# Which States Have the Highest Demand for HVAC Workers in 2026?
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**Featured Image:**
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**Author:** HVAC Trade Schools Editorial Team
**Published:** November 26, 2025
**Updated:** November 26, 2025
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The HVAC industry continues to expand as residential, commercial, and industrial buildings rely on efficient heating, cooling, and refrigeration systems. With steady job growth, strong wages, and a clear pathway into the skilled trades, HVAC remains one of the most accessible and dependable career options.
For prospective HVAC students, career changers, and job seekers, **where** you choose to work can be just as important as **how** you train. Geographic demand varies widely, and understanding which states are projected to add the most HVAC jobs can help you plan your career, choose the right training program, or even consider relocation.
## **What Drives HVAC Demand by State?**
HVAC job growth doesn’t happen evenly across the country. Some states experience much stronger demand because of their climate, population trends, and construction activity. Understanding what drives HVAC demand by state helps you anticipate where opportunities will be strongest in the coming years.
### **Population Growth and Urban Development**
States with fast-growing populations—such as Texas, Florida, and Georgia—see rising demand for HVAC installation, repair, and maintenance. More people means more homes, more commercial buildings, and more climate-controlled spaces requiring regular service.
### **Housing and Commercial Construction Trends**
Areas with strong construction activity tend to generate more HVAC jobs. Every new building needs heating and cooling installation, creating immediate opportunities for technicians. Continued growth also expands long-term service and maintenance needs.
### **Climate Considerations**
Hotter states place heavy demand on HVAC professionals due to the constant need for air conditioning installation and repair. States with extreme temperatures—either hot or cold—rely heavily on HVAC systems to stay functional and efficient. This translates to ongoing job opportunities for technicians.
If you’re exploring different roles within the field, you may want to review the many[ types of HVAC jobs] (https://hvactradeschools.org/careers/types-of-hvac-jobs/) that exist across these climates and industries.
### **Aging HVAC Workforce and Retirements**
Many experienced HVAC professionals are retiring, creating additional openings. States with older workforces may see even stronger hiring needs as employers look to replace retiring technicians.
Together, these factors shape where HVAC jobs are expanding most—making state-level demand an important consideration when planning your career path.
## **Understanding the Data: Job Growth Projections**
To identify which states will see the strongest HVAC growth, this article uses the most recent long-term projections from the **U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS)** , published through **Projections Central** . These projections estimate both job openings and growth rates for heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanics and installers across all 50 states.
### **Two Key Data Points**
When evaluating **HVAC demand by state** , it’s important to look at two separate—but equally valuable—measures:
1. **Total New Jobs Expected by State** **
**
- This number shows how many additional HVAC technician positions a state is projected to add by 2033.
- High numbers often correspond to large populations or booming construction markets.
4. **Percent Growth Expected by State** **
**
- This percentage reflects how fast the HVAC workforce is growing relative to its current size.
- States with smaller populations may still show very strong percentage growth—indicating rapidly increasing demand.
### **How to Interpret These Numbers**
- **High percentage growth** means the field is expanding quickly, which often leads to easier entry, faster hiring, and increasing long-term opportunities.
- **High numerical growth** means more total jobs will be available, especially in large and fast-growing states.
Both metrics matter, and together they help paint a clear picture of where HVAC job opportunities are strongest for the decade ahead.
## **Top States by Total Number of New HVAC Jobs**
When evaluating **HVAC demand by state** , one of the most useful indicators is the total number of new jobs projected between 2022 and 2032. States with high numerical growth typically have strong population increases, active construction markets, and climates that rely heavily on heating and cooling systems.
Using the latest projections from BLS (via Projections Central) as of 2025, here are the states expected to add the **most new HVAC jobs** over the decade.
### **States Projected to Add the Most New HVAC Jobs (2022–2032)**
| **Area** | **2022** | **2032** | **Change** | **Average Annual Openings** |
| Florida | 36,880 | 43,120 | 6,240 | 3,940 |
| California | 38,400 | 42,700 | 4,300 | 3,790 |
| Texas | 32,740 | 38,430 | 5,690 | 3,520 |
| Pennsylvania | 18,910 | 19,970 | 1,060 | 1,720 |
| North Carolina | 15,620 | 17,630 | 2,010 | 1,580 |
| Georgia | 12,780 | 15,030 | 2,250 | 1,380 |
| Ohio | 14,680 | 15,560 | 880 | 1,340 |
| Virginia | 13,780 | 14,610 | 830 | 1,260 |
| Illinois | 11,980 | 12,700 | 720 | 1,100 |
| Tennessee | 10,340 | 11,350 | 1,010 | 1,000 |
| Arizona | 9,140 | 10,810 | 1,670 | 990 |
| Washington | 8,940 | 9,920 | 980 | 990 |
| New Jersey | 10,170 | 10,920 | 750 | 950 |
| Utah | 7,050 | 9,470 | 2,420 | 930 |
| Michigan | 10,260 | 10,730 | 470 | 920 |
| Missouri | 9,330 | 9,950 | 620 | 860 |
| Colorado | 7,630 | 8,820 | 1,190 | 800 |
| Indiana | 8,000 | 8,620 | 620 | 750 |
| Maryland | 7,450 | 8,170 | 720 | 720 |
| Wisconsin | 6,500 | 7,340 | 840 | 660 |
### **A Quick Note on Annual Openings**
You’ll notice that **average annual openings** are much higher than the 10-year job growth figures. That’s because annual openings include:
- New job growth **plus** **
**
- Replacement needs for retiring workers
- Replacement needs for workers leaving the field
HVAC is experiencing a high level of retirements nationwide, which significantly increases the number of job openings each year.
