Quick answer: Hvac technicians in Rhode Island typically bill $70–$95 per hour (2025). The median HVAC technician earns $32.39/hr ($67,370/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 Rhode Island compares to other states.
Hvac technician income in Rhode Island (2025)
Based on U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics wage data for Rhode Island's ~1,450 hvac mechanics, and installers:
| Experience level | Hourly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Entry-level (10th percentile) | $18.32 | ~$3,175 | ~$38,106 |
| Median (typical) | $32.39 | ~$5,614 | $67,370 |
| Experienced (90th percentile) | $50.04 | ~$8,674 | ~$104,083 |
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) | ~$32/hr |
| Typical shop rate (charged) | $70–$95/hr |
Where Rhode Island ranks
Rhode Island pays HVAC technicians 10% above the national median, ranking 14th of 51 states — in the upper tier nationally:
| Benchmark | Median hourly wage |
|---|---|
| Highest — District of Columbia | $40.57 |
| Rhode Island (14th) | $32.39 |
| National median | $29.33 |
| Lowest — Arkansas | $23.13 |
What common HVAC jobs cost in Rhode Island
At Rhode Island billed rates, here's what typical jobs run — labor plus materials, and every job differs:
| Job | Typical Rhode Island range |
|---|---|
| Service call / diagnostic | $85–$165 |
| AC tune-up / maintenance | $100–$275 |
| Refrigerant recharge | $175–$500 |
| Capacitor / part replacement | $175–$550 |
| Central AC replacement | $3,900–$8,300 installed |
| Furnace replacement | $3,300–$7,200 installed |
| Full system replacement | $5,500–$13,500 installed |
| Ductwork repair | $325–$1,100 |
| Thermostat installation | $175–$450 |
| Mini-split installation | $2,200–$5,500 |
Typical ranges to benchmark against — not quotes.
How HVAC technicians compare to other trades in Rhode Island
Here's how HVAC technician pay lines up against Rhode Island's other skilled trades:
| Trade | Median wage | Typical billed rate |
|---|---|---|
| Plumber | $36.77/hr | $80–$110/hr |
| Electrician | $35.62/hr | $80–$105/hr |
| HVAC technician | $32.39/hr | $70–$95/hr |
| Roofer | $29.63/hr | $65–$90/hr |
| Carpenter | $29.25/hr | $65–$90/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 Rhode Island?
Licensing requirements depend on the trade and where you work. See Rhode Island contractor & trade licensing to check whether HVAC technicians need a state license in Rhode Island, which board issues it, and how to apply.
Frequently asked questions
How much do HVAC technicians charge per hour in Rhode Island?
In 2025, most Rhode Island HVAC technicians bill $70–$95 per hour. That rate covers the worker's wage (a $32/hr median) plus overhead and profit.
What is the average HVAC technician salary in Rhode Island?
The median HVAC technician in Rhode Island earns about $67,370 a year ($32.39/hr). Entry-level HVAC technicians earn around $38,000 and the most experienced earn $104,000 or more.
Do HVAC technicians earn more in Rhode Island than nationally?
Yes — Rhode Island's median HVAC technician wage is about 10% above the national median of $29.33/hr, ranking 14th of 51 states.
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.