HVAC Technician in Tennessee: Salary, License Requirements, and How to Start
Skilled trades
Tennessee employs 9,740 HVAC technicians, with a statewide median of $55,490 and wide variation by city and experience. Here is the real wage data, the exact Tennessee licensing picture, and where to train.
What HVAC technicians Earn in Tennessee (May 2025)
- Tennessee median pay
- $55,490 (May 2025)
- Starting range (10th percentile)
- $38,540
- Experienced (75th percentile)
- $65,590
- Top earners (90th percentile)
- $81,590
- Employed in Tennessee
- 9,740
- U.S. median (for comparison)
- $59,810 (May 2024)
Wages vary substantially by metro. Median annual pay for HVAC technicians in major Tennessee markets:
- Nashville
- $60,270 (3,500 employed)
- Knoxville
- $56,780 (1,470 employed)
- Memphis
- $56,780 (1,740 employed)
- Chattanooga
- $50,950 (850 employed)
- Clarksville
- $50,480 (330 employed)
What That Pay Is Worth in Tennessee
Prices in Tennessee run about 8% below the national average (cost-of-living index 91.9 vs a U.S. baseline of 100, 2024), so the $55,490 median stretches to roughly $60,381 in national buying-power terms.
Job Outlook in Tennessee (2024–2034)
Tennessee is projected to grow HVAC technicians employment +21.4%, faster than the +8.1% projected nationally. The state expects about 1,220 openings a year, counting both growth and workers who retire or move on.
Tennessee License and Certification Requirements
No individual HVAC technician license — EPA 608 required federally; contractor license for larger projects — regulated by the Tennessee Board for Licensing Contractors — CMC-C classification for projects ≥$25,000.
- Tennessee has no statewide individual HVAC technician license. For projects under $25,000, individual technicians work without a personal state license. For projects of $25,000 or more, a Tennessee CMC-C (Mechanical Contractor HVAC) contractor license is required.
- EPA 608 certification is required federally to purchase and handle regulated refrigerants — this is the essential individual credential for every HVAC technician in Tennessee.
- Nashville, Memphis, Knoxville, and Chattanooga may have local journeyman requirements — check with your local jurisdiction. Sheet Metal Workers SMART Local 177 (Nashville) and Local 91 (Chattanooga) run apprenticeship programs.
Training in Tennessee
Tennessee Colleges of Applied Technology (TCAT) campuses across the state offer HVAC training programs. Nashville's explosive growth and construction activity create strong HVAC demand. Tennessee's four-season climate supports year-round HVAC service work. The Tennessee Association of HVAC Contractors is the trade group.
Real training providers and registered apprenticeships in Tennessee include:
- Chattanooga State Community College — Certificate
- Fortis Institute-Cookeville — Certificate
- Fortis Institute-Nashville — Certificate
- Genesis Career College-Cookeville — Certificate
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 Tennessee?
The median wage for HVAC technicians in Tennessee is $55,490 per year (May 2025, BLS). Entry-level pay (10th percentile) starts around $38,540, and top earners (90th percentile) make about $81,590. Pay varies by metro and years of experience.
What license or certification do you need to become a HVAC Technician in Tennessee?
No individual HVAC technician license — EPA 608 required federally; contractor license for larger projects, overseen by the Tennessee Board for Licensing Contractors — CMC-C classification for projects ≥$25,000. Tennessee has no statewide individual HVAC technician license. For projects under $25,000, individual technicians work without a personal state license. For projects of $25,000 or more, a Tennessee CMC-C (Mechanical Contractor HVAC) contractor license is required.
Is being a HVAC Technician a good career in Tennessee?
Heating and cooling work combines mechanical diagnosis, in-person repair, weather-driven urgency, and local service trust.
Which Tennessee metros pay HVAC technicians the most?
Among Tennessee metro areas, Nashville leads at $60,270, followed by Knoxville ($56,780), Memphis ($56,780). 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 Tennessee?
Real Tennessee options include Chattanooga State Community College, Fortis Institute-Cookeville, Fortis Institute-Nashville. Most HVAC technicians start with an accredited program, then earn the credential the state or employer requires.
Is HVAC Technician a growing career in Tennessee?
Tennessee projects HVAC technicians employment to change +21.4% from 2024 to 2034, with about 1,220 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), Tennessee statewide and metro estimates for SOC 49-9021. Licensing summary compiled from the Tennessee Board for Licensing Contractors — CMC-C classification for projects ≥$25,000 (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 Tennessee wages · Tennessee 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.