HVAC Technician Salary in Raleigh, NC: $59,253 (2024)
Official 2024 BLS Data | $28.49/hour | $37,131 - $84,993 range
Median Annual Salary
$59,253
Hourly Rate
$28.49
/hour
Jobs in Area
423
employed
Compare to Other Cities
See All →Raleigh, NC
$59,253
San Francisco, CA
$77,281
in San Francisco, CA
HVAC Technician Salary Range in Raleigh, NC
Annual Salary Range
$37k
10th percentile
$47k
25th
$71k
75th
$85k
90th percentile
Salary Breakdown by Percentile
| Percentile | Annual Salary | Hourly Rate |
|---|---|---|
| 10th Percentile (Entry Level) | $37,131 | $17.85 |
| 25th Percentile | $47,369 | $22.77 |
| Median (50th Percentile) | $59,253 | $28.49 |
| 75th Percentile | $71,058 | $34.16 |
| 90th Percentile (Top Earners) | $84,993 | $40.86 |
| Average (Mean) | $64,571 | $31.04 |
HVAC Technician Market Insights for Raleigh, NC
Compensation Overview
HVAC Technician compensation in Raleigh, NC aligns with regional expectations. The salary range from $37,131 to $84,993 provides a clear picture of earning potential at different career stages.
Local Market Context
Raleigh, NC offers competitive compensation that aligns closely with national benchmarks. The North Carolina economy supports a diverse range of industries, providing stable employment opportunities across multiple sectors.
Career Outlook
The HVAC Technician profession offers diverse career opportunities across industries. Professional development and continuous learning are key factors in advancing within this field. With a 129% salary range from entry-level to top earners, there is substantial room for financial growth as you advance in your career.
Tips for Increasing Your Salary
- •Develop specialized expertise to command higher compensation—top earners make 43% more than median salaries
- •Build a professional network through industry associations and local business groups
- •Pursue relevant certifications or advanced education to demonstrate expertise
+3%
vs National Avg
-4%
vs State Avg
129%
Salary Range
423
Jobs in Area
Career Path & Salary Progression
Typical HVAC Technician salary growth in Raleigh, NC based on experience level.
Entry Level
0-2 years10th percentile
$37,131
/year
Early Career
2-5 years25th percentile
$47,369
/year
Mid Career
5-10 years50th percentile
$59,253
/year
Senior
10-15 years75th percentile
$71,058
/year
Expert
15+ years90th percentile
$84,993
/year
Note: Career progression and salary growth vary based on company size, industry, skills, and performance. These estimates use percentile data from the BLS as a general guide for typical career paths.
HVAC Technician Job Market in Raleigh, NC
Where HVAC Technicians Work
HVAC Technicians work across multiple industries including corporations, government agencies, healthcare organizations, and consulting firms. Each sector offers different compensation structures and career trajectories.
Local Employment Landscape
Employment in this occupation is more limited in Raleigh, NC compared to larger metros. Professionals may find opportunities concentrated among fewer employers, making employer research and networking particularly valuable.
Types of Employers Hiring
Large Corporations
Typically offer comprehensive benefits, structured advancement, and competitive base salaries with bonus potential
Small to Medium Businesses
May provide more responsibility earlier in your career, flexible work arrangements, and equity opportunities
Government Agencies
Known for job security, excellent benefits packages, pension plans, and work-life balance
Professional Services Firms
Provide client exposure, rapid skill development, and often above-market compensation for top performers
Skills That Increase Earning Potential
Job Search Strategy for Raleigh, NC
- •Research major employers in the Raleigh-Cary area and follow them on LinkedIn for job alerts
- •Join local professional associations for networking and job leads specific to North Carolina
- •Tailor your salary expectations based on the Raleigh, NC market rate of $59,253
- •Consider roles at varying experience levels—entry positions start at $37,131 in this market
Frequently Asked Questions
The median hvac technician salary in Raleigh, NC is $59,253 per year ($28.49/hour) as of 2026. This is based on official U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics data. Salaries range from $37,131 for entry-level positions to $84,993 for experienced professionals in the top 10%.