### **Key Takeaways**
- **Florida, Texas, and California** lead the nation in HVAC job creation and total openings.
- **Sun Belt states** dominate the top of the list due to fast population growth, construction activity, and extreme temperatures.
- States like **Georgia, Arizona, and North Carolina** show strong growth both in raw numbers and opportunity.
- Even states with milder climates—like **Pennsylvania and Tennessee** —remain major job markets due to their size and steady replacement needs.
## **Top States by Percentage Growth in HVAC Jobs**
While total job numbers show where the **largest** HVAC markets are, percentage growth reveals where the field is expanding **fastest** . Smaller or mid-sized states often rise to the top of this list because even modest increases in construction, population, or climate-related demand can produce rapid growth in their HVAC workforce.
Using the latest BLS projections (2023–2033), here are the states expected to see the **highest percentage growth** in HVAC jobs over the decade.
### **States with the Fastest HVAC Job Growth (2022–2032)**
| **State** | **% Growth** |
| Utah | 34.3% |
| Idaho | 26.9% |
| Wyoming | 23.9% |
| Montana | 23.2% |
| Mississippi | 20.2% |
| Oregon | 19.3% |
| Arizona | 18.2% |
| Georgia | 17.6% |
| Texas | 17.4% |
| Florida | 16.9% |
| South Dakota | 16.2% |
| New Mexico | 16.1% |
| Colorado | 15.6% |
| Nevada | 14.8% |
| Rhode Island | 13.6% |
| Iowa | 13.3% |
| Nebraska | 13.2% |
| North Carolina | 12.9% |
| Wisconsin | 12.9% |
| North Dakota | 12.6% |
### **Why Percentage Growth Matters**
Percentage growth gives you a sense of **how quickly opportunity is expanding** relative to the current size of the HVAC workforce. For example:
- States like **Utah, Idaho, and Wyoming** are experiencing construction booms, population increases, and climate-driven demand that far exceed national averages.
- **Southern and Western** states dominate the list because of hotter temperatures, rapid housing growth, and high reliance on HVAC systems.
- Even states with smaller total job markets—such as **Rhode Island** or **New Mexico** —show strong upward momentum, which may translate to easier entry and more employer demand.
For prospective HVAC workers, high percentage growth states can offer:
- Faster hiring cycles
- More openings for apprentices or entry-level techs
- Strong employer incentives
- Greater long-term stability as the field expands
If you want to work where demand is accelerating fastest, these states offer some of the most promising environments for new HVAC technicians entering the field in 2026 and beyond.
## **Regional HVAC Demand Trends**
Understanding HVAC demand by state is useful, but looking at broader regional patterns can help you see where opportunities are concentrated—and why certain areas of the country are growing faster than others. Regional differences often reflect climate conditions, construction activity, and population shifts.
### **South: Strongest Overall Demand**
**Example states:** Florida, Texas, Georgia, North Carolina, Mississippi
The South leads the nation in HVAC demand due to:
- Rapid population growth
- Heavy reliance on air conditioning
- Strong residential and commercial construction
- High system usage, leading to more frequent repairs
States like **Florida and Texas** rank high in both total job growth and percentage growth, making the South the strongest region for HVAC opportunity.
### **West: Fastest Percentage Growth**
**Example states:** Utah, Idaho, Arizona, Colorado, Nevada, Oregon
Western states dominate the **fastest-growth list** , driven by:
- Booming housing markets
- Expanding suburban and metropolitan development
- Hot, dry climates requiring cooling systems
- Significant in-migration from other parts of the country
Utah, Idaho, Wyoming, and Arizona are standouts for both speed and scale of HVAC workforce expansion.
