HVAC Technician Salary - Northeast
High union density, strong wages, competitive apprenticeship programs
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 Northeast is one of the strongest UA markets for HVAC technicians in the country. Massachusetts, Connecticut, New Hampshire, and Rhode Island all pay significantly above the national median of $61,010. The region's dense commercial building stock, harsh winters, and strong union presence combine to create consistent high-wage demand for HVAC mechanics and controls specialists. Boston and Hartford are the dominant commercial markets.
UA locals dominate commercial HVAC work across the Northeast. Boston, Hartford, and Providence are heavily unionized markets for sheet metal and HVAC work. Massachusetts UA locals pay some of the highest HVAC scale rates in the country. Vermont and Maine have smaller markets but maintain active UA programs. Non-union residential service work is widespread but major commercial HVAC installation and industrial controls work is predominantly union jurisdiction.
Cost of living in the Northeast is high relative to HVAC wages. Massachusetts at 147.8 COL has strong wages but extreme housing costs. Connecticut at 114.2 and New Hampshire at 110.1 are more moderate. Vermont at 113.0 and Maine at 114.6 are above average but rural markets offer more affordable options. New Hampshire provides the best value in the region for HVAC technicians.
- →Dense commercial building stock requiring ongoing HVAC maintenance, upgrades, and replacement across major Northeast metros
- →Life sciences and cleanroom facility construction in the Boston metro requiring precision HVAC and environmental control systems
- →Hospital and healthcare facility HVAC work -- some of the most complex and highest-paying mechanical work in the industry
- →Building automation and controls upgrades driven by energy efficiency mandates across the region
- →Offshore wind and renewable energy facility construction creating new industrial HVAC demand along the New England coast
The Northeast is a solid destination for traveling HVAC journeymen, particularly Boston and Hartford. Massachusetts UA locals pay strong scale rates and commercial HVAC work runs year-round. Winter heating season creates additional service demand across the region. Cost of living is the significant consideration -- Boston and coastal Connecticut are expensive markets. Check RoadDog Jobs and Where2Bro for current commercial HVAC 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 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Massachusetts | $77,300 +$16,290 vs. national | 147.8 | $52,300 $-8,710 vs. national |
| Connecticut | $76,610 +$15,600 vs. national | 114.2 | $67,084 +$6,074 vs. national |
| New Hampshire | $73,850 +$12,840 vs. national | 110.1 | $67,075 +$6,065 vs. national |
| Rhode Island | $67,370 +$6,360 vs. national | 111.2 | $60,585 $-425 vs. national |
| Maine | $63,170 +$2,160 vs. national | 114.6 | $55,122 $-5,888 vs. national |
| Vermont | $62,150 +$1,140 vs. national | 113.0 | $55,000 $-6,010 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.