Trades & Labor Charleston, SC Pop. 150,227

HVAC Technician Salary in Charleston, South Carolina

The median hvac technician salary in Charleston, SC is $51,390 per year, which is 0.0% above the national median and 12.4% above the South Carolina state average.

City Median
$51,390
vs State Avg
+$5,653
vs National
+$0
Cost of Living
100%

HVAC Technician Pay in Charleston: What to Expect (2026)

Charleston offers a median hvac technician salary of $51,390, which is $5,653 above the South Carolina state average of $45,737. Compared to the national median of $51,390, Charleston pays above average for this role.

Charleston's cost of living is 100% of the national average, meaning salary figures here closely reflect actual purchasing power. This makes direct comparisons to other cities straightforward.

The salary range for hvac technicians in Charleston spans from $33,200 at the 10th percentile to $82,600 at the 90th percentile — a $49,400 spread. Entry-level professionals start around $32,000, while senior hvac technicians with 8+ years of experience can earn up to $78,000. With a population of 150,227, Charleston is a mid-sized metro with a growing job market.

HVAC Technician Salary in Charleston by Experience

In Charleston, an entry-level hvac technician earns around $32,000, while experienced professionals earn up to $78,000 per year. The local cost of living index is 100% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)
$32,000
+$0 vs national
Mid Level (3-7 yrs)
$52,000
+$0 vs national
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$78,000
+$0 vs national

Salary Percentiles in Charleston, SC

Percentile Charleston
10th Percentile $33,200
25th Percentile $40,800
Median (50th) $51,390
75th Percentile $66,800
90th Percentile $82,600

HVAC Technician Salary in Other South Carolina Cities

Mount Pleasant, SC
$53,960
Pop. 94,171
North Charleston, SC
$48,821
Pop. 115,382
Greenville, SC
$47,279
Pop. 72,095
Columbia, SC
$46,251
Pop. 131,674

How to Become a HVAC Technician in Charleston

Education

Most hvac technician positions require a postsecondary nondegree award. Charleston and the surrounding South 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 Charleston may vary based on local industry and population growth.

Find HVAC Technician Jobs in Charleston

Browse open hvac technician positions in Charleston, SC:

Indeed → LinkedIn → ZipRecruiter → Glassdoor →

Frequently Asked Questions: HVAC Technician Salary in Charleston

How much does a HVAC Technician make in Charleston, SC? ▼
The median hvac technician salary in Charleston, South Carolina is $51,390 per year, which is 0.0% above the national median of $51,390. Salaries range from $33,200 (10th percentile) to $82,600 (90th percentile).
How much does a HVAC Technician make per hour in Charleston? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $51,390, a hvac technician in Charleston earns approximately $25 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
How does Charleston compare to the South Carolina state average for hvac technician pay? ▼
Charleston's median hvac technician salary of $51,390 is 12.4% above the South Carolina state average of $45,737. The local cost of living index is 100% of the national average.
What is the cost of living in Charleston, SC? ▼
Charleston has a cost of living index of 100% compared to the national average. This means a hvac technician salary of $51,390 in Charleston has more purchasing power than the same salary in an average-cost city.
What qualifications do I need to become a hvac technician in Charleston? ▼
Most hvac technician positions in Charleston 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.