HVAC Technician in Arlington, TX

The Salary Picture: Where Arlington Stands

As a local who’s watched the Arlington job market for years, I can tell you the HVAC trade is steady here—solid middle-class work with clear paths for growth. The numbers show a market that’s reliable but not booming. The median salary for HVAC Technicians in the Arlington Metro is $56,221/year, which translates to a solid $27.03/hour. This is slightly above the national average of $55,670/year, positioning Arlington as a reasonable market for skilled trades. However, with a Cost of Living Index of 103.3 (where the U.S. average is 100), your dollars stretch just a bit less here than in many other parts of the country. The Metro population of 398,423 supports a steady demand, with approximately 796 HVAC Technician jobs in the area. The 10-year job growth projection of 6% is modest, indicating a stable rather than explosive market.

Experience is the biggest factor in your earning power here. Based on local industry patterns, here’s how salaries typically break down:

Experience Level	Typical Years in Trade	Estimated Arlington Salary Range
Entry-Level	0-2 years	$40,000 - $48,000
Mid-Level	2-5 years	$50,000 - $62,000
Senior	5-10 years	$60,000 - $75,000
Expert/Specialist	10+ years, certs	$70,000+

When compared to other Texas cities, Arlington’s HVAC salary sits in a competitive middle ground. It trails behind the higher cost-of-living areas like Austin and Dallas-Fort Worth, where demand and housing costs push wages higher. However, it’s generally on par with or slightly above markets like Fort Worth and slightly below the Dallas core. The key is that Arlington’s lower housing costs compared to Dallas proper (where 1BR averages over $1,700) can make your dollar go further, even if the headline salary is a touch lower.

Insider Tip: Don't just look at the base salary. Many local companies, especially those servicing large residential developments in places like Viridian or commercial clients in the entertainment district, offer overtime and on-call pay that can add 10-20% to your annual income. The summer heat is relentless, and the demand for emergency AC repairs in July and August is guaranteed.

The Real Take-Home: After Taxes and Rent

Let’s talk real-world finances. A single-earner household making the median salary of $56,221 in Arlington faces a specific financial reality. After federal and state taxes (Texas has no state income tax), a rough take-home pay would be around $44,000-$45,000 annually, or about $3,700/month. The average rent for a 1-bedroom apartment in Arlington is $1,384/month. This leaves roughly $2,300/month for all other expenses—utilities, car payment, insurance, groceries, and savings.

Here’s a sample monthly budget breakdown for an HVAC technician earning the median salary:

Category	Monthly Cost	Notes
Rent (1BR Apartment)	$1,384	Average for an older complex or a new one in a less central area.
Utilities (Electric, Water, Internet)	$220	Higher in summer due to AC use.
Car Payment & Insurance	$400	Essential for a service vehicle or commuting to job sites.
Groceries & Household	$400
Health Insurance (if not employer-paid)	$250
Fuel & Vehicle Maintenance	$200
Savings & Discretionary	$800	A crucial buffer for tool investment, emergencies, or retirement.
Total	$3,654

This budget is tight but manageable. The big question is homeownership. With a median home price in Arlington hovering around $290,000, a 20% down payment is $58,000. On a $56,221 salary, saving that amount would take years of disciplined budgeting. This is why many technicians in Arlington start their careers renting, often splitting costs with a partner or roommate, and focus on gaining certifications to boost their income before buying. A two-income household makes homeownership much more feasible here.

Insider Tip: Look for apartments with energy-efficient windows and appliances. In Arlington’s climate, your electric bill can swing from $120 in the spring to $350 in August. A well-insulated unit can save you $50+ per month in peak summer.

Where the Jobs Are: Arlington's Major Employers

Arlington’s HVAC job market is a mix of large national chains, local family-owned shops, and specialized commercial contractors. The city’s sprawl—from the dense entertainment district to sprawling suburbs—creates diverse opportunities. Hiring is consistent year-round, with a peak in late spring as businesses prep their systems for the brutal summer.

Here are some of the key employers and the types of work they offer:

1. Residential Giants (Trane, Lennox Dealers): Large, established companies like A-1 Heating & Air Conditioning or Best Air Conditioning & Heating are constantly hiring. They focus on residential installs and service. Pay is competitive, and they often offer structured training and brand-specific certifications. Hiring trends: Steady, with a push for technicians who can handle both legacy and newer, high-efficiency systems.