Entry-level hvac technicians in Raleigh, NC typically start at around $37,131 per year ($17.85/hour), representing the 10th percentile. New graduates and those with less than 2 years of experience fall into this range. With experience and skill development, salaries can progress to the median of $59,253 within 3-5 years.
HVAC Technicians in Raleigh, NC earn a median hourly wage of $28.49 per hour. Hourly rates range from $17.85/hour at entry-level (10th percentile) to $40.86/hour for top earners (90th percentile). Based on a standard 2,080-hour work year, this translates to annual salaries between $37,131 and $84,993.
The median hvac technician salary of $59,253 in Raleigh, NC is above the national median of $57,300 (3.4% higher). This salary places you at the 50th percentile, meaning half of hvac technicians in the area earn more and half earn less.
HVAC Technicians in Raleigh, NC earn above the national average. The local median salary of $59,253 is 3.4% higher than the national median of $57,300. When adjusted for cost of living, the effective salary is approximately $58,958.
The top 10% of hvac technicians in Raleigh, NC earn $84,993 or more per year ($40.86/hour). These top earners typically have 10+ years of experience, advanced certifications, specialized expertise, or hold senior/management positions. The 75th percentile earns $71,058, which is a realistic goal for mid-career professionals.
Key skills that can boost hvac technician salary in Raleigh, NC include: Strong communication and interpersonal abilities, Problem-solving and critical thinking, Technical proficiency relevant to the field, Attention to detail and organizational skills. Professionals with these skills often earn above the median of $59,253, potentially reaching the 75th percentile ($71,058) or higher. Years of relevant experience
Raleigh, NC has a specialized job market for hvac technicians, with approximately 423 professionals employed in the area. The median salary of $59,253 is above the national average. Job seekers should consider both salary and local industry demand when evaluating opportunities.
Compare your hvac technician salary to these Raleigh, NC benchmarks: 10th percentile (entry-level): $37,131, 25th percentile: $47,369, 50th percentile (median): $59,253, 75th percentile: $71,058, 90th percentile (top earners): $84,993. If you earn more than $59,253, you're above average for the area.
Beyond the $59,253 median base salary, hvac technicians in Raleigh, NC typically receive comprehensive benefits including health insurance (medical, dental, vision), retirement plans (401k with employer matching), paid time off (15-25 days), and potentially bonuses or profit-sharing. Total compensation including benefits typically adds 25-40% to base salary value.
Experienced hvac technicians with 5-10 years in Raleigh, NC typically earn $71,058 (75th percentile) to $84,993 (90th percentile) per year. Senior professionals with 10+ years, certifications, or management roles can reach the top 10% at $84,993. Mid-career professionals (3-5 years) usually earn around the median of $59,253.
HVAC Technicians in Raleigh, NC can see significant salary growth over their careers. Entry-level ($37,131) to median ($59,253) typically takes 3-5 years. Reaching the 90th percentile ($84,993) may take 10+ years and often requires specialized skills, certifications, or leadership experience. That's a potential growth of $47,862 over a career.
Data Source & Methodology
Official government statistics you can trust
U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics
Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS) Program
Visit Official BLS WebsiteData Year
2024
2 Years Old
Geographic Area
Raleigh-Cary
Metropolitan Statistical Area
Occupation Code
49-9021
SOC Classification
Sample Size
423
Employees Surveyed
How This Data Is Collected
The OEWS program produces employment and wage estimates annually for over 800 occupations across all metropolitan and nonmetropolitan areas. Approximately 1.1 million establishments are surveyed over a three-year period, representing the most comprehensive wage data available for the U.S. labor market.
Note: Percentile wages represent actual reported wages and may differ from individual compensation packages that include benefits, bonuses, and equity.
Last updated: January 23, 2026
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HVAC Technician in Raleigh, NC
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Median: $59,253/yr
How Raleigh, NC Compares
vs National Average
$57,300
vs North Carolina Average
$61,591
Cost-of-Living Adjusted
$58,958
Cost of living in Raleigh, NC is 0.5% above the national average.
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