HVAC Tech vs Auto Tech
Side-by-side salary, job growth, and training comparison for 2026
HVAC Tech
$57,300
National Median Salary
Total Jobs422,300
Annual Openings40,100
Training6 mo - 2 yr certificate
Auto Tech
$47,770
National Median Salary
Total Jobs794,600
Annual Openings69,000
Training1-2 yr certificate
Metric
HVAC Tech
Auto Tech
Median Salary National, BLS 2023 | $57,300* | $47,770 |
Total Jobs Current employment | 422,300 | 794,600* |
Annual Job Openings New + replacement | 40,100 | 69,000* |
Training Time | 6 mo - 2 yr certificate | 1-2 yr certificate |
* indicates higher/better value. Source: BLS OES 2023.
Top States for HVAC Techs
Alaska$84,670
Hawaii$79,320
Washington$76,540
Connecticut$75,890
Massachusetts$74,210
Top States for Auto Techs
Alaska$68,430
Washington$62,180
Connecticut$61,340
Hawaii$60,780
California$59,230