2. Commercial & Industrial Specialists: Firms like Integrated Air Solutions or Johnson Controls (which has a major presence in DFW) serve Arlington’s commercial base, including the University of Texas at Arlington (UTA), Texas Health Arlington Memorial Hospital, and the massive Six Flags Over Texas entertainment complex. These jobs often pay more (closer to the senior range) but require experience with chillers, boilers, and complex control systems. Hiring trends: Growth in retrofitting older buildings for energy efficiency.

3. Property Management & Facility Services: Arlington has enormous multifamily complexes (like those near the AT&T Stadium area) and large corporate offices. Companies like Greystar or CBRE hire in-house technicians or contract with smaller, dedicated HVAC firms. These are reliable, salaried positions with benefits but less overtime. Hiring trends: Steady demand for maintenance technicians with HVAC as a core skill.

4. Local Family-Owned Shops: Don’t overlook smaller companies like Daffan Cooling & Heating or AB&R (Air Conditioning & Heating). They often have a strong community reputation and offer a more close-knit work environment. You may get broader experience, from installs to ductwork, and faster path to lead tech roles. Hiring trends: They often hire based on personal referrals and local reputation—networking is key.

5. Government & Institutional: The City of Arlington itself, the Arlington Independent School District (AISD), and the Fort Worth Independent School District (which serves parts of Arlington) employ HVAC technicians for facility maintenance. These are union or civil service jobs with excellent benefits and pensions, but the starting pay may be lower than the private sector. Hiring trends: Turnover is low, so openings are infrequent but worth watching.

Getting Licensed in TX

In Texas, HVAC work falls under the Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation (TDLR). Unlike some states, Texas does not have a state-level journeyman license for HVAC. Instead, you must work under the supervision of a Class A or Class B Air Conditioning and Refrigeration Contractor. However, you must obtain the proper registration.

Key Steps & Costs:

1. Gain Experience: You need at least 24 months of full-time work under a licensed contractor. This is documented on a form (ACR-123) signed by your employer.
2. Pass Required Exams: You must pass the Air Conditioning and Refrigeration Technician Exam (for Class A or B). The exam fee is approximately $120.
3. Apply for Registration: Once you have the experience and passed the exam, you apply to the TDLR for your own registration. The application fee is about $115. Your registration must be renewed annually (approx. $100).
4. Insurance: You must carry liability insurance, which can cost $800-$1,500/year for a solo operator or small business.

Timeline: From starting your apprenticeship to being fully registered and able to bid your own jobs takes a minimum of 2 years. Many technicians work as a registered technician under a contractor for several more years before starting their own business.

Insider Tip: The exam is notoriously detailed on the codebook (the International Mechanical Code). Don’t just study—take a practice course (like from the Associated Builders and Contractors chapter in Dallas-Fort Worth). It’s a worthwhile investment.

Best Neighborhoods for HVAC Technicians

Where you live affects your commute, budget, and lifestyle. Arlington is a large, car-centric city with distinct zones. Here’s a breakdown of 4-5 neighborhoods that are practical for HVAC techs.

1. East Arlington (near I-20 & Highway 360): This area offers some of the most affordable rents, with 1BR apartments averaging $1,100-$1,250/month. It’s close to the entertainment district (AT&T Stadium, Globe Life Field) and major employers like Six Flags. Commute to job sites across the city is straightforward via I-20 or Highway 360. It’s a practical, no-frills choice for saving money.

   • Rent Estimate: $1,200/month (1BR)

2. South Arlington (near I-30 & Matlock Road): This is a bustling, family-centric area with a mix of older homes and new apartment complexes. It’s close to major shopping (The Parks at Arlington mall) and offers a short commute to Dallas-Fort Worth International Airport (DFW) for techs who do commercial work for airlines or logistics companies. Rents are moderate.

   • Rent Estimate: $1,350/month (1BR)

3. North Arlington (near UTA & Collins Street): This area has a more urban, college-town feel due to the University of Texas at Arlington. You’ll find older apartment buildings and some new townhomes. It’s centrally located, offering easy access to downtown Fort Worth and Dallas. The rental market is competitive, but you can find good deals in older stock.

   • Rent Estimate: $1,400/month (1BR)

4. Viridian (East of I-30, near the lake): A master-planned community on the eastern edge of Arlington. It’s newer, more expensive, and feels more suburban. Rents are higher ($1,500-$1,700+), but it’s a great area if you have a family or value green space and modern amenities. It’s a bit of a longer commute to central Arlington jobs but close to major highways.

