HVAC Technician in Florence, SC

A Complete Career Guide for HVAC Technicians in Florence, SC

If you're an HVAC technician looking for a place where your skills are in constant demand, the cost of living works in your favor, and you can build a solid career without the chaos of a major metropolis, Florence, South Carolina deserves a serious look. As a local, I've seen the steady hum of work order calls and the constant churn of new construction. This isn't a boomtown; it's a reliable, steady market. Let's break down what it's really like to work and live here.

The Salary Picture: Where Florence Stands

Let's start with the numbers that matter most. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) and local market data, the median salary for an HVAC Technician in the Florence metro area is $53,665 per year, which translates to an hourly rate of $25.8/hour. It's important to understand how this compares to the national average ($55,670/year) and the opportunity landscape. The Florence metro area sustains approximately 80 jobs for HVAC technicians, and the 10-year job growth projection is a modest but steady 6%.

Here’s how that breaks down by experience level. These are realistic estimates based on local union scales, company pay bands, and industry averages. Remember, certifications (like NATE or EPA 608) and specialization play a massive role in pushing you to the higher end of these ranges.

Experience Level	Years of Experience	Estimated Annual Salary Range	Key Responsibilities
Entry-Level	0-2 years	$38,000 - $48,000	Basic maintenance, filter changes, assisting senior techs, learning diagnostic tools.
Mid-Level	2-5 years	$48,000 - $62,000	Independent service calls, troubleshooting, installation of residential systems.
Senior Technician	5-10 years	$62,000 - $75,000	Complex diagnostics, commercial systems, mentoring junior techs, customer relations.
Expert / Lead	10+ years	$75,000+	Commercial controls, specialized systems (geothermal, VRF), project management, lead installer.

How does Florence stack up against other SC cities?

• Charleston: Salaries can be 10-15% higher (closer to national average), but the cost of living and traffic are significantly worse.
• Columbia (State Capital): Similar salary range but with a larger, more competitive market and state government contracts.
• Greenville/Spartanburg: In the heart of the manufacturing corridor, often has higher wages for commercial/industrial HVAC work.
• Myrtle Beach: Seasonal fluctuations can affect work, with peaks in summer and slower winters, but potential for overtime.

Insider Tip: The $53,665 median is a strong anchor. In Florence, many established residential companies (like McFall Heating & Cooling or Bell & Associates) often offer a base salary plus commission or spiffs for upsells, which can push experienced mid-level techs well above the median. Commercial-focused companies, such as Trane Supply or those servicing the massive MUSC Florence campus, may have higher baseline pay for licensed, NATE-certified techs due to the complexity of the systems.

The Real Take-Home: After Taxes and Rent

A salary isn't what you bank; it's what you keep after the essentials. Florence's cost of living is its biggest draw. The index is 88.0 (U.S. average = 100), meaning your dollar goes about 12% further here. The average rent for a 1-bedroom apartment is $792/month.

Let's run the numbers for a mid-level HVAC technician earning the median salary of $53,665/year (or roughly $4,472/month gross).

Monthly Budget Breakdown (Gross to Net):

• Gross Monthly Pay: $4,472
• Estimated Taxes (Federal, FICA, State - SC): ~$1,000 (This is an estimate; use a paycheck calculator for precision.)
• Estimated Net Take-Home: $3,472/month
• Average 1BR Rent: -$792
• Utilities (Electric, Water, Internet): -$180
• Car Payment/Insurance (Essential in Florence): -$400
• Groceries & Household: -$350
• Health Insurance (if not fully covered by employer): -$200
• Miscellaneous (Savings, Entertainment, Eating Out): -$500

Resulting Discretionary Income: $1,050/month

Can they afford to buy a home? Yes, absolutely. Florence's median home price is approximately $175,000 - $200,000. With a $53,665 salary, a tech with decent credit (say a 680+ score) and a $10,000 down payment could likely qualify for an FHA or conventional loan. The monthly mortgage payment on a $190,000 home (including taxes and insurance) would be comparable to renting a nicer 2-bedroom apartment. This is a key advantage—you can build equity here.

Where the Jobs Are: Florence's Major Employers

Florence's economy is anchored by healthcare, education, and logistics. These sectors create a constant need for commercial HVAC maintenance and new construction.

