Home/HVAC Salary by State/Rhode Island
BLS Wage Data · RI

How Much Do HVAC Technicians
Make in Rhode Island?

The median HVAC technician salary in Rhode Island is $51,760, which is 6.4% above the national median.

$51,760
Median Salary
$53,140
Mean Salary
$25.55/hr
Hourly Wage
1,380
Employment

Key Takeaways

HVAC technicians in Rhode Island earn a median $51,760 per year ($25.55/hr mean), which is 6.4% above the U.S. median. Experienced techs (90th percentile) earn $73,910.

  • Entry-level (10th percentile): $34,580/yr
  • Median: $51,760/yr · Mean: $53,140/yr
  • 1,380 HVAC techs employed in Rhode Island
  • Cost-of-living adjusted wage: $49,022/yr (COL index 108.4)
Distribution
Salary Percentiles
See how HVAC technician pay is distributed across experience levels in Rhode Island.
90th Percentile
$73,910
75th Percentile
$62,680
Median
$51,760
25th Percentile
$42,190
10th Percentile
$34,580
Real Buying Power
Cost of Living Adjustment
Rhode Island's cost of living index is 108.4 (national average = 100). After adjusting for cost of living, your effective annual wage is $49,022.
FAQ
HVAC pay questions in Rhode Island
Answers match the FAQ structured data on this page for search and AI assistants.
How much do HVAC technicians make in Rhode Island?
The median HVAC technician salary in Rhode Island is $51,760 per year ($53,140 mean). That is 6.4% above the U.S. median. Entry-level pay (10th percentile) is about $34,580; experienced techs (90th percentile) earn about $73,910.
What is the hourly wage for HVAC technicians in Rhode Island?
The mean hourly wage for HVAC technicians in Rhode Island is $25.55. Annual figures assume full-time work; overtime, on-call pay, and certifications can raise effective hourly earnings.
How many HVAC technicians work in Rhode Island?
BLS OEWS estimates about 1,380 heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanics and installers (SOC 49-9021) employed in Rhode Island.
Is HVAC pay in Rhode Island high after cost of living?
Rhode Island's cost-of-living index is 108.4 (U.S. average = 100). After adjusting the median for purchasing power, the effective wage is about $49,022 per year.
What certifications increase HVAC pay in Rhode Island?
EPA Section 608 is required to handle refrigerants nationwide. NATE and other industry certifications are associated with higher pay (often a mid-single to low-double-digit premium) and stronger hiring odds with larger Rhode Island employers.
Related
How to get an HVAC license in Rhode Island →Rhode Island HVAC schools →NATE certification & pay →
Data source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS) program, SOC code 49-9021 (Heating, Air Conditioning, and Refrigeration Mechanics and Installers). Wage estimates reflect the most recent annual BLS OEWS release (April 2026, based on May 2025 survey data). Cost-of-living index from the Missouri Economic Research and Information Center (MERIC). Actual wages vary by employer, experience, and certification. View BLS source data ↗
Next Step
Earn More in
Rhode Island.
Certified HVAC technicians earn 10–15% more on average. Find a training program that preps you for the certifications that boost your pay.
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