   • Rent Estimate: $1,600/month (1BR)

Insider Tip: Avoid the immediate vicinity of the entertainment district (AT&T Stadium area) for long-term rent. While it’s exciting, rents spike during football season and events, and parking can be a nightmare. Live a few miles away for better long-term stability.

The Long Game: Career Growth

The 6% growth projection tells the story: HVAC is a resilient career, not a get-rich-quick scheme. To accelerate past the median salary, you must specialize.

• Specialty Premiums: The highest earners are those who move beyond basic repairs. Certifications in commercial refrigeration (for grocery stores, restaurants), VRF (Variable Refrigerant Flow) systems, or building automation can add $5-$10/hour to your rate. EPA Section 608 certification (Type II or Universal) is non-negotiable for handling refrigerant.
• Advancement Paths:
  • Lead Technician: Oversee a small team, handle complex diagnostics.
  • Service Manager: Manages a team of techs, schedules, and inventory.
  • Sales/Estimating: For those with strong people skills, moving into sales for a large HVAC company can be lucrative (commission-based).
  • Business Owner: The ultimate goal for many. With 5-10 years of experience, a solid network, and contractor registration, starting your own shop is the path to the highest earnings, though it comes with significant risk and overhead.
• 10-Year Outlook: The demand will be driven by two factors: 1) The aging of the existing housing stock in Arlington (built heavily in the 80s and 90s), requiring system replacements, and 2) The push toward high-efficiency, heat pump systems due to new building codes and climate considerations. Technicians who are proficient in electrical diagnostics, smart thermostats (Nest, Ecobee), and heat pump technology will be in the best position.

The Verdict: Is Arlington Right for You?

Pros	Cons
Affordable Rent: Compared to Dallas, your housing costs are manageable on a technician’s salary.	Modest Job Growth: The 6% growth isn’t explosive; advancement often requires seeking out specialized employers.
Stable Demand: The climate guarantees year-round work, with a massive spike in summer.	Car Dependent: You will need a reliable vehicle for commuting and service calls. Public transit is limited.
Strategic Location: Easy access to the entire DFW metroplex, opening up more job opportunities in neighboring cities.	High Summer Utility Bills: Your take-home pay is impacted by extreme AC use from May to September.
Diverse Employer Base: From residential to commercial to institutional, you can pivot your career without leaving the city.	Competitive Entry-Level Market: Many people enter the trade, so you need to stand out with certifications and reliability.

Final Recommendation: Arlington is a strong, practical choice for an HVAC technician, particularly for those in the mid-career stage (2-5 years) who are looking to establish themselves. It’s not the highest-paying market in Texas, but the lower housing costs create a viable path to homeownership, especially for dual-income households. It’s ideal for technicians who value stability over the high-octane growth of a city like Austin. If you’re willing to specialize in commercial or high-efficiency systems, you can easily outpace the median salary. For a new apprentice, it’s a solid training ground with plenty of opportunities to learn on the job.

FAQs

Q: Is it worth getting an associate’s degree from TCC or UTA before starting?
A: For most HVAC jobs in Arlington, hands-on experience is valued more than a degree. However, a 2-year AAS degree from Tarrant County College (TCC) can give you a strong technical foundation, help you pass exams faster, and make you more attractive to large commercial employers. It’s a personal choice—experience pays the bills immediately, but the degree can accelerate long-term growth.

Q: How do I find the best-paying residential companies?
A: Word-of-mouth is everything in local trade circles. Talk to parts supply houses like Johnstone Supply or ARS; the staff there know which companies are hiring and treat their techs well. Check reviews on Google and BBB, but also ask current technicians directly—many are on professional forums like the r/HVAC subreddit where local chatter happens.

Q: What’s the deal with the “A” and “B” contractor licenses?
A: A Class A license allows you to work on any size system. A Class B license restricts you to systems under 25 tons. As a technician, you’ll often work under a Class A contractor. If you plan to own a business, you need to choose the license type that fits your target market (residential is usually Class B, commercial is Class A).

Q: Is the summer heat really as bad for work as they say?
A: Absolutely. July and August in Arlington are brutal. You’ll work long hours, often in attics exceeding 140°F or on sun-baked rooftops. Hydration, proper PPE, and a company that provides cooling breaks are critical. It’s physically demanding, so ensure you’re in good health and have a supportive employer.

Q: Can I make a living in Arlington with just a 1BR apartment?
A: Yes, especially if you’re single. The budget breakdown shows it’s tight but doable. The key is controlling other expenses—especially car payments and utilities. Many technicians in Arlington live in 1BR apartments for their first few years before upgrading to a house or a larger apartment with a partner.