data is subject to change as modifications and updates are complete. Use at your own risk.