Trades & Labor Columbia, SC Pop. 131,674

HVAC Technician Salary in Columbia, South Carolina

The median hvac technician salary in Columbia, SC is $46,251 per year, which is 10% below the national median and 1.1% above the South Carolina state average.

City Median
$46,251
vs State Avg
+$514
vs National
$-5,139
Cost of Living
90%

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

Columbia offers a median hvac technician salary of $46,251, which is $514 above the South Carolina state average of $45,737. Compared to the national median of $51,390, Columbia pays below the national benchmark for this role.

Columbia's cost of living is 90% 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 Columbia spans from $29,880 at the 10th percentile to $74,340 at the 90th percentile — a $44,460 spread. Entry-level professionals start around $28,800, while senior hvac technicians with 8+ years of experience can earn up to $70,200. With a population of 131,674, Columbia is a mid-sized metro with a growing job market.

HVAC Technician Salary in Columbia by Experience

In Columbia, an entry-level hvac technician earns around $28,800, while experienced professionals earn up to $70,200 per year. The local cost of living index is 90% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)
$28,800
$-3,200 vs national
Mid Level (3-7 yrs)
$46,800
$-5,200 vs national
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$70,200
$-7,800 vs national

Salary Percentiles in Columbia, SC

Percentile Columbia
10th Percentile $29,880
25th Percentile $36,720
Median (50th) $46,251
75th Percentile $60,120
90th Percentile $74,340

HVAC Technician Salary in Other South Carolina Cities

Mount Pleasant, SC
$53,960
Pop. 94,171
Charleston, SC
$51,390
Pop. 150,227
North Charleston, SC
$48,821
Pop. 115,382
Greenville, SC
$47,279
Pop. 72,095

How to Become a HVAC Technician in Columbia

Education

Most hvac technician positions require a postsecondary nondegree award. Columbia 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 Columbia may vary based on local industry and population growth.

Find HVAC Technician Jobs in Columbia

Browse open hvac technician positions in Columbia, SC:

Indeed → LinkedIn → ZipRecruiter → Glassdoor →

Frequently Asked Questions: HVAC Technician Salary in Columbia

How much does a HVAC Technician make in Columbia, SC? ▼
The median hvac technician salary in Columbia, South Carolina is $46,251 per year, which is 10% below the national median of $51,390. Salaries range from $29,880 (10th percentile) to $74,340 (90th percentile).
How much does a HVAC Technician make per hour in Columbia? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $46,251, a hvac technician in Columbia earns approximately $22 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
How does Columbia compare to the South Carolina state average for hvac technician pay? ▼
Columbia's median hvac technician salary of $46,251 is 1.1% above the South Carolina state average of $45,737. The local cost of living index is 90% of the national average.
What is the cost of living in Columbia, SC? ▼
Columbia has a cost of living index of 90% compared to the national average. This means a hvac technician salary of $46,251 in Columbia has more purchasing power than the same salary in an average-cost city.
What qualifications do I need to become a hvac technician in Columbia? ▼
Most hvac technician positions in Columbia 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.