Key Takeaways

HVAC technicians in South Carolina earn a median $43,720 per year ($21.61/hr mean), which is 10.1% below the U.S. median. Experienced techs (90th percentile) earn $62,940.

  • Entry-level (10th percentile): $29,270/yr
  • Median: $43,720/yr · Mean: $44,950/yr
  • 7,280 HVAC techs employed in South Carolina
  • Cost-of-living adjusted wage: $47,718/yr (COL index 94.2)
Salary Percentiles
See how HVAC technician pay is distributed across experience levels in South Carolina.
90th Percentile
$62,940
75th Percentile
$52,940
Median
$43,720
25th Percentile
$35,600
10th Percentile
$29,270
Cost of Living Adjustment
South Carolina's cost of living index is 94.2 (national average = 100). After adjusting for cost of living, your effective annual wage is $47,718.
HVAC pay questions in South Carolina
Answers match the FAQ structured data on this page for search and AI assistants.
How much do HVAC technicians make in South Carolina?
The median HVAC technician salary in South Carolina is $43,720 per year ($44,950 mean). That is 10.1% below the U.S. median. Entry-level pay (10th percentile) is about $29,270; experienced techs (90th percentile) earn about $62,940.
What is the hourly wage for HVAC technicians in South Carolina?
The mean hourly wage for HVAC technicians in South Carolina is $21.61. Annual figures assume full-time work; overtime, on-call pay, and certifications can raise effective hourly earnings.
How many HVAC technicians work in South Carolina?
BLS OEWS estimates about 7,280 heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanics and installers (SOC 49-9021) employed in South Carolina.
Is HVAC pay in South Carolina high after cost of living?
South Carolina's cost-of-living index is 94.2 (U.S. average = 100). After adjusting the median for purchasing power, the effective wage is about $47,718 per year.
What certifications increase HVAC pay in South Carolina?
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 South Carolina 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). 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 ↗
Earn More in
South Carolina.
Certified HVAC technicians earn 10–15% more on average. Find a training program that preps you for the certifications that boost your pay.