Across U.S. metros, elevator installers typically earn $48,660 more a year than HVAC technicians (82%). In the 53 metros where BLS publishes both, elevator installers earn more in 53 and HVAC technicians in 0.
| Elevator Installer | HVAC Technician | |
|---|---|---|
| Typical metro median pay | $108,250 | $59,590 |
| Lowest metro median | $38,330 | $29,140 |
| Highest metro median | $173,920 | $93,820 |
| Job growth 2025–35 (U.S.) | +5.7% | +10.9% |
| Openings per year (U.S.) | 1,900 | 40,600 |
| Self-employed | — | 6% |
| Typical education | High school diploma or equivalent | Postsecondary nondegree award |
| Typical training | Apprenticeship | Long-term on-the-job training |
| Injury rate per 10k workers (U.S.) | 101 | 214 |
| Metros with pay data | 53 | 389 |
On safety, HVAC technicians report more injuries that cause missed work (214 vs. 101 per 10,000 full-time workers, national 2023–24).
Pay: BLS OEWS May 2025 (typical = median across metros). Growth, openings, education, training: BLS Employment Projections 2025–35. Injuries: BLS SOII 2023–24.
Where elevator installers out-earn HVAC technicians the most Our calculation
Gap in median yearly pay, same metro.
State by state Government data
Using statewide pay, elevator installers earn more in 36 states and HVAC technicians in 1. The gap favors elevator installers most in Nevada ($81,440) and HVAC technicians most in Kentucky ($15,950).
BLS OEWS statewide medians, May 2025.
How the work differs Government data
The biggest differences: Cramped spaces and awkward positions: very often for elevator installers, occasionally for HVAC technicians. Hazardous conditions: very often for elevator installers, sometimes for HVAC technicians.
| Elevator Installer | HVAC Technician | |
|---|---|---|
| Outdoors, in all kinds of weather | Sometimes | Very often |
| Indoors with heating and air conditioning | Very often | Often |
| Very hot or cold conditions | Often | Sometimes |
| Working at heights | Very often | Sometimes |
| Climbing ladders, scaffolds or poles | Occasionally | Sometimes |
| Cramped spaces and awkward positions | Very often | Occasionally |
| Loud noise | Very often | Often |
| Hazardous conditions | Very often | Sometimes |
| Standing, bending, kneeling and walking | Often | Sometimes |
| Sitting | Occasionally | Occasionally |
O*NET 31.0 Work Context, national.
What each trade does
Elevator Installer
Assemble, install, repair, or maintain electric or hydraulic freight or passenger elevators, escalators, or dumbwaiters.
HVAC Technician
Install or repair heating, central air conditioning, HVAC, or refrigeration systems, including oil burners, hot-air furnaces, and heating stoves.
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