HVAC Salaries and Insights

The US HVAC industry is experiencing a period of significant growth and transformation. Valued at approximately $31.2 billion in 2024, the market is projected to expand at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 5.6%, reaching $53.8 billion by 2034 . This growth is fuelled by increasing demand for energy-efficient systems, technological advancements, and a surge in construction activities across residential, commercial, and industrial sectors.  

Employment opportunities within the HVAC sector are also on the rise. The industry is expected to generate approximately 42,500 job openings annually for heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanics and installers. This increase in demand highlights the essential need for skilled professionals who can design and project manage advanced HVAC systems that comply with modern energy standards and regulatory requirements. 

Stakeholders must navigate  workforce shortages, the integration of smart technologies, and adherence to stringent environmental regulations. Addressing these issues is essential to capitalise on the opportunities within the HVAC market. 

High demand and evolving roles

Across the country, HVAC contractors and employers are experiencing a surge in demand for skilled professionals, particularly in sectors where climate control is critical to operations. 

“There is high demand for HVAC professionals across the US,” said Ryan Ward, Associate Vice President at LVI Associates.  

“The highest demand is in the Mission Critical Sector, primarily Data Centers, Healthcare, and Infrastructure.” 

These facilities rely on highly specialised HVAC systems to maintain strict temperature and humidity requirements. Data centers, for example, need consistent, reliable cooling to prevent server downtime, which isa factor that makes HVAC talent in this area especially sought after. 

Among the most in-demand positions are project managers and estimators.  

“Project Managers and Estimators (Pre-Construction) are in particularly high demand,” Ryan noted. 

These professionals play a pivotal role in ensuring HVAC projects are delivered on time, within budget, and to a high standard. 

Energy efficiency and retrofit projects 

Sustainability is reshaping the HVAC market as building owners and developers prioritise energy-efficient systems. With stricter regulations, increasing energy costs, and a collective push toward carbon reduction, refurbishment and retrofit projects are taking center stage. 

According to the U.S. Department of Energy, buildings account for approximately 40% of total U.S. energy consumption, with HVAC systems responsible for a significant portion of that figure. Recent estimates indicate that upgrading existing HVAC equipment to modern, energy-efficient standards can reduce energy consumption depending on building type and system configuration. These retrofits not only lower operational costs but also contribute to carbon reduction goals which is a key driver in both public and private sector investments. 

“Refurbishment projects are becoming more prominent across the U.S. as clients look to improve energy efficiency,” Ryan explained.  

For contractors, this trend means a growing market for upgrading aging HVAC systems. 

Project HVAC salaries

Understanding compensation trends is crucial for both employers and professionals navigating the HVAC hiring landscape. Below are typical salary ranges for permanent hires in HVAC project management roles: 

• Assistant Project Manager (0–4 years): $70,000–$90,000 
• Project Manager (5–8 years): $95,000–$140,000 
• Senior Project Manager (8–15 years): $150,000–$190,000 
• Project Executive (15+ years): $190,000–$230,000 

Factors Influencing HVAC Salaries 

Several elements can impact HVAC professional earnings: 

• Experience: More years in the field typically lead to higher pay. 
• Certifications: Holding certifications like NATE or EPA can enhance earning potential. 
• Specialisations: Expertise in areas such as energy-efficient systems or data center HVAC can command premium salaries. 
• Location: Urban areas or regions with extreme climates often offer higher wages due to increased demand. 
• Employer Type: Large firms or government agencies may provide more competitive compensation packages. 

Ryan emphasised that higher salaries are common in the Data Center sector, where the complexity and critical nature of projects often require specialised expertise. Moreover, geographic location significantly influences compensation levels, with salaries in states like California reaching up to 30% higher than the national averages. 

Hiring trends, challenges, and hotspots 

Contractors remain at the forefront of HVAC hiring efforts, assembling large, multi-disciplinary teams capable of delivering increasingly complex projects.  

“In general, contractors are hiring the most,” Ryan shared.  

“Projects are only getting bigger and bigger, and this requires larger project teams at a contracting level to ensure projects run according to cost, time, and quality.” 

Permanent hires are preferred over contract-based models, reflecting the industry’s emphasis on stability and long-term talent development. This approach enables employers to invest in employee training and maintain consistency across multiple projects. However, finding professionals with the requisite project-specific experience continues to pose challenges. 

Additionally, speed has become a crucial factor in the hiring process. “Candidates are not willing to wait around. Time kills processes,” Ryan emphasised. Companies that streamline their hiring processes and make timely offers are more likely to secure top talent. 

Certain regions have emerged as HVAC hiring hotspots, driven by substantial investment in construction and refurbishment projects: 

“Washington, D.C., Virginia, North and South Carolina, and Pennsylvania stand out, there is a massive scope of new construction and refurbishment projects happening in these areas, demanding more talent.” 

Technology and workforce development 

The rapid adoption of smart systems and IoT-enabled devices is transforming the HVAC industry, bringing advanced capabilities in automation, energy efficiency, and remote diagnostics. As technology continues to evolve, the need for skilled professionals who can effectively manage and maintain these systems is growing rapidly. In response, forward-thinking companies are placing a strong emphasis on workforce development, investing in robust training programs to upskill both current employees and new hires. 

“At LVI Associates, we’ve noticed that more and more companies are recognising the value in developing their teams to work with the latest systems. They see it as a worthwhile investment that pays off in long-term performance and customer satisfaction,” said Ryan. 

If your organisation is navigating these changes and looking to strengthen your HVAC workforce with skilled, future-ready professionals, get in touch today. Request a call back to speak with one of our specialist consultants and find out how we can support your hiring needs.