Automotive Technician vs HVAC Technician: Which Pays More?
Side-by-side salary comparison by city, experience level, and career growth outlook. Data reflects current market rates.
Automotive Technician
Diagnose, repair, and maintain vehicles and automotive systems.
HVAC Technician
Install, maintain, and repair heating, ventilation, and air conditioning systems.
HVAC Technician earns more on average — the national median is $8,000/year (16%) higher than a Automotive Technician. However, salaries vary significantly by city, employer, and experience level — see the city-by-city breakdown below.
Automotive Technician vs HVAC Technician — Salary by City
National median figures in USD across top cities.
| City | Automotive Technician | HVAC Technician | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| San Francisco, CA | $70,953 | $84,336 | Automotive $13,383 |
| New York, NY | $60,008 | $69,410 | Automotive $9,402 |
| Seattle, WA | $70,721 | $81,064 | Automotive $10,343 |
| Austin, TX | $56,635 | $66,728 | Automotive $10,093 |
| Chicago, IL | $54,510 | $63,053 | Automotive $8,543 |
| Boston, MA | $64,646 | $77,663 | Automotive $13,017 |
| London, UK | £39,884 | £46,043 | Automotive $6,159 |
| Toronto, Canada | CA$66,289 | CA$78,499 | Automotive $12,210 |
Frequently Asked Questions
Does a Automotive Technician or HVAC Technician earn more?+
A HVAC Technician earns more on average. The national median salary for a Automotive Technician is $50,000/year, compared to $58,000/year for a HVAC Technician — a difference of $8,000 (16%).
Which has better career growth — Automotive Technician or HVAC Technician?+
Automotive Technician roles are growing at 4% YoY while HVAC Technician demand is growing at 5% YoY. HVAC Technician has stronger near-term demand growth.
Can you switch from Automotive Technician to HVAC Technician?+
Yes. Many professionals transition between these roles, especially since both are in the same category. Shared skills include: Diagnostics.
Which is harder to automate — Automotive Technician or HVAC Technician?+
HVAC Technician has a lower AI automation risk (12% vs 18%). Based on Oxford Martin School and McKinsey 2023 analysis.