### **Midwest: Moderate but Steady Growth**
**Example states:** Wisconsin, Iowa, Nebraska, Ohio, Michigan
Midwestern states tend to show moderate percentage growth—often **10–13%** —with strong replacement demand driven by an aging workforce. While growth may be slower than in the South or West, HVAC professionals benefit from:
- Stable year-round work
- High heating and cooling system needs
- Strong industrial and commercial infrastructure
### **Northeast: Slower Growth, Older Systems**
**Example states:** Rhode Island, Pennsylvania, New Jersey, Maryland
HVAC job growth in the Northeast is generally slower, but technicians remain in high demand because of:
- Older buildings requiring system upgrades
- Harsh winter climates
- Dense urban infrastructure
- Strong demand for maintenance and replacement work
Even with lower percentage growth, states like **Pennsylvania and New Jersey** offer consistently high annual openings.
### **What This Means for HVAC Job Seekers**
- The **South** offers the most total openings.
- The **West** offers the fastest growth for new entrants.
- The **Midwest and Northeast** offer stability and consistent replacement demand.
These regional differences can help you choose where to train, where to apply for jobs, or whether relocation might open up more opportunities in your HVAC career.
## **What High Demand Means for Job Seekers**
Knowing where HVAC demand is rising most quickly can help you make smarter decisions about your training, job search, and long-term career planning. High-growth states and regions often offer advantages that make it easier to enter the field and advance once you’re working.
### **Easier Entry Into the Field**
In high-demand areas—especially states in the South and West—employers often need technicians faster than they can hire them. This can mean:
- More entry-level openings
- Faster interview and hiring timelines
- Greater willingness to train new technicians
- Opportunities for apprentices with little to no experience
For new HVAC students or career changers, this creates a smoother pathway into the industry.
### **Potential for Higher Starting Wages**
While wages depend on local cost of living, employer competition in high-demand states can lead to:
- Higher starting pay
- More frequent overtime opportunities
- Performance bonuses
- Better benefits or tool allowances
In regions with rapid growth—like Utah, Idaho, Texas, Florida, and Arizona—employers often offer incentives to attract and retain technicians.
### **More Employer-Sponsored Training**
In states where hiring needs are highest, employers may offer:
- Tuition reimbursement
- Paid apprenticeships
- EPA 608 exam vouchers
- On-the-job training programs
- Skill-development stipends or bonuses
This can significantly reduce the cost of entering the HVAC field.
### **Strong Long-Term Career Stability**
High-demand states generally offer:
- More consistent year-round work
- Greater need for maintenance and replacement services
- Expanded opportunities for specialization (commercial HVAC, refrigeration, controls, etc.)
- A clearer pathway to supervisory or contractor-level roles
For job seekers looking to build a stable career, working in a state with high projected demand can increase long-term security and growth prospects.
## **FAQs**
### **Should I move to a different state for HVAC work?**
You don’t have to—but relocating **can** expand your opportunities in some cases. States like Florida, Texas, Utah, and Arizona are projected to see some of the strongest HVAC growth through 2033, meaning:
- More job openings
- Faster hiring
- Potentially higher starting wages
- Greater access to apprenticeships and employer-sponsored training
If relocation isn’t possible, you can still find solid HVAC opportunities in nearly every state, especially where replacement demand is high.
### **Does regional demand affect salary?**
Yes—but not always in a straightforward way. In states with high HVAC demand, employers may offer competitive starting wages, overtime, or hiring incentives to attract technicians. However, salary levels are also heavily influenced by **cost of living** .
For example:
- States like **California and Washington** tend to show higher HVAC wages, but living expenses are also significantly higher.
- High-growth states such as **Texas, Florida, Arizona, and Georgia** often combine **strong demand** with **more affordable living costs** , which can make take-home pay feel more substantial.
In short, regional demand can improve job opportunities and compensation, but it’s important to consider cost of living and local market conditions when comparing salaries across states.
### **Is job growth in HVAC expected to continue after 2033?**
All indicators suggest **yes** . Rising temperatures, expanding construction activity, population growth in the South and West, and a large wave of technician retirements point toward strong HVAC demand well beyond 2033. Emerging technologies—like heat pumps, smart systems, and energy-efficient retrofits—may create even more opportunities.
## **Planning Your HVAC Career Around Demand**
As HVAC demand continues to rise across the country, understanding where job opportunities are growing fastest can help you make more strategic decisions about training, relocation, and long-term career goals. The latest projections show especially strong growth in the **South** and **West** , with states like Florida, Texas, Utah, Idaho, and Arizona offering both high annual openings and fast-expanding HVAC workforces.
When planning your HVAC career, consider the following next steps:
- Research **state-specific licensing requirements** , especially if you’re considering relocating.
- Explore **online HVAC training programs** if you want to keep your options open without committing to a specific location.
- Compare **local HVAC training availability** in states with strong projected demand.
- Use regional demand data to guide where you apply for apprenticeships, entry-level positions, or advanced training.
By aligning your training and job search with the states experiencing the strongest HVAC growth, you can enter the field with confidence and position yourself for long-term success.