Average HVAC Technician Salary in Tampa Bay

The median HVAC technician salary in Tampa Bay is $47,200 annually and $22.69 hourly, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics.

HVAC technician career snapshot

Median pay

$47,200 ($22.69/hr)

Required degrees

None

10-year job growth

5% (Average)

There are many benefits of working as an HVAC technician, including job security, a good work-life balance, and being able to work with your hands. One of the best things about being an HVAC technician in Tampa Bay, however, is the great pay.

As mentioned, the median wage for an HVAC technician in Tampa Bay is $22.69 per hour which comes out to $47,200 annually. Your wage will depend a lot on your experience and where you live, however. HVAC technician salaries can range anywhere from $30,000 to $70,000. 

Here are the average HVAC salaries in Tampa Bay by earnings percentile:

  • 10%: $30,680 ($14.75/hr)
  • 25%: $37,750 ($18.15/hr)
  • 50%: $47,200 ($22.69/hr)
  • 75%: $59,380 ($28.55/hr)
  • 90%: $61,820 ($29.72/hr)

The average HVAC salary in Tampa is lower than the national average of $50,590 for HVAC technicians and $45,760 for all occupations nationwide. Also, HVAC technician jobs are expected to grow by about 5% from 2020 to 2030 on a national level.

If you're interested in a career in HVAC, check out our Tampa Bay HVAC Training Program that can be done completely online and is paid for by employers looking to hire graduates.

How Experience Affects HVAC Salaries in Tampa Bay

Your experience, who your work for, and other factors have a large impact on your salary as an HVAC technician in Tampa Bay. 

Here’s a breakdown of average nationwide HVAC pay based on experience:

  • Entry/Mid-Level (0-5 years of experience). The average entry/mid-level salary for an HVAC technician is around $22 per hour. This equals $45,760 per year.
  • Senior Level (6-9 years). The average salary for a senior HVAC technician is $27.65 per hour. This equals $57,512 per year.
  • Manager Level (10+ years). The average salary for an HVAC technician manager is $32.83 per year. This equals $68,286 per year.

Keep in mind that since HVAC techs in Tampa Bay make slightly less than the national average, you can expect all of the numbers mentioned above to be slightly lower in Tampa Bay. 

HVAC Salaries vs Other Occupations in Tampa Bay

Here is a look at how HVAC technician salaries in Tampa Bay stack up to similar jobs in Tampa Bay:

OccupationHourly WageAnnual Salary# JobsJobs Per 1000*
HVAC Technician$22.69 $47,200 4,7903.71
Electrician$23.05 $47,950 6,2404.84
Plumber$23.08 $48,000 3,2602.52

*Refers to the number of jobs per 1,000 residents

HVAC Salaries in Tampa Bay vs Nearby Cities

Here is a look at how HVAC technician salaries in Tampa Bay stack up to HVAC technician salaries in Florida and other nearby areas:

LocationHourly WageAnnual Salary# JobsJobs Per 1000*
Tampa-St. Petersburg-Clearwater$22.69 $47,200 4,7903.71
Lakeland-Winter Haven$22.08 $45,930 9504.00
North Port-Sarasota-Bradenton$22.88 $47,590 1,3404.57
Cape Coral-Fort Myers$22.88 $47,600 1,3204.96
Gainesville$22.06 $45,870 4203.18
Miami-Fort Lauderdale-West Palm Beach$22.66 $47,140 8,4503.45
Orlando-Kissimmee-Sanford$22.62 $47,040 3,9003.32
Jacksonville$22.72 $47,250 2,0402.97

*Refers to the number of jobs per 1,000 residents

Common Benefits HVAC Technicians in Tampa Bay Can Expect

As an HVAC technician in Tampa Bay, you can expect to receive all of the major benefits that employers offer, such as:

  • Health insurance
  • Dental insurance
  • Vision insurance
  • Disability insurance
  • 401k (sometimes with matching)
  • Health savings account
  • Paid time off
  • Continuing education/training

How to Improve Your Chances of Getting a Better HVAC Salary in Tampa Bay

There are some things you can do that can help you get a job as an HVAC technician or earn more money if you’re already one in Tampa Bay, such as:

  • Get certifications/more certifications. HVAC certifications demonstrate your experience and knowledge in various parts of the industry. Having one or more can help you get hired or advance your career.
  • Join a union. Unions help HVAC technicians get better pay and benefits, access to training, improved workplace safety, and more of a say in the direction of the company. Search for your local HVAC union to learn more about what it offers and how to join.
  • Stay on top of industry advancements. Like any job, staying on top of advancements in the field helps make sure you are up to date on the newest technologies and can always perform jobs to the best of your ability.
  • Improve time management. Working efficiently (but effectively) as an HVAC technician helps the business’ bottom line while keeping customers happy. Try different time management strategies to figure out what works the best for you.
  • Work on communication skills. Communicating well with management and customers is crucial to success as an HVAC technician. Make sure to always address customers politely, ask for permission before entering into different areas of their homes, and be clear about the work you’re doing and associated costs. Make sure to communicate any delays and issues with management ASAP and update them on your progress whenever possible.
  • Start your own company. Once you have enough experience, there is no quicker way to multiply your earnings than by starting your own company. Though it requires years of HVAC experience and business acumen, you can quickly start earning well into the six figures (or more) by operating your own company instead of being a technician for one.

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