HVAC Tech vs Welder
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
Welder
$51,000
National Median Salary
Total Jobs457,300
Annual Openings47,600
Training7 mo - 2 yr certificate
Metric
HVAC Tech
Welder
Median Salary National, BLS 2023 | $57,300* | $51,000 |
Total Jobs Current employment | 422,300 | 457,300* |
Annual Job Openings New + replacement | 40,100 | 47,600* |
Training Time | 6 mo - 2 yr certificate | 7 mo - 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 Welders
Alaska$76,890
Wyoming$67,430
Washington$65,780
North Dakota$64,320
Louisiana$63,450