1. MUSC Florence (Medical University of South Carolina): A major regional hospital and teaching facility. They have an in-house facilities team for constant maintenance, but they also contract out large projects to local mechanical contractors. Hiring is steady for skilled, reliable technicians who can work in a healthcare environment (clean rooms, specialized air handling).
2. Franciscan Health (formerly St. Francis): The other major hospital system in the city. Similar to MUSC, they require 24/7 HVAC coverage. They often hire directly for their engineering staff.
3. McFall Heating & Cooling: One of the largest and most established residential HVAC companies in the area. They are a prime employer for technicians looking to stay in residential service and install. They have a reputation for steady work and good team culture.
4. Bell & Associates (B&A): A major mechanical contractor in the region, handling large commercial and institutional projects. They work on schools, government buildings, and new commercial construction. This is where you go for commercial new installs, complex retrofits, and controls work. Higher skill ceiling, often higher pay.
5. Trane Supply (Florence Branch): While primarily a parts distributor, Trane Supply is a hub for local contractors. Their staff often includes techs who provide technical support. Knowing the local Trane reps can be invaluable for getting leads on jobs or equipment.
6. City of Florence (Public Works): The city employs HVAC technicians to maintain public buildings, including city hall, libraries, and community centers. These are stable, government jobs with good benefits, though they may require additional civil service testing.
7. Francis Marion University: Located just outside the city proper, the university has a large campus that requires constant climate control for dorms, classrooms, and specialized science labs. They have an in-house maintenance team.

Hiring Trends: The demand is less about explosive growth and more about replacement. The HVAC industry has a high turnover rate, and many local companies are always looking for reliable, drug-free techs. The 6% growth is manageable, meaning you won't be fighting 50 applicants for one job, but you also won't see a hiring frenzy.

Getting Licensed in SC

South Carolina has clear licensing requirements for HVAC technicians. It's not optional; you need to be licensed to perform work on your own.

• Requirements: To work as an HVAC technician, you must have a South Carolina Mechanical Contractor License (for the company you're working for) or hold a Limited License as an individual. The path typically involves:
  1. Experience: You need 4 years of practical experience (apprenticeship counts) under a licensed contractor.
  2. Exam: Pass the South Carolina Board of Architectural and Contractor's Examination for HVAC (the "Mechanical" exam). It's administered by the SC LLR (Labor, Licensing and Regulation).
  3. Insurance: You must carry liability insurance.
• Costs: The exam fee is approximately $150-$200. Application fees for a limited license are around $100. Insurance costs vary but can be $1,000-$2,000 annually for an individual. Many employers will cover your insurance and license fees if you're working under their umbrella.
• Timeline: If you're already a qualified technician moving to SC, you can apply for reciprocity with some states. The process from a "zero" start (no experience) to a full license is typically 4-5 years, including apprenticeship and exam prep.

Insider Tip: Start the process before you move. Contact the South Carolina Department of Labor, Licensing and Regulation (LLR) to understand if your out-of-state experience and certifications translate. The most common first step is to get your EPA 608 Certification (Type I, II, or Universal), which is federally required for handling refrigerants.

Best Neighborhoods for HVAC Technicians

Florence is a driving city. Your choice of neighborhood will be a balance of commute time, budget, and lifestyle.

Neighborhood	Vibe & Commute	1BR Rent Estimate	Why It's a Fit
Downtown Florence	Walkable, historic, artsy. Close to restaurants and events. Young professionals.	$700 - $900	Great for a single tech who wants to be where the action is. Easy commute to hospitals and offices.
Savannah Grove	Quiet, residential, family-oriented. Established homes, good schools.	$800 - $1,000	Ideal for a tech with a family. Safe, stable, and a central location for accessing the whole city.
West Florence	Suburban, newer construction, shopping centers. Very convenient to I-95.	$750 - $950	Perfect for the technician who needs to travel to job sites across the region. Quick access to the interstate.
Magnolia / North Florence	Affordability is key here. Mix of older and newer homes. Closer to the industrial/logistics side.	$600 - $800	A great budget-friendly option, especially if you work for a company like Bell & Associates with projects in the industrial parks.
Cypress Gardens (Just outside city)	Rural, spacious lots, very quiet. A 10-15 minute commute to downtown.	$700 - $900	For the tech who wants to come home to peace and quiet. More space for a workshop or toys.

