The salaries of Heating, Ventilation and AC technicians in the UK reflect the growing demand for skilled professionals in the heating, ventilation, and air conditioning sectors. HVAC technicians are crucial personnel who maintain the effective operation of climate control systems as they serve residences, businesses, and factories. HVAC technician salaries depend on their work experience, geographical location, and specialisation choices that offer multiple opportunities to increase income. This analysis examines HVAC technician salary projections 2025, which cover both new apprentices and fully experienced practitioners, salary-determining elements and professional advancement opportunities. The following analysis provides detailed information about salary ranges for HVAC technicians, apprentice payment, and complementary data.

Average Salaries by Experience Level

The salary of an HVAC technician in the UK varies significantly based on experience:

  • 0–2 years (Entry-level): Approximately £21,300 per year
  • 2–5 years (Intermediate): Approximately £30,100 per year
  • 5–10 years (Experienced): Approximately £40,300 per year
  • 10–15 years: Approximately £51,500 per year
  • 15–20 years: Approximately £54,100 per year
  • 20+ years: Approximately £57,200 per year
  • Highly experienced professionals can earn even up to £62,500.

HVAC Technicians Average Salaries by City

HVAC technician salaries also can vary depending on location. Below is a comparison of average annual salaries for HVAC technicians across different cities:

City Average Salary (GBP)

City Average Salary (GBP)
London £38,000–£55,000
Manchester £34,000–£45,000
Birmingham £32,000–£45,000
Glasgow £30,000–£40,000
Leeds £31,000–£41,000

 

Technicians in larger cities like London tend to earn more due to higher demand and cost of living.

Key factors influencing HVAC technician salaries

  • Experience Level: Experienced technicians tend to obtain more excellent compensation, and their earnings grow significantly as they gain additional work experience.
  • Location: Salaries are higher in larger cities like London due to the cost of living and demand.
  • Education Level: Technicians’ educational level impacts their earning potential, but not as powerfully as job experience does.
  • Skills and Specialisations: Expertise in specialised skills, including refrigeration expertise, can boost income potential.
  • Industry and Employer: Working for larger companies or in high-demand sectors can result in better compensation.

What HVAC Technicians Do

HVAC technicians perform a variety of tasks that include:

  • The installation of heating and cooling systems inside buildings.
  • Maintenance work on HVAC systems to achieve higher operational effectiveness.
  • Diagnosing system malfunctions using technical tools.
  • Reading blueprints before sites are prepared for installation work.
  • Ensuring compliance with safety regulations.
  • Working independently or as part of a team for companies managing residential or commercial properties.

Becoming an HVAC Technician in the United Kingdom

Here’s the educational pathway to becoming an HVAC technician in the UK:

  • College Courses:
    • Level 2 Diploma in Access to Building Services Engineering offers students essential professional training.
    • Level 2 Diploma in Installing and Maintaining Refrigeration Systems.
    • Building Services Engineering and T Level Courses are available at Level 3 and T Levels.
  • Apprenticeships:
    • Building Services Engineering Installer Intermediate Apprenticeship (Level 2).
    • Refrigeration, Air Conditioning, and Heat Pump Engineering Advanced Apprenticeship (Level 3).
    • HVACR Level 3 Apprenticeship.
  • Online Courses:
    • Level 3 HVAC Technician Course offers students an opportunity to acquire more expertise.
  • Certifications and Skills Cards:
    • Register for an Air Conditioning and Refrigeration Industry Board (ACRIB) skill card to demonstrate qualifications.

The details guide of becoming an HVAC technician in the UK can be found here.

Apprentice Wages and Career Progression

Apprenticeships in the HVAC sector often follow national apprenticeship wage guidelines.

These rates are for the National Living Wage (for those aged 21 and over) and the National Minimum Wage (for those of at least school-leaving age). From 1 April 2025 onwards;

  • Minimum Wage Eligibility:
    • Must be at least school-leaving age for NMW.
    • Must be aged 21 or older for NLW; NMW applies to workers aged 20 and under.
  • Apprentice Rate Eligibility:
    • Apprentices under 19 or those aged 19+ in their first year are entitled to the apprentice rate (£7.55).
    • Apprentices aged 19+ who have completed their first year are entitled to the minimum wage.
  • Current Rates (April 2025):
    • 21 and over: £12.21
    • 18 to 20: £10.00
    • Under 18: £7.55
    • Apprentice rate: £7.55

Apprentices typically earn less than fully qualified technicians but gain valuable on-the-job training.

Apprenticeships in HVAC typically focus on either heating/ventilation or air conditioning/refrigeration. Key skills developed during apprenticeships include:

  • Installation and commissioning of systems.
  • Routine maintenance and troubleshooting.
  • Understanding engineering principles like thermodynamics.

What Do Apprentice HVAC Technicians Do

Key Responsibilities:

  • Assist Senior Technicians: Apprentice HVAC technicians assist senior technicians throughout the installation process and maintenance activities for heating, ventilation, and air conditioning systems.
  • Installation and Maintenance: Apprentices assist technicians with HVAC system installations while performing standard maintenance duties, including ductwork construction, refrigerant pipeline work, cleaning coils, and filter replacement.
  • Troubleshooting: Apprentices help technicians solve system problems by making repairs after identification.
  • Safety and Compliance: Individuals learn to follow safety rules and organisational policies within their work scope.
  • Training and Education: In HVAC programmes, apprentices receive classroom instruction and hands-on training at their workplace to develop their capabilities.

HVAC technicians in the UK face an exciting professional path which provides both salary improvement and specialised concentration options within high-demand technical fields. The profession offers a structured approach to skill development and earning growth from apprenticeships to certifications. The knowledge of salary determinants alongside an assessment of industry potential enables novice and established HVAC technicians to enhance their professional outcomes after 2025 and into the future.