Outcome
How Much Do HVAC Techs Make in Minnesota?
Minnesota HVAC technicians earned a median wage of $36.07 per hour in Q1 2025, according to the Minnesota Department of Employment and Economic Development. That figure sits above the statewide median for all occupations and the nationwide comparison median. Several factors can influence where an individual tech falls within that range.
Headline numbers
According to the Minnesota Department of Employment and Economic Development (DEED), HVAC technicians in Minnesota earned a median hourly wage of $36.07 as of Q1 2025. The mean hourly wage for the same period was $35.28. Both figures are based on roughly 5,190 HVAC technicians employed across the state.
For context, the statewide median across all occupations was $26.22 per hour in the same period, also per DEED. HVAC technicians in Minnesota earned noticeably more than that benchmark.
Nationally, the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) Occupational Outlook Handbook reports a median annual wage of $59,810 for HVAC technicians, covering the 2024–2034 projection period. The BLS also projects 8 percent employment growth for the occupation over that same decade, with roughly 34,500 job openings expected each year nationwide. Total national employment stands at approximately 425,200 technicians.
These figures reflect broad labor market data. Individual pay can vary based on employer, location within Minnesota, experience level, and certifications held.
| Metric | Figure | Geography | Source & Period |
|---|---|---|---|
| Median hourly wage | $36.07 | Minnesota | DEED, Q1 2025 |
| Mean hourly wage | $35.28 | Minnesota | DEED, Q1 2025 |
| All-occupation median hourly wage | $26.22 | Minnesota | DEED, Q1 2025 |
| State employment level | 5,190 technicians | Minnesota | DEED, Q1 2025 |
| Median annual wage | $59,810 | United States | BLS OOH, 2024–2034 |
| Projected employment growth | 8% | United States | BLS OOH, 2024–2034 |
| Projected annual job openings | 34,500 | United States | BLS OOH, 2024–2034 |
How earnings grow
Pay in HVAC tends to rise steadily as a technician builds hands-on hours and earns certifications. The path from apprentice to senior tech typically unfolds over five to eight years, though individual timelines vary based on employer, specialization, and the certifications a tech holds.
Minnesota DEED data from Q1 2025 puts the statewide median hourly wage for HVAC technicians at $36.07. That figure sits well above the median for all Minnesota occupations, which stands at $26.22 per hour. Understanding where that number comes from — and what can move a tech above it — starts with looking at each career stage.
- 1
Apprentice (years 0–2)
Entry-level techs typically work under direct supervision, assisting with installations and basic maintenance. Wages at this stage fall below the statewide median. Completing an accredited training program before entering the field can shorten this phase and may improve starting pay.
- 2
Journey-level technician (years 2–5)
A tech who can handle service calls independently and holds EPA Section 608 certification moves into this range. Wages at this stage can approach or reach the Minnesota median of $36.07 per hour, depending on employer size, region, and whether the tech works residential, commercial, or industrial systems.
- 3
Senior or lead technician (years 5–8+)
Techs who specialize in commercial refrigeration, building automation, or complex mechanical systems, or who take on lead and supervisory roles, may earn above the statewide median. Additional manufacturer certifications and NATE credentials are common factors employers weigh when setting pay at this level.
Minnesota context
The nationwide OES comparison median for HVAC technicians is $24.13 per hour. Minnesota's median of $36.07 per hour reflects both regional demand and the year-round heating and cooling needs that come with the state's climate.
What moves the number
Several variables push an HVAC tech's pay above or below the Minnesota median of $36.07 per hour. Understanding them helps you make deliberate choices about your career path.
- **Commercial vs. residential work.** Commercial systems are larger and more complex. Techs who work on rooftop units, chillers, or building automation systems typically earn more than those focused on home furnaces and central air.
- **Shift and schedule.** Emergency, overnight, and weekend calls often carry premium pay. Techs willing to take on-call rotations can increase their annual earnings without changing employers.
- **Certifications.** EPA 608 certification is required to handle refrigerants. Adding credentials in controls, hydronic systems, or specific equipment brands can make a tech more valuable to employers.
- **Geography within Minnesota.** The Twin Cities metro tends to offer higher wages than rural areas, partly because of demand density and partly because of cost-of-living adjustments built into some union contracts.
- **Union vs. non-union.** Collectively bargained positions often include defined wage scales, overtime rules, and benefits packages that affect total compensation.
- **Experience level.** Entry-level apprentices start well below the median. Journeyworkers and lead techs with several years in the field are more likely to meet or exceed it.
No single factor determines your pay. Most techs see their earnings grow as they stack experience, certifications, and a track record of reliable work across different system types.
Source notes
Where these figures come from
Minnesota wage and employment figures (median hourly $36.07, mean hourly $35.28, statewide employment 5,190) are from the Minnesota Department of Employment and Economic Development (DEED), Q1 2025. The all-occupations Minnesota median ($26.22/hr) and nationwide OES comparison median ($24.13/hr) are also from DEED, Q1 2025. U.S. employment level, projected growth rate, estimated annual openings, and national median annual wage are from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Outlook Handbook, covering the 2024–2034 projection period.
Get the training
Start your HVAC career in Minnesota
Minnesota's HVAC field employs around 5,190 technicians, and demand continues to grow. If you want to work toward a role in that field, MNTC's program gives you hands-on training built around Minnesota's climate and code requirements. Review the program details or schedule a call with an advisor to talk through your options.
Frequently asked questions
How much do HVAC techs make in Minnesota?
▾
According to the Minnesota Department of Employment and Economic Development (DEED), the median hourly wage for HVAC technicians in Minnesota was $36.07 as of Q1 2025. The mean hourly wage for the same period was $35.28.
How does HVAC pay in Minnesota compare to the national median?
▾
Minnesota HVAC technicians earned a median of $36.07 per hour in Q1 2025, according to DEED. The nationwide OES comparison median for the same period was $24.13 per hour, meaning Minnesota wages ran notably higher than the national figure.
How does HVAC technician pay compare to other occupations in Minnesota?
▾
DEED data from Q1 2025 shows the median hourly wage across all Minnesota occupations was $26.22. The HVAC median of $36.07 per hour was above that statewide all-occupation benchmark.
How many HVAC technicians are currently employed in Minnesota?
▾
DEED reported approximately 5,190 people employed as HVAC technicians in Minnesota as of Q1 2025. That figure reflects the statewide workforce in this trade at that point in time.
Is demand for HVAC technicians expected to grow?
▾
The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics projects 8 percent employment growth for HVAC technicians nationally over the 2024–2034 period. BLS also estimates roughly 34,500 job openings per year across the country during that same window.
What is the national median annual wage for HVAC technicians?
▾
The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics reports a national median annual wage of $59,810 for HVAC technicians for the 2024–2034 projection period. Individual earnings in Minnesota can vary based on employer, experience, and specialization.
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