HVAC Tech vs Diesel 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
Diesel Tech
$54,690
National Median Salary
Total Jobs300,000
Annual Openings28,100
Training1-2 yr certificate
Metric
HVAC Tech
Diesel Tech
Median Salary National, BLS 2023 | $57,300* | $54,690 |
Total Jobs Current employment | 422,300* | 300,000 |
Annual Job Openings New + replacement | 40,100* | 28,100 |
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 Diesel Techs
Alaska$79,870
Washington$74,320
Connecticut$71,450
Wyoming$70,120
California$68,790