TradesOfficial Payroll Survey · 99/10010+ years
Staff / Lead HVAC Technician Salary in Washington DC
2026 · Staff, lead, and principal-level professionals in the top 10% of earners.
$113,369/yr
Typical range: $111,472 – $131,359
P90 · BLS OEWS employer payroll data
HVAC Technician salary by experience level in Washington DC
HVAC Technician Salary Progression in Washington DC
From entry-level through staff — based on BLS OEWS percentile data
| Experience Level | Years | Percentile | Annual Salary | Monthly | vs Entry |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Entry | 0 yrs | 0 yrs | $66,906 | $5,576 | — |
| Junior | 2 yrs | 2 yrs | $79,916 | $6,660 | +19% |
| Mid-Level | 4 yrs | 4 yrs | $88,589 | $7,382 | +32% |
| Senior | 6 yrs | 6 yrs | $97,014 | $8,085 | +45% |
| StaffThis page | 10 yrs | 10 yrs | $113,369 | $9,447 | +69% |
| Principal | 14 yrs | 14 yrs | $125,263 | $10,439 | +87% |
| Distinguished | 18 yrs | 18 yrs | $128,236 | $10,686 | +92% |
Current Salary
$113,369
Staff / Lead · 10+ years
Hourly: $55/hr
Next Level Target
$125,263
Principal · 14
+$12Kpotential uplift
Career Opportunity
42/100
Below Average
+5% demand · Low AI risk
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the staff / lead HVAC Technician salary in Washington DC, DC?
Staff / Lead HVAC Technicians in Washington DC, DC earn approximately $113K per year (2026). This corresponds to the P90 range of BLS OEWS employer payroll data.
How much does a staff / lead HVAC Technician make per hour in Washington DC, DC?
Based on $113K annually, the hourly rate is approximately $55/hr (2,080-hour work year).
How do I get from staff / lead to senior HVAC Technician in Washington DC, DC?
The typical progression takes 2–4 years with consistent skill development, project leadership, and strategic job moves. A senior HVAC Technician in Washington DC, DC earns $111K–$131K/yr.