HVAC Technician in New Hampshire: Salary, License Requirements, and How to Start
Skilled trades
New Hampshire employs 2,560 HVAC technicians, with a statewide median of $73,850 and wide variation by city and experience. Here is the real wage data, the exact New Hampshire licensing picture, and where to train.
What HVAC technicians Earn in New Hampshire (May 2025)
- New Hampshire median pay
- $73,850 (May 2025)
- Starting range (10th percentile)
- $47,520
- Experienced (75th percentile)
- $80,090
- Top earners (90th percentile)
- $97,140
- Employed in New Hampshire
- 2,560
- U.S. median (for comparison)
- $59,810 (May 2024)
Wages vary substantially by metro. Median annual pay for HVAC technicians in major New Hampshire markets:
- Boston
- $78,530 (6,050 employed)
- Manchester
- $73,090 (870 employed)
What That Pay Is Worth in New Hampshire
Prices in New Hampshire run about 4% above the national average (cost-of-living index 104.2 vs a U.S. baseline of 100, 2024), so the $73,850 median is worth closer to $70,873 once higher local prices are factored in.
Job Outlook in New Hampshire (2024–2034)
New Hampshire is projected to grow HVAC technicians employment +6.7%, slower than the +8.1% projected nationally. The state expects about 200 openings a year, counting both growth and workers who retire or move on.
New Hampshire License and Certification Requirements
No state HVAC license; federal EPA 608 (gas-fitter work licensed via OPLC) — regulated by the No New Hampshire HVAC license — federal EPA 608 required (gas fitters licensed via OPLC).
- New Hampshire does not license HVAC technicians at the state level — train through a technical program or employer apprenticeship.
- Earn the federal EPA Section 608 certification to handle refrigerants (required).
- If you work on gas piping/appliances, obtain a gas fitter license through OPLC.
Training in New Hampshire
HVAC itself isn't state-licensed in NH, but EPA 608 is required and gas-fitting work needs an OPLC license. A community-college HVAC certificate plus EPA 608 gets you working fast.
Real training providers and registered apprenticeships in New Hampshire include:
- Manchester Community College — Certificate / Associate
Is This the Right Move for You?
Best for: People who want hands-on technical work with a shorter training runway than many licensed trades.
Think twice if: Extreme weather, attics, crawl spaces, and seasonal busy periods sound miserable.
Why it's resilient: Heating and cooling work combines mechanical diagnosis, in-person repair, weather-driven urgency, and local service trust.
First Steps
Compare local HVAC certificate programs and entry-level helper roles.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do HVAC technicians make in New Hampshire?
The median wage for HVAC technicians in New Hampshire is $73,850 per year (May 2025, BLS). Entry-level pay (10th percentile) starts around $47,520, and top earners (90th percentile) make about $97,140. Pay varies by metro and years of experience.
What license or certification do you need to become a HVAC Technician in New Hampshire?
No state HVAC license; federal EPA 608 (gas-fitter work licensed via OPLC), overseen by the No New Hampshire HVAC license — federal EPA 608 required (gas fitters licensed via OPLC). New Hampshire does not license HVAC technicians at the state level — train through a technical program or employer apprenticeship.
Is being a HVAC Technician a good career in New Hampshire?
Heating and cooling work combines mechanical diagnosis, in-person repair, weather-driven urgency, and local service trust.
Which New Hampshire metros pay HVAC technicians the most?
Among New Hampshire metro areas, Boston leads at $78,530, followed by Manchester ($73,090). Local pay tracks regional demand and cost of living, so the highest-paying metro isn't always the best net move.
Where can I train to become a HVAC Technician in New Hampshire?
Real New Hampshire options include Manchester Community College. Most HVAC technicians start with an accredited program, then earn the credential the state or employer requires.
Is HVAC Technician a growing career in New Hampshire?
New Hampshire projects HVAC technicians employment to change +6.7% from 2024 to 2034, with about 200 openings a year — a growing field in the state.
Sources and Verification
Wage data: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (May 2025), New Hampshire statewide and metro estimates for SOC 49-9021. Licensing summary compiled from the No New Hampshire HVAC license — federal EPA 608 required (gas fitters licensed via OPLC) (2026-06-11). Requirements change — always confirm current rules with the board and verify program costs and outcomes before enrolling.
BLS Occupational Outlook · O*NET New Hampshire wages · New Hampshire licensing/certification source
Employment projections: Projections Central / BLS Employment Projections (2024–2034); Cost of living: BEA Regional Price Parities.
Pay percentiles describe current workers, not entry-level offers; training costs and local demand vary, so verify locally before committing money or quitting a job.