HVAC Technician Salary in Winston-Salem, NC: $44,195 (2026)

HVAC Technician Pay in Winston-Salem: What to Expect (2026)

Winston-Salem offers a median hvac technician salary of $44,195, which is $3,084 below the North Carolina state average of $47,279. Compared to the national median of $51,390, Winston-Salem pays below the national benchmark for this role.

One of Winston-Salem's biggest advantages is its low cost of living at 86% of the national average. This means the $44,195 salary stretches further here — equivalent to roughly $51,390 in an average-cost city. This makes Winston-Salem an attractive option for hvac technicians seeking strong real-dollar compensation.

The salary range for hvac technicians in Winston-Salem spans from $28,552 at the 10th percentile to $71,036 at the 90th percentile — a $42,484 spread. Entry-level professionals start around $27,520, while senior hvac technicians with 8+ years of experience can earn up to $67,080. With a population of 249,545, Winston-Salem is a mid-sized metro with a growing job market.

HVAC Technician Salary in Winston-Salem by Experience

In Winston-Salem, an entry-level hvac technician earns around $27,520, while experienced professionals earn up to $67,080 per year. The local cost of living index is 86% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)

$27,520

$-4,480 vs national

Mid Level (3-7 yrs)

$44,720

$-7,280 vs national

Senior Level (8+ yrs)

$67,080

$-10,920 vs national

Percentile	Winston-Salem	NC State	National
10th Percentile	$28,552	$30,544	$33,200
25th Percentile	$35,088	$37,536	$40,800
Median (50th)	$44,195	$47,279	$51,390
75th Percentile	$57,448	$61,456	$66,800
90th Percentile	$71,036	$75,992	$82,600

Percentile

Winston-Salem

10th Percentile

$28,552

25th Percentile

$35,088

Median (50th)

$44,195

75th Percentile

$57,448

90th Percentile

$71,036

How to Become a HVAC Technician in Winston-Salem

Education

Most hvac technician positions require a postsecondary nondegree award. Winston-Salem and the surrounding North Carolina area have institutions offering relevant programs.

Key Skills

HVAC SystemsRefrigerationElectrical BasicsTroubleshootingEPA CertificationCustomer Service

Job Outlook

Nationally, hvac technician employment is projected to grow 5% over the next decade (faster than average). Demand in Winston-Salem may vary based on local industry and population growth.

Frequently Asked Questions: HVAC Technician Salary in Winston-Salem

How much does a HVAC Technician make in Winston-Salem, NC? ▼

The median hvac technician salary in Winston-Salem, North Carolina is $44,195 per year, which is 14% below the national median of $51,390. Salaries range from $28,552 (10th percentile) to $71,036 (90th percentile).

How much does a HVAC Technician make per hour in Winston-Salem? ▼

Based on the median annual salary of $44,195, a hvac technician in Winston-Salem earns approximately $21 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.

How does Winston-Salem compare to the North Carolina state average for hvac technician pay? ▼

Winston-Salem's median hvac technician salary of $44,195 is 6.5% below the North Carolina state average of $47,279. The local cost of living index is 86% of the national average.

What is the cost of living in Winston-Salem, NC? ▼

Winston-Salem has a cost of living index of 86% compared to the national average. This means a hvac technician salary of $44,195 in Winston-Salem has more purchasing power than the same salary in an average-cost city.

What qualifications do I need to become a hvac technician in Winston-Salem? ▼

Most hvac technician positions in Winston-Salem require a postsecondary nondegree award. Key skills include HVAC Systems, Refrigeration, Electrical Basics, Troubleshooting. The job market is projected to grow 5% nationally over the next decade.

HVAC Technician Salary in Winston-Salem, North Carolina