HVAC Technician vs Crane Operator
Which trade pays more? Side-by-side salary comparison using 2025 BLS data.
HVAC Technician
HVAC · 4yr apprenticeship
Median Salary$61,278
Salary Range$50,658 – $78,788
5yr Growth+15%
Trade Pay ScoreB (76/100)
Total Employment226,695
Cities Tracked30
Higher Pay
Crane Operator
Heavy Equipment · 3yr apprenticeship
Median Salary$67,153
Salary Range$54,377 – $86,258
5yr Growth+11%
Trade Pay ScoreC (68/100)
Total Employment173,474
Cities Tracked30
City-by-City Comparison
| City | HVAC Technician | Crane Operator | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| San Francisco, CA | $78,788 | $85,250 | -$6,462 |
| New York, NY | $77,543 | $86,258 | -$8,715 |
| Seattle, WA | $75,078 | $81,306 | -$6,228 |
| Boston, MA | $68,062 | $86,242 | -$18,180 |
| Chicago, IL | $67,865 | $68,994 | -$1,129 |
| Los Angeles, CA | $67,089 | $79,753 | -$12,664 |
| Philadelphia, PA | $66,967 | $74,270 | -$7,303 |
| Minneapolis, MN | $66,145 | $69,281 | -$3,136 |
| Portland, OR | $65,882 | $71,967 | -$6,085 |
| Denver, CO | $65,185 | $65,489 | -$304 |
| Houston, TX | $63,547 | $62,666 | +$881 |
| Detroit, MI | $60,268 | $68,748 | -$8,480 |
| Pittsburgh, PA | $59,999 | $68,987 | -$8,988 |
| Phoenix, AZ | $59,348 | $62,718 | -$3,370 |
| Raleigh, NC | $59,335 | $61,834 | -$2,499 |
| Dallas, TX | $59,170 | $62,391 | -$3,221 |
| Las Vegas, NV | $58,965 | $69,837 | -$10,872 |
| Columbus, OH | $58,962 | $65,644 | -$6,682 |
| Atlanta, GA | $58,880 | $62,921 | -$4,041 |
| Miami, FL | $58,107 | $56,795 | +$1,312 |
| St. Louis, MO | $57,424 | $59,978 | -$2,554 |
| Milwaukee, WI | $57,122 | $66,628 | -$9,506 |
| Nashville, TN | $56,859 | $63,797 | -$6,938 |
| Salt Lake City, UT | $55,582 | $59,951 | -$4,369 |
| San Antonio, TX | $55,218 | $58,280 | -$3,062 |
| New Orleans, LA | $54,404 | $56,054 | -$1,650 |
| Kansas City, MO | $53,435 | $62,988 | -$9,553 |
| Indianapolis, IN | $51,420 | $56,366 | -$4,946 |
| Tampa, FL | $51,036 | $54,377 | -$3,341 |
| Charlotte, NC | $50,658 | $64,816 | -$14,158 |
Frequently Asked Questions
Do HVAC Technicians or Crane Operators make more money?
Crane Operators earn more on average, with a national median salary of $67,153 compared to $61,278 — a difference of $5,875 per year.
Which trade has better job growth — HVAC Technician or Crane Operator?
HVAC Technician has stronger 5-year wage growth at 15% vs 11%.
How long is the apprenticeship for each trade?
HVAC Technician requires 4 years of apprenticeship, while Crane Operator requires 3 years.
HVAC Technician salary by city →
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