HVAC Tech vs CDL Driver
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
CDL Driver
$54,320
National Median Salary
Total Jobs2,100,000
Annual Openings231,100
Training3-6 wk CDL program
Metric
HVAC Tech
CDL Driver
Median Salary National, BLS 2023 | $57,300* | $54,320 |
Total Jobs Current employment | 422,300 | 2,100,000* |
Annual Job Openings New + replacement | 40,100 | 231,100* |
Training Time | 6 mo - 2 yr certificate | 3-6 wk CDL program |
* 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 CDL Drivers
Alaska$77,890
Wyoming$67,430
Washington$64,120
North Dakota$63,450
California$62,780