Electrician vs HVAC Technician: which pays more?
Electricians earn about $2,000 more per year than hvac technicians — roughly 3% higher at the national median. Here is how the two careers compare on pay, training, and outlook.
Electrician
$61,000
median per year
Electricians install, maintain, and repair electrical power, communications, lighting, and control systems in homes and businesses.
Full electrician salary data →HVAC Technician
$59,000
median per year
HVAC technicians install and repair heating, ventilation, air conditioning, and refrigeration systems.
Full hvac technician salary data →Side-by-side breakdown
| Metric | Electrician | HVAC Technician |
|---|---|---|
| Median annual salary | $61,000 | $59,000 |
| Median hourly pay | $29 | $28 |
| Entry-level (10th percentile) | $38,000 | $40,000 |
| Top earners (90th percentile) | $98,000 | $88,000 |
| Education required | High school diploma plus 4–5 year apprenticeship. | Postsecondary HVAC program or apprenticeship plus EPA certification. |
| Job outlook | 6% growth through 2033 — steady demand in construction and maintenance. | 9% growth through 2033 — faster than average. |
Pay by state
| State | Electrician | HVAC Technician | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| New York | $82,000 | $67,500 | +$14,500 for Electrician |
| Washington | $82,000 | $66,000 | +$16,000 for Electrician |
| California | $76,000 | $69,500 | +$6,500 for Electrician |
| Illinois | $76,000 | $60,000 | +$16,000 for Electrician |
| Pennsylvania | $62,000 | $58,000 | +$4,000 for Electrician |
| Ohio | $60,000 | $55,500 | +$4,500 for Electrician |
| Michigan | $58,000 | $56,000 | +$2,000 for Electrician |
| Texas | $56,000 | $57,000 | −$1,000 for HVAC Technician |
| Florida | $48,000 | $54,500 | −$6,500 for HVAC Technician |
Which career should you choose?
Pay is only one part of the decision. Electricians earn more on paper, but high school diploma plus 4–5 year apprenticeship. takes longer and costs more than postsecondary hvac program or apprenticeship plus epa certification.. If you want to start earning sooner, hvac technician is usually the faster route. If long-term earning ceiling matters most, electrician tops out at $98,000 versus $88,000.
Job security also differs: electrician outlook is "6% growth through 2033 — steady demand in construction and maintenance." while hvac technician outlook is "9% growth through 2033 — faster than average."