What HVAC/R workers earn in Texas
For a grounded starting point, compare the published wages for heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanics and installers in Texas and its major metro areas. Then read the actual posting for the pay attached to a commercial role.
Texas statewide benchmark
$27.77/hour median · $22.50–$33.59/hour from the 25th to 75th percentile · 34,730 estimated workers.
Source: BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics, May 2025 state tables, occupation 49-9021. These figures include residential, commercial, and industrial HVAC/R work. Employment counts workers, not current job openings.
How four Texas metros compare
Published BLS metro area |
Median hourly |
25th–75th hourly |
Employment |
|---|---|---|---|
Austin-Round Rock-San Marcos, TX |
$29.24 |
$23.59–$35.97 |
3,140 |
Dallas-Fort Worth-Arlington, TX |
$28.63 |
$23.01–$35.71 |
10,910 |
Houston-Pasadena-The Woodlands, TX |
$28.34 |
$22.61–$35.53 |
7,680 |
San Antonio-New Braunfels, TX |
$28.17 |
$22.38–$35.58 |
3,160 |
Source: BLS May 2025 metro tables, occupation 49-9021. The metro boundaries extend beyond the named central cities. The wage figures cover the full occupation, not commercial technicians alone.
What changes an actual offer
Equipment and setting
Ask whether the job is primarily rooftop units, chillers, refrigeration, controls, or a mix. A hospital plant, warehouse, office campus, and mechanical contractor can involve very different work.
Schedule and territory
Check on-call rotation, overtime rules, travel radius, reporting location, and whether a company vehicle is provided. These details affect the value of an offer beyond the base rate.
Credentials and scope
Confirm the EPA Section 608 credential, licenses, manufacturer training, and independent service experience the employer actually requires. Do not assume a credential adds a fixed dollar amount to every offer.
Find current Texas openings
Use the job pages to compare employer-stated pay and duties in Texas, Dallas–Fort Worth, Houston, Austin, and San Antonio. Posted pay may be missing or may include conditions; confirm the terms with the employer.
Read our wage data methodology for definitions and limitations.