Texas commercial HVAC technicians earn roughly $45,000 to $78,000 a year depending on metro, certification level, and specialization. Commercial work runs 15 to 25 percent above residential because the systems are bigger, the certs are stricter, and downtime costs more.
Written by Matthew Sorensen, founder of CommercialHVACJobs.com.
BLS data from May 2024 puts the median wage for Texas HVAC mechanics and installers around $52,180 a year. Commercial-focused techs usually land in the upper band, with most earning $48,000 to $68,000 at established contractors or facility-management firms.
Hourly journeyman rates run about $22 to $35. Summer overtime and emergency service calls push total comp higher, and prevailing-wage or union jobs reach $32 to $42 an hour. See how much overtime HVAC techs really make.
First-year and apprentice techs start at $32,000 to $42,000, or roughly $15 to $20 an hour, assisting journeymen and learning diagnostics under supervision. Holding EPA certification and basic electrical knowledge can lift starting pay toward $40,000 in high-demand markets like Austin and Dallas.
Three to seven years of experience earns $50,000 to $68,000, about $24 to $32 an hour. This level means independent troubleshooting, system startups, rooftop changeouts, chiller maintenance, and controls work, usually paired with an EPA Universal license and at least one manufacturer cert.
Senior techs earn $65,000 to $82,000, with leads coordinating crews and handling complex diagnostics at the top of the band. Rates run $30 to $38 an hour, often with on-call pay, a vehicle allowance, and retention bonuses. Chiller, BAS, and controls specialists can exceed these figures.
Supervisors and foremen earn $70,000 to $95,000, splitting time between field work and crew management, scheduling, and bidding. Union foremen on prevailing-wage Houston or Dallas projects can clear $100,000 in peak construction years through per diem and overtime. Compare union vs non-union HVAC pay.
Where you sit depends on stacked credentials. The ranges below combine certification level with years on the job.
| Certification Level | Entry (0–2yr) | Journey (3–7yr) | Senior (8+ yr) |
|---|---|---|---|
| EPA Type II only | $34K–$40K | $46K–$58K | $58K–$68K |
| EPA Universal | $38K–$44K | $52K–$66K | $65K–$78K |
| EPA Universal + NATE | $40K–$46K | $55K–$70K | $68K–$82K |
| EPA + NATE + Chiller | $44K–$50K | $60K–$76K | $74K–$88K |
| All Certs + Controls/BAS | $46K–$52K | $62K–$78K | $76K–$90K |
Petrochemical plants, medical centers, and high-rise construction drive demand. Techs earn $52,000 to $76,000, with industrial specialists pushing higher. Browse commercial HVAC jobs in Houston.
Corporate HQs, data centers, and distribution facilities need year-round climate control. DFW techs earn $50,000 to $74,000 across national and regional contractors. See DFW openings.
Tech-sector growth pushed HVAC wages up 12 percent since 2022. Techs earn $51,000 to $73,000, with strong demand for building automation and controls specialists. See Austin openings.
Military installations, healthcare, and manufacturing create steady work at $47,000 to $67,000. Lower cost of living keeps take-home competitive with the big two. See San Antonio openings.
Wages run $44,000 to $62,000 with fewer high-rises and industrial sites, but lighter competition can favor experienced techs willing to relocate.
What is the average commercial HVAC salary in Texas?
Most techs earn $45,000 to $78,000 depending on experience, location, and certification. Journeymen with EPA Universal and NATE typically land $52,000 to $68,000. Houston and Dallas pay at the high end; smaller cities run 8 to 12 percent lower.
Do commercial HVAC techs make more than residential in Texas?
Yes, commercial pays 15 to 25 percent more. The systems require advanced certs and building-automation knowledge residential work usually doesn't, and commercial techs benefit from summer overtime and emergency-call premiums.
What certifications increase commercial HVAC pay in Texas?
EPA Universal adds roughly $3,000 to $6,000 over Type II. NATE adds another $2,000 to $5,000. Chiller certs and building-automation training can add $8,000 to $15,000. Manufacturer certs from Trane, Carrier, or York add value alongside EPA and NATE.
Which Texas cities pay commercial HVAC techs the most?
Houston leads at $52,000 to $76,000, with Dallas–Fort Worth close behind at $50,000 to $74,000. Austin reaches $51,000 to $73,000 for journeymen. San Antonio, El Paso, and smaller metros pay 10 to 18 percent less.
How much do union commercial HVAC techs make in Texas?
Union journeymen earn $35 to $42 an hour on prevailing-wage projects, with total comp including benefits and pension often above $80,000. Union density is lower than northern states, but UA locals in Houston, Dallas, and Austin hold commercial presence on larger and government jobs.
Browse openings across Texas. Filter by city, specialization, and pay range to match your certification level.
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