Key Takeaways

HVAC technicians in Rhode Island earn a median $67,370 per year ($33.55/hr mean), which is 10.4% above the U.S. median. Experienced techs (90th percentile) earn $104,080.

  • Entry-level (10th percentile): $38,100/yr
  • Median: $67,370/yr · Mean: $69,780/yr
  • 1,450 HVAC techs employed in Rhode Island
  • Cost-of-living adjusted wage: $64,373/yr (COL index 108.4)
Salary Percentiles
See how HVAC technician pay is distributed across experience levels in Rhode Island.
90th Percentile
$104,080
75th Percentile
$81,610
Median
$67,370
25th Percentile
$48,760
10th Percentile
$38,100
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 $64,373.
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 $67,370 per year ($69,780 mean). That is 10.4% above the U.S. median. Entry-level pay (10th percentile) is about $38,100; experienced techs (90th percentile) earn about $104,080.
What is the hourly wage for HVAC technicians in Rhode Island?
The mean hourly wage for HVAC technicians in Rhode Island is $33.55. 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 1,450 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 $64,373 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.
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). State wage figures are U.S. BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS) estimates for HVAC mechanics and installers (SOC 49-9021), May 2025 OEWS. Metro pages use May 2025 OEWS, published 2026-05-15 for metropolitan areas. A state figure and a metro figure describe different places and should not be averaged. 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 (May 2025 OEWS) ↗
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.