HVAC Technician vs Elevator Mechanic
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
Elevator Mechanic
Specialty · 4yr apprenticeship
Median Salary$103,991
Salary Range$85,102 – $139,652
5yr Growth+18%
Trade Pay ScoreA (88/100)
Total Employment192,597
Cities Tracked30
City-by-City Comparison
| City | HVAC Technician | Elevator Mechanic | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| San Francisco, CA | $78,788 | $139,652 | -$60,864 |
| New York, NY | $77,543 | $120,570 | -$43,027 |
| Seattle, WA | $75,078 | $124,851 | -$49,773 |
| Boston, MA | $68,062 | $126,690 | -$58,628 |
| Chicago, IL | $67,865 | $105,504 | -$37,639 |
| Los Angeles, CA | $67,089 | $112,984 | -$45,895 |
| Philadelphia, PA | $66,967 | $110,300 | -$43,333 |
| Minneapolis, MN | $66,145 | $104,268 | -$38,123 |
| Portland, OR | $65,882 | $120,509 | -$54,627 |
| Denver, CO | $65,185 | $103,186 | -$38,001 |
| Houston, TX | $63,547 | $106,227 | -$42,680 |
| Detroit, MI | $60,268 | $108,274 | -$48,006 |
| Pittsburgh, PA | $59,999 | $94,491 | -$34,492 |
| Phoenix, AZ | $59,348 | $98,981 | -$39,633 |
| Raleigh, NC | $59,335 | $93,293 | -$33,958 |
| Dallas, TX | $59,170 | $106,807 | -$47,637 |
| Las Vegas, NV | $58,965 | $113,878 | -$54,913 |
| Columbus, OH | $58,962 | $95,477 | -$36,515 |
| Atlanta, GA | $58,880 | $94,513 | -$35,633 |
| Miami, FL | $58,107 | $96,752 | -$38,645 |
| St. Louis, MO | $57,424 | $94,596 | -$37,172 |
| Milwaukee, WI | $57,122 | $95,647 | -$38,525 |
| Nashville, TN | $56,859 | $97,615 | -$40,756 |
| Salt Lake City, UT | $55,582 | $97,600 | -$42,018 |
| San Antonio, TX | $55,218 | $85,102 | -$29,884 |
| New Orleans, LA | $54,404 | $87,397 | -$32,993 |
| Kansas City, MO | $53,435 | $103,000 | -$49,565 |
| Indianapolis, IN | $51,420 | $100,080 | -$48,660 |
| Tampa, FL | $51,036 | $87,021 | -$35,985 |
| Charlotte, NC | $50,658 | $94,453 | -$43,795 |
Frequently Asked Questions
Do HVAC Technicians or Elevator Mechanics make more money?
Elevator Mechanics earn more on average, with a national median salary of $103,991 compared to $61,278 — a difference of $42,713 per year.
Which trade has better job growth — HVAC Technician or Elevator Mechanic?
Elevator Mechanic has stronger 5-year wage growth at 18% vs 15%.
How long is the apprenticeship for each trade?
HVAC Technician requires 4 years of apprenticeship, while Elevator Mechanic requires 4 years.
HVAC Technician salary by city →
Elevator Mechanic salary by city →
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