Columbus HVAC Techs Are Earning $65K+ in 2025—Here’s the City-by-City Breakdown
HVAC technicians in Columbus are earning serious money in 2025—averaging $65K, 9% above the national rate. See how pay stacks up in Dublin, Westerville, and beyond, plus what certifications and specialties can push you past $100K in Ohio’s hottest HVAC market.
The 2025 Columbus HVAC Salary Guide to Earning a Six-Figure Midwest Income
HVAC technicians in Columbus earned an average of $65,000 in 2025—9% above the national average. But location within the metro matters: Columbus averages $65K, while Dublin is $68K and Westerville $63K.
Whether you're considering moving to Columbus for HVAC work or you're already here wondering if you're paid fairly, this guide breaks down exactly what techs earn across the neighborhoods and metro area—and how Columbus's data centers and commercial sectors create premium opportunities.
Quick Answer:
- Average Columbus HVAC tech salary: $65,000/year
- Columbus: $65K | Dublin: $68K | Westerville: $63K
- Entry-level: $48K-$58K
- Senior/foreman: $85K-$105K+
- Top certs: EPA 608 (required), NATE (+$6K-$10K), Ohio HVAC License
- Union: UA Local 189
Imagine a career where you tame Midwest winters and humid summers, keeping the Buckeye State's capital thriving? From Short North startups to Intel's tech campuses, Columbus's dynamic growth and seasonal swings drive steady demand for HVAC techs handling installations, repairs, and advanced retrofits. If you're exploring the HVAC technician salary in Columbus, this 2025 guide lays it out: base pay, hourly details, key variables, regional differences, and proven strategies to boost your earnings. Designed for newcomers seeking apprenticeships or seasoned pros aiming for leadership, these insights pave your way to success in Ohio's heartland.
What Is the Average HVAC Technician Salary in Columbus?
In 2025, the average HVAC technician salary in Columbus stands at approximately $65,000 annually, or $31.25 per hour for a standard 40-hour week. This edge reflects the metro's moderate living costs, topping the national median by 9%. Entry-level techs earn $48,000-$58,000, while certified experts with overtime break $95,000.
Overtime adds heft—averaging $6,000 extra yearly from snowstorms and summer surges. Total compensation, including bonuses and benefits, ranges $60,000-$95,000, with a median of $72,000. Drawn from leading sources, these figures highlight Columbus's tech, education, and urban expansion.
Hourly Wage Breakdown for HVAC Technicians
Columbus techs pull $29-$34 hourly on average. Indeed reports $29.50 base, Glassdoor $34, while ZipRecruiter cites $27.80 with OT potential. Specialists in data center cooling or smart HVAC hit $40+. For 2,080 hours/year, base pay spans $60,320-$70,720, pre-benefits.
Union jobs or corporate contracts often bundle health, retirement, and tool allowances, increasing value by 20-30%.
HVAC Technician Salary by City in the Columbus Area
Pay varies with urban hustle versus suburban ease, from Downtown density to exurban sprawl. Here's a 2025 snapshot for Columbus and key suburbs:
| City | Average Annual Salary | Average Hourly Wage | Key Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Columbus | $65,000 | $31.25 | Data centers and universities fuel complex commercial jobs; OT spikes in seasonal extremes. |
| Dublin | $68,200 | $32.79 | Tech parks like Intel demand precision cooling systems; premium for smart HVAC expertise. |
| Westerville | $63,500 | $30.53 | Suburban residential growth; steady service calls with family-oriented stability. |
| Hilliard | $64,800 | $31.15 | Westside warehousing and homes prioritize volume installs; accessible commutes. |
| Grove City | $62,900 | $30.24 | Southside logistics hubs focus on industrial maintenance; emerging residential demand. |
Central Columbus drives volume, but Dublin leads for high-tech assignments.
Factors Affecting HVAC Technician Salary in Columbus
Earnings shift 20-40% based on these factors. Key drivers of the HVAC technician salary in Columbus:
- Experience Level
Entry-Level (0-2 years): $48,000-$58,000/year. Start via apprenticeships at Columbus State Community College or Fortis College.
Mid-Level (3-6 years): $62,000-$80,000. Lead roles in campus projects fit here.
Senior (7+ years): $85,000-$105,000+. Supervisors average $98,000.
Expect 5-9% yearly raises for proven skills. - Certifications and Education
EPA 608 is mandatory; NATE or Ohio HVAC Contractor License add $6,000-$10,000. Trade programs from CSCC lift starts by 15%. - Specialization
Focus on VRF systems, data center chillers, or eco-retrofits for 15-25% premiums in tech-heavy Columbus. Commercial outpaces residential for complexity. - Location and Demand
Downtown commands extras amid traffic; suburbs offer balance. Ohio's four seasons ensure consistent workloads. - Overtime and Shift Work
Winter breakdowns or 24/7 server room shifts pay 1.5-2x, pushing many past $90K.
How Does Columbus Compare to the National Average?
Nationally, HVAC techs median $59,810 ($28.75/hour). Columbus's 9% boost aligns with affordability, matching Indianapolis but trailing Chicago peaks—ideal for Midwest ambition.
Job Outlook for HVAC Technicians in Columbus (2025 and Beyond)
Bright as an OSU tailgate: National 6% growth to 2032, Columbus pushes to 8-10% via tech campus expansions, housing booms, and green initiatives. Anticipate 700+ yearly openings; talent shortages will lift wages.
For a view of projected growth:
Tips to Boost Your HVAC Technician Salary in Columbus
Climb like the Scioto Mile:
- Certify Elite: Secure NATE or LEED AP for $8K+ bumps.
- Specialize Smart: Master data center cooling or heat pumps for tech premiums.
- Union Join: UA Local 189 locks in top-tier contracts.
- Zone Strategically: Downtown for hustle, Dublin for innovation.
- Learn Relentlessly: Free AEP Ohio efficiency training sharpens your edge.
Combine these, hit $100K+ with ease.
Final Thoughts: Is an HVAC Career in Columbus Worth It?
The Buckeye beat calls—with solid pay, vibrant growth, and ceaseless needs, HVAC in Columbus is a 2025 powerhouse. The HVAC technician salary in Columbus blends financial strength with Midwest charm in a rising market. If solving system challenges amid urban energy excites you, dive in.
Inspired? Check CSCC or Indeed. Cert quest or suburb shift next? Comment below!
This post is informational only. Salaries vary; check current listings.
Sources
- Indeed: HVAC Technician Salary in Columbus, OH
- Glassdoor: HVAC Technician Salary in Columbus, OH
- Salary.com: HVAC Technician Salary in Columbus, OH
- ZipRecruiter: HVAC Technician Salary in Columbus, OH
- ServiceTitan: HVAC Technician Salary Guide for 2025
- BLS: Heating, Air Conditioning, and Refrigeration Mechanics and Installers
- Projections Central: HVAC Job Growth in Ohio
- PayScale: HVAC Technician Hourly Pay in Columbus, OH
- Talent.com: HVAC Technician Salary in Ohio
- SkillCat: HVAC Technician Salary in Columbus, OH
City-specific data from Indeed, Glassdoor, ZipRecruiter, and Salary.com for Columbus, Dublin, Westerville, Hilliard, and Grove City.
