Electrician vs HVAC Technician
Both are skilled trades with strong demand. Here's how Electrician and HVAC Technician stack up on pay, licensing, and long-term prospects.
Salary
Salary Edge
Pay is nearly identical — Electricians earn a national median of $62,350 while hvac technicians earn $59,810. The gap is small enough that state and employer differences matter more than the career choice itself.
Top-Paying States
| State | Electrician | HVAC Technician | Gap |
|---|---|---|---|
| Illinois | $96,360 | $71,620 | +24,740 |
| Alaska | $81,860 | $83,660 | -1,800 |
| District of Columbia | $81,950 | $83,390 | -1,440 |
| Washington | $96,530 | $67,630 | +28,900 |
| Oregon | $97,320 | $62,740 | +34,580 |
| Massachusetts | $82,120 | $76,990 | +5,130 |
| Minnesota | $81,430 | $73,390 | +8,040 |
| Connecticut | $76,790 | $73,910 | +2,880 |
| Hawaii | $83,200 | $63,780 | +19,420 |
| New York | $77,460 | $66,670 | +10,790 |
Requirements at a Glance
| Factor | Electrician | HVAC Technician |
|---|---|---|
| Typical Time | 4 years | Varies |
| Est. Total Cost | — | — |
| Exam | Varies by municipality. For statewide contractor license, a division-approved exam (e.g., NASCLA or ProV). Local exams may be administered by Prometric or ICC. | Master HVACR Exam (or Master HVACR Restricted Exam) |
| License Required | Many states | Many states |
| Education | High school diploma or GED. | High school diploma or equivalent. |
| CE Hours/Cycle | 14 hrs | 8 hrs |
Barrier to Entry
Timeline differs: Electrician typically takes 4 years, while HVAC Technician takes Varies.
Job Market
Market Outlook
Growth projections are similar — Electrician at +9.5% and HVAC Technician at +8.1%. Electrician has significantly more annual openings (81 vs 40.1), which means more geographic flexibility when job hunting.
Bottom Line
Electrician and HVAC Technician land in the same salary neighborhood. Choosing between them comes down to what kind of work you actually want to do day-to-day, not which one pays better.
Training timelines differ: Electrician takes 4 years while HVAC Technician takes Varies. If you need to start earning quickly, the shorter path has a real advantage regardless of the salary difference.