If you're thinking about a career in a tech industry, comparing HVAC vs electrician salary is one of the first things you should do. Both careers are highly popular, well-paid, and offer a stable future. But who earns more in 2025? Let's break it down.
On a national level, the wage gap between HVAC technician vs electrician in 2025 is still significant. This is the latest data from U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS):
HVAC vs Electrician Salary: National Averages in 2025
The average $ for electricians in the U.S. is about $63,000 per year.
At the same time, HVAC technicians make about $58,000 per year.
However, hourly rates on Indeed or Salary.com drastically vary:
Career
Average rate ($/hour)
Electrician
30-35
HVAC tech
26-32
Rates can depend on many things, from region to skill level.
Factors That Influence Salary in Both Trades
How much do air conditioner repairman make? Well, earnings in both professions depend on a range of variables:
Geography:
Salaries are higher in California, New York, or Massachusetts because of the cost of living.
Type of employer:
Jobs at large companies or government facilities are often paid better.
Additional skills:
Expertise in smart homes, solar panels, or industrial installations increases income.
For example, knowledge of smart home systems is a trend that impacts HVAC vs electrician salary in 2025.
Entry-Level Pay: HVAC vs Electrician
HVAC newbies can expect to make $18-22/hour, while electrician assistants make $20/hour and up. But in both professions, you can grow to the level of a specialist in only 1-2 years.
But is it hard to be an electrician? If you're wondering about HVAC technician vs electrician—where it's easier to start—HVAC may require less preliminary theory but, unlike the electrical industry, more physical training.
Mid-Career Earnings Potential
If you are choosing an HVAC or electrician career path, it is important for you to consider the following. After 5-10 years of experience:
Electricians earn an average of $70,000+
HVAC technicians make about $65,000+
Certifications, by the way, increase income by 10-20%. This is incredibly important if you plan to be the best of the best and move toward the top of the career ladder.
Top-Earning Professionals: Who Has More Upside?
And these numbers are for those who have become contractors or started a business:
Electrical entrepreneurs can earn $100,000+
HVAC entrepreneurs make over $90,000+ as well
Meanwhile, electrician vs HVAC salary at this level depends on how you build a client base and what services you offer. Specialists with a high reputation in the home service industry are the most lucrative. You can read more about this in our article How to Choose the Right Electrical Contractor for Your Home. There is a lot of info that will be useful to you if you want to build a quality home service business.
Job Demand and Market Growth
The labor market in 2025 reveals strong demand for both HVAC technicians and electricians. Both areas are growing at an estimated 6-7% over the next 5 years, which is above the national average.
Specialists with experience in green energy and smart technologies are especially in demand. This means that the choice between HVAC or electrician is not only a question of salary but also of stability. With the rise of, for example, smart homes, articles like The Importance of Electrical Inspections Before Buying a New Home stress the importance of qualified electricians.
Regional Differences in HVAC and Electrician Pay
Salaries vary by region. For example, in states with a high cost of living, such as California, New York, and Hawaii, rates are 20-30% higher. In Midwest regions, the rates are more modest. But at the same time, the competition is also lower. Therefore, electrician vs HVAC salary depends not only on the profession but also on geography.
Training and Certification Costs
To start a career in HVAC, a course is often enough. That's an investment of several thousand dollars, around $5,000 or more. Electricians are more likely to need an apprenticeship, a license, and more formal training, which can cost up to $15,000. But the payoff is also higher.
When choosing, consider not only price but also length of training: the HVAC path is shorter, but an electrician's is potentially more lucrative. If you want to choose an electrician, be sure to learn about Different Types of Electricians: 12 Critical Roles for Home Services.
Work Environment and Job Challenges
Both occupations are physically demanding. HVAC technicians often work outdoors and deal with temperature extremes or heavy equipment. Electricians work indoors but their everyday life is being in contact with high voltages, which makes their work more risky. So, when comparing HVAC technician vs electrician labor, keep this in mind as well.
Which Trade Offers More Career Flexibility?
Both electrician or HVAC career paths allow you to work for a company or independently. However, electricians are more likely to start their own companies and become contractors. Freelancing and project work opportunities are higher for electricians.
But remember: everything is individualized. Everything really depends on your desire and how much effort you want to invest in your work.
How to Choose Between HVAC and Electrician in 2025
The choice between an HVAC vs electrician salary depends on your goals, personality, and preferences. Electricians on average earn more and have a higher career ceiling. HVAC is a faster entry but has a lower starting salary.
If you're still in doubt, give us a call at (669) 666-9219 or email us at support@fuseservice.com—we'll help you decide! Also, follow us on Instagram; we share lots of cool visuals there!