Is There Demand for HVAC Techs in Texas?

You don’t need to look far to see why HVAC techs stay busy in Texas. Record-breaking summers, expanding cities, and constant construction create a strong need for skilled technicians. HVAC jobs in Texas are projected to grow much faster than the national average, at about 17% by 2032¹. If you’ve ever thought about this field, now may be the time to begin your training.

Extreme Texas Heat Creates Constant Demand

When temperatures reach 100 degrees or more, keeping indoor spaces cool can literally save lives. HVAC technicians in Texas install, repair, and maintain systems that keep homes, schools, and businesses comfortable. These systems run almost year-round, so they wear out faster and require more frequent service than in other areas of the country. That cycle keeps job demand high across the state.

A Rapidly Growing Texas Population Boosts Need

Texas adds more residents each year than almost any other state. Each new neighborhood, apartment complex, or business needs properly installed and serviced HVAC systems. As major cities like Austin, Houston, and Dallas-Fort Worth expand, more technicians are needed to install new units and maintain existing ones.

Aging Texas HVAC Systems and Outdated Infrastructure Require HVAC Techs

Many Texas buildings still use systems that are decades old. These units break down more often and require replacement by qualified professionals. Commercial properties also depend on maintenance contracts that guarantee steady work for licensed HVAC techs.

Job Outlook and Growth in Texas

The need for HVAC professionals extends beyond Texas. The demand in the US for HVAC techs is projected to rise by 8% through 2032². And Texas far exceeds that rate. HVAC employment in Texas is projected to increase from about 32,740 jobs in 2022 to 38,430 in 2032¹. These numbers include both new positions and replacements for retirees or techs moving into management roles.

HVAC Career Paths in Texas

There are a number of different paths you can take as an HVAC technician.

• Residential Technicians: Residential techs install new systems, inspect ductwork, and perform maintenance in homes and apartment complexes. They keep homeowners comfortable during long Texas summers and ensure energy efficiency throughout the year.
• Commercial Technicians: Commercial specialists handle larger systems found on rooftops or in industrial buildings. These positions often pay more and include long-term contracts for regular maintenance and inspections.
• Refrigeration Technicians: Refrigeration techs focus on coolers, freezers, and controlled environments in hospitals, restaurants, and grocery stores. Texas’s large healthcare and food service industries create steady demand for this specialty.

Earning Potential and Benefits

In Texas, the average annual salary for HVAC techs is just over $54,000³. Earnings grow with certifications, specialization, and experience. You can review detailed pay comparisons and industry trends across the country in Lincoln Tech’s HVAC Technician Salary Guide.

Other career benefits include:

• Job security year-round in a warm climate
• Opportunities to advance into management or self-employment
• Active, hands-on work environments instead of desk jobs
• A career that blends mechanical skill with customer service

What HVAC Technicians Do

HVAC technicians perform a variety of tasks. You install, maintain, and repair systems that control temperature and air quality. You also inspect electrical components, test for leaks, replace filters, and recharge refrigerants to ensure each system operates safely and efficiently.

Training and Education for HVAC

Most HVAC technicians start their careers through trade school programs that teach both theory and hands-on application. Programs often include:

• Electrical controls and safety procedures
• Blueprint reading and HVAC design fundamentals
• Thermodynamics and refrigeration cycles
• Airflow measurement and ductwork assembly
• Energy efficiency and environmental regulations

After completing your training, you can pursue EPA Section 608 certification to handle refrigerants safely. Many professionals also apply for a state license through the Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation (TDLR) to qualify for higher-level positions and independent contracting.

The Future of HVAC in Texas

Texas continues to add homes, businesses, and energy-efficient projects that all depend on skilled HVAC professionals. Smart systems, digital controls, and eco-friendly refrigerants create new career paths for technicians who want to stay ahead of technology.

If you want a career that combines technical skill with long-term stability, HVAC offers exactly that. The work stays essential through every season, and Texas remains one of the best states for opportunity in the trade.

The demand for HVAC techs in Texas continues to rise, offering reliable work, strong pay, and room for advancement. Whether you want to specialize in residential cooling, commercial systems, or refrigeration, training is your first move toward success.

If you are ready to take the next step and learn what it takes to start your HVAC career in Texas, please contact us.

¹ O-Net Online, https://www.onetonline.org/link/localtrends/49-9021.00?st=TX, Retrieved on October 16, 2025.

² US Bureau of Labor Statistics, https://www.bls.gov/ooh/installation-maintenance-and-repair/heating-air-conditioning-and-refrigeration-mechanics-and-installers.htm, Retrieved on October 16, 2025.

³ O-Net Online, https://www.onetonline.org/link/localwages/49-9021.00?st=TX, Retrieved on October 16, 2025.