HVAC Technician vs Plumber: which pays more?
Plumbers 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.
HVAC Technician
$59,000
median per year
HVAC technicians install and repair heating, ventilation, air conditioning, and refrigeration systems.
Full hvac technician salary data →Plumber
$61,000
median per year
Plumbers install and repair pipes that carry water, gas, and waste in homes and commercial buildings.
Full plumber salary data →Side-by-side breakdown
| Metric | HVAC Technician | Plumber |
|---|---|---|
| Median annual salary | $59,000 | $61,000 |
| Median hourly pay | $28 | $29 |
| Entry-level (10th percentile) | $40,000 | $37,000 |
| Top earners (90th percentile) | $88,000 | $98,000 |
| Education required | Postsecondary HVAC program or apprenticeship plus EPA certification. | High school diploma plus 4–5 year apprenticeship; license required in most states. |
| Job outlook | 9% growth through 2033 — faster than average. | 2% growth through 2033 — steady demand for maintenance and construction. |
Pay by state
| State | HVAC Technician | Plumber | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| California | $69,500 | $72,000 | −$2,500 for Plumber |
| New York | $67,500 | $78,000 | −$10,500 for Plumber |
| Washington | $66,000 | $80,000 | −$14,000 for Plumber |
| Illinois | $60,000 | $82,000 | −$22,000 for Plumber |
| Texas | $57,000 | $54,000 | +$3,000 for HVAC Technician |
| Michigan | $56,000 | $58,000 | −$2,000 for Plumber |
| Ohio | $55,500 | $60,000 | −$4,500 for Plumber |
| Florida | $54,500 | $48,000 | +$6,500 for HVAC Technician |
Which career should you choose?
Pay is only one part of the decision. Plumbers earn more on paper, but high school diploma plus 4–5 year apprenticeship; license required in most states. 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, plumber tops out at $98,000 versus $88,000.
Job security also differs: hvac technician outlook is "9% growth through 2033 — faster than average." while plumber outlook is "2% growth through 2033 — steady demand for maintenance and construction."