Home / City Job Salaries / HVAC Technician in Charleston

HVAC Technician Salary in Charleston, SC

How much does a hvac technician make in Charleston? Explore median, entry-level, and senior salaries adjusted for Charleston's cost of living.

Median Salary
$58,380
per year in Charleston
Entry Level
$30,131
Starting salary
Senior Level
$80,979
Experienced professionals
Cost of Living
118
18% above national avg

Salary Breakdown by Experience Level

See how hvac technician salaries break down across different pay periods in Charleston.

PeriodEntry LevelMedianSenior
Annual$30,131$58,380$80,979
Monthly$2,511$4,865$6,748
Biweekly$1,159$2,245$3,115
Weekly$579$1,123$1,557
Hourly$14$28$39

Charleston vs National Average

How Charleston's hvac technician salaries compare to national figures.

Charleston Salary
$58,380
COL Index: 118
National Average
$63,390
COL Index: 100
Difference
-$5,010
Lower in Charleston

Cost of Living in Charleston

1-Bedroom Rent
$1,650
per month
Median Income
$58,234
per year
Population
150,227
residents
Rent % of Income
34.0%
median household
Cost of Living Index: 118 — A score of 100 represents the U.S. average. Salaries in Charleston have been adjusted to account for local cost differences.

About HVAC Technician

Overview

Install, repair, and maintain heating, ventilation, and air conditioning systems.

Education

High school diploma; apprenticeship and EPA certification required

Key Skills

HVAC SystemsRefrigerationElectricalTroubleshooting

Growth Rate

Expected job growth: +14% over the next decade

Compare Cities: HVAC Technician Salary

See HVAC Technician salaries in other top cities.

New York, NY
$74,090
+27%
Los Angeles, CA
$64,820
+11%
Chicago, IL
$74,400
+27%
Houston, TX
$57,910
-1%
Phoenix, AZ
$58,820
+1%

Financial Tools to Explore

Use these Pulsafi calculators to understand your finances based on a hvac technician salary in Charleston.

Salary Breakdown Calculator

See exactly how your salary breaks down into taxes and take-home pay.

Cost of Living Calculator

Understand your expenses and purchasing power in Charleston.

Budget Calculator

Create a personalized budget based on your income and expenses.

Rent vs Buy Calculator

Compare the true costs of renting versus buying in Charleston.

HVAC Technician Salary in Charleston, SC — Complete Guide

Median Salary Overview

The median salary for a hvac technician in Charleston, SC is $58,380 per year, adjusted for the local cost of living index of 118. This figure reflects typical earnings for experienced professionals in this role, considering Charleston's unique economic conditions.

Salary Range and Experience Levels

Entry-level hvac technician professionals in Charleston can expect to earn around $30,131 annually. As professionals gain experience, salaries typically increase, with senior-level hvac technicians earning approximately $80,979 per year. This represents a 169% increase from entry to senior level.

Cost of Living Adjustment

Charleston's cost of living index of 118 significantly impacts salary comparisons. As a higher cost-of-living city, salaries in Charleston are adjusted accordingly. This means that while the nominal salary may appear higher or lower than the national average of $63,390, the actual purchasing power must be considered in context.

Housing and Affordability

A significant portion of a hvac technician's salary in Charleston typically goes toward housing. With a 1-bedroom apartment averaging $1,650 per month, housing represents about 33.9% of median salary. Financial experts generally recommend keeping housing expenses below 30% of gross income.

Career Growth and Opportunities

HVAC Technicians are in growing demand across the United States, with an expected job growth of 14% over the next decade. In Charleston, this translates to increasing opportunities and potential for salary growth as demand for experienced professionals continues to rise.

Source: BLS OEWS May 2024Metro-level wage data for this occupation and area
Data source: Salary data on this page are sourced from Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS) program May 2024 estimates. Figures are approximate and intended for informational purposes only. Actual salaries may vary based on employer, experience, education, certifications, and local market conditions. This page does not constitute financial or career advice. For the most current wage data, visit bls.gov.