Quick answer: Hvac technicians in Delaware typically bill $65–$90 per hour (2025). The median HVAC technician earns $29.96/hr ($62,320/year) per U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics data — an HVAC company charges roughly 2–3× that to cover overhead and profit.
Here's the full picture: what HVAC technicians earn, what shops bill, what common jobs cost, how pay varies by metro, and how Delaware compares to other states.
Hvac technician income in Delaware (2025)
Based on U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics wage data for Delaware's ~1,730 hvac mechanics, and installers:
| Experience level | Hourly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Entry-level (10th percentile) | $21.64 | ~$3,751 | ~$45,011 |
| Median (typical) | $29.96 | ~$5,193 | $62,320 |
| Experienced (90th percentile) | $46.93 | ~$8,135 | ~$97,614 |
Monthly and annual figures assume full-time work (about 2,080 hours a year).
What you earn vs. what you charge
The wages above are what a HVAC technician takes home. What a HVAC company bills the customer is higher — it has to cover the truck, tools, insurance, licensing, fuel, office time, and profit. A shop typically bills 2.2–3× the worker's wage:
| Rate | |
|---|---|
| Median HVAC technician wage (earned) | ~$30/hr |
| Typical shop rate (charged) | $65–$90/hr |
Where Delaware ranks
Delaware pays HVAC technicians 2% above the national median, ranking 21st of 51 states — right around the national middle:
| Benchmark | Median hourly wage |
|---|---|
| Highest — District of Columbia | $40.57 |
| Delaware (21st) | $29.96 |
| National median | $29.33 |
| Lowest — Arkansas | $23.13 |
Hvac technician rates by Delaware metro
Pay varies widely within the state. Median HVAC technician wage by metro area (BLS, 2025):
| Metro area | Median wage | Typical billed rate |
|---|---|---|
| Dover | $28.76/hr | $65–$85/hr |
| Sussex Delaware nonmetropolitan area | $28.53/hr | $65–$85/hr |
What common HVAC jobs cost in Delaware
At Delaware billed rates, here's what typical jobs run — labor plus materials, and every job differs:
| Job | Typical Delaware range |
|---|---|
| Service call / diagnostic | $75–$155 |
| AC tune-up / maintenance | $100–$250 |
| Refrigerant recharge | $150–$450 |
| Capacitor / part replacement | $150–$500 |
| Central AC replacement | $3,600–$7,700 installed |
| Furnace replacement | $3,100–$6,600 installed |
| Full system replacement | $5,000–$12,500 installed |
| Ductwork repair | $300–$1,025 |
| Thermostat installation | $150–$400 |
| Mini-split installation | $2,000–$5,100 |
Typical ranges to benchmark against — not quotes.
How HVAC technicians compare to other trades in Delaware
Here's how HVAC technician pay lines up against Delaware's other skilled trades:
| Trade | Median wage | Typical billed rate |
|---|---|---|
| Plumber | $31.11/hr | $70–$95/hr |
| Electrician | $30.63/hr | $65–$90/hr |
| HVAC technician | $29.96/hr | $65–$90/hr |
| Roofer | $28.58/hr | $65–$85/hr |
| Carpenter | $28.46/hr | $65–$85/hr |
Setting your own rate
Use these as benchmarks, not rules — your rate has to cover your real overhead and the profit margin you need. See how to price a job to run the math, then build a quote with the free HVAC technician estimate generator, or download BIG INVOICE to invoice from your phone with your rates saved.
Do HVAC technicians need a license in Delaware?
Licensing requirements depend on the trade and where you work. See Delaware contractor & trade licensing to check whether HVAC technicians need a state license in Delaware, which board issues it, and how to apply.
Frequently asked questions
How much do HVAC technicians charge per hour in Delaware?
In 2025, most Delaware HVAC technicians bill $65–$90 per hour. That rate covers the worker's wage (a $30/hr median) plus overhead and profit.
What is the average HVAC technician salary in Delaware?
The median HVAC technician in Delaware earns about $62,320 a year ($29.96/hr). Entry-level HVAC technicians earn around $45,000 and the most experienced earn $98,000 or more.
Do HVAC technicians earn more in Delaware than nationally?
Yes — Delaware's median HVAC technician wage is about 2% above the national median of $29.33/hr, ranking 21st of 51 states.
Which Delaware city pays HVAC technicians the most?
Dover, at a $28.76/hr median wage, is among the highest-paying metros in the state.
Wage data: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS), May 2025. Billed rates and job-cost ranges are illustrative estimates (median wage × 2.2–3.0 overhead-and-profit markup), not quotes.