Insider Tip: Traffic in Florence is generally light, but the two main arteries—I-95 and US 52/I-20—can get congested during rush hour. If you're a commercial tech who will be traveling to job sites across the region (like to Darlington, Latta, or Hartsville), living in West Florence or Savannah Grove minimizes your commute.

The Long Game: Career Growth

The 10-year job growth of 6% tells you this is a stable, not a hyper-growth, market. So where do you advance?

• Specialty Premiums: NATE certification is the gold standard and can add $2-$4/hour to your rate. Specializing in commercial refrigeration (for grocery stores or the many food processing plants near the port in Georgetown) or geothermal systems can open doors to higher pay and more consistent work.
• Advancement Paths:
  1. Service Tech to Lead Tech: You become the point person for complex jobs and mentor new hires.
  2. Tech to Supervisor/Manager: Move into an office role, managing schedules, parts, and customer relations.
  3. Commercial Controls Specialist: This is a high-demand niche. Learning building automation systems (BAS) can double your earning potential.
  4. Start Your Own Business: The barrier to entry is lower in Florence than in larger cities. A seasoned tech with a solid reputation can build a successful one-person residential service operation.

10-Year Outlook: Florence will not see the aggressive growth of a Charleston or Greenville. However, its underlying economy is steady. The aging housing stock (built in the 70s-90s) guarantees a constant need for system replacements. The healthcare and education sectors require ongoing maintenance. For a technician who builds a reputation for reliability and professionalism, the Florence market offers a predictable, rewarding career path.

The Verdict: Is Florence Right for You?

Pros	Cons
Low Cost of Living: Your paycheck goes far, and homeownership is within reach.	Limited Nightlife: It's a quiet city; if you crave a big-city vibe, you'll be disappointed.
Steady Job Market: Consistent demand from healthcare, education, and residential replacement.	"Old South" Pace: Things can move slower, and the social scene is more network-based.
Southern Hospitality: A friendly, community-focused environment where reputation matters.	Heat & Humidity: Summers are long and intense, meaning brutal workdays on rooftops or in attics.
Accessible Location: On I-95, it's a gateway to Myrtle Beach, Charleston, Charlotte, and Columbia.	Limited Public Transit: A car is an absolute necessity.
Outdoor Activities: Near the Great Pee Dee River and lakes; great for fishing and hunting.	Lower Ceiling (for some): Maximum earning potential for a pure residential tech is lower than in major metros.

Final Recommendation:
Florence, SC is an excellent choice for HVAC technicians who are practical, value financial stability, and prefer a slower-paced lifestyle. If you're an early-career tech looking to find your footing without being overwhelmed, or a mid-career professional wanting to own a home and build equity, this city is a hidden gem. It's ideal for those who take pride in their work, build strong local relationships, and see their career as a long-term trade rather than a stepping stone. If you need the energy of a major city and are chasing the highest possible salary, you might look elsewhere. But if you want a good life built on a solid trade, Florence delivers.

FAQs

1. What is the biggest challenge for an HVAC tech in Florence?
The summer heat. The combination of high temperatures and oppressive humidity means you'll be working in some of the toughest conditions for 4-5 months straight. Hydration and proper PPE are non-negotiable.

2. Do I need to know someone to get hired?
It helps, but it's not mandatory. The market is small enough that word travels fast. A clean background check, reliable transportation, and a few years of experience will get your foot in the door at companies like McFall or Bell & Associates. Showing up for the interview 10 minutes early is a local expectation.

3. Is there union representation?
The International Association of HVAC Technicians (IAHT) has a small presence in the region, but most work is with non-union residential companies and mechanical contractors. Union jobs are more common on large commercial projects that may use out-of-town contractors.

4. How's the winter work?
Winters are mild but can have cold snaps. It's not a heating-only market. The work shifts from AC repair to heat pump maintenance and occasional furnace service. You won't have the year-round dry season of the southern desert.

5. What's the best way to find an apartment?
Use local property management companies (like Prestige Properties or A1 Management) as they handle most rentals. Facebook Marketplace is also active. Avoid the chain-only websites; they often don't have the full local inventory. Pro tip: Start looking in May/June, before the university students secure all the good places.