Across U.S. metros, hvac technicians typically earn $8,600 more a year than septic & sewer technicians (17%). In the 150 metros where BLS publishes both, hvac technicians earn more in 140 and septic & sewer technicians in 10.
| HVAC Technician | Septic & Sewer Technician | |
|---|---|---|
| Typical metro median pay | $59,590 | $50,990 |
| Lowest metro median | $29,140 | $36,350 |
| Highest metro median | $93,820 | $75,010 |
| Job growth 2025–35 (U.S.) | +10.9% | +7.8% |
| Openings per year (U.S.) | 40,600 | 2,800 |
| Self-employed | 6% | 3% |
| Typical education | Postsecondary nondegree award | High school diploma or equivalent |
| Typical training | Long-term on-the-job training | Moderate-term on-the-job training |
| Injury rate per 10k workers (U.S.) | 214 | 162 |
| Metros with pay data | 389 | 150 |
On safety, hvac technicians report more injuries that cause missed work (214 vs. 162 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 hvac technicians out-earn septic & sewer technicians the most Our calculation
Gap in median yearly pay, same metro.
Where septic & sewer technicians out-earn hvac technicians the most
Gap in median yearly pay, same metro.
What each trade does
HVAC Technician
Install or repair heating, central air conditioning, HVAC, or refrigeration systems, including oil burners, hot-air furnaces, and heating stoves.
Septic & Sewer Technician
Clean and repair septic tanks, sewer lines, or drains. May patch walls and partitions of tank, replace damaged drain tile, or repair breaks in underground piping.
Compare one trade across two cities →