HVAC Technician in Longview, TX

Here is a complete career guide for HVAC Technicians considering a move to Longview, TX.

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The Salary Picture: Where Longview Stands

As a local, I’ve watched the HVAC trade in Longview shift from a seasonal gig to a year-round necessity. The summers are brutal, and the winters, while not Minnesota-cold, put enough demand on heating systems to keep crews busy. For anyone considering this market, the numbers tell a clear story: Longview offers a stable, middle-class lifestyle for technicians, though it doesn't command the high-end salaries you might see in Dallas or Austin.

The median salary for an HVAC Technician in Longview is $53,732/year. This breaks down to an hourly rate of $25.83/hour. It’s a solid wage for the region, especially when you factor in the low cost of living. For context, this is slightly below the national average of $55,670/year, a common pattern for smaller metro areas in Texas. The job market isn’t flooded, either; the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) data for the Tyler-Longview metro area shows approximately 168 HVAC-related jobs. The 10-year job growth projection stands at 6%, which is steady, not explosive, reflecting consistent demand from both residential maintenance and commercial retrofitting in East Texas.

To give you a clearer picture of earning potential based on experience, here’s a breakdown. These figures are estimates based on local pay scales, factoring in certifications and overtime, which is common during peak summer and winter months.

Experience Level	Estimated Annual Salary	Estimated Hourly Rate
Entry-Level (0-2 years)	$40,000 - $48,000	$19.23 - $23.08
Mid-Level (3-7 years)	$50,000 - $60,000	$24.04 - $28.85
Senior (8-15 years)	$60,000 - $75,000	$28.85 - $36.06
Expert/Specialist	$75,000+	$36.06+

How does Longview compare to other Texas cities? It’s not at the top, but it’s far from the bottom. Here’s a quick comparison using the provided national average and regional data:

City	Median Salary (HVAC)	Cost of Living Index (US Avg=100)	Key Driver
Longview, TX	$53,732	88.4	Consistent residential & industrial demand
Dallas, TX	$58,000+	~105.5	Commercial high-rises, data centers, high volume
Houston, TX	$56,500+	~96.5	Industrial complex, petrochemical plants
San Antonio, TX	$52,000+	~90.2	Military base contracts, tourism
National Average	$55,670	100	Baseline for major metropolitan areas

Longview’s position is clear: it’s a stable market where your paycheck goes further. You won’t find the explosive growth of a tech boom, but you’ll find reliable work that supports a family.

The Real Take-Home: After Taxes and Rent

Let’s get down to what you actually bring home and what you can afford. Living in Longview is a significant advantage for a tradesperson. With a median salary of $53,732, your monthly take-home pay will be approximately $3,350 (after estimated taxes). Considering the local average 1BR rent is $930/month, you’re left with a healthy cushion for utilities, a car payment, and savings.

Here’s a realistic monthly budget breakdown for a single HVAC Technician in Longview:

Expense Category	Estimated Monthly Cost	Notes
Gross Monthly Income	$4,477	Based on $53,732/year
Taxes (Fed & State)	~$1,127	Estimated at ~25% for this bracket
Net Monthly Income	$3,350	What actually hits your bank account
Rent (1BR Average)	$930	Can be lower in some neighborhoods
Utilities (Electric, Water, Internet)	$200 - $250	Higher in summer due to AC
Car Payment/Insurance	$400 - $600	Essential for service calls
Fuel	$150 - $200	For commute and work travel
Groceries & Essentials	$300 - $400
Discretionary/Savings	$520 - $970	Leftover for emergencies or fun

Can they afford to buy a home? Absolutely. This is where Longview really shines for tradespeople. The median home price in Longview is around $200,000-$225,000. With a $53,732 salary, you’re within the standard 3x annual income affordability rule for a mortgage. A 30-year fixed mortgage at current rates would put your monthly payment (including taxes and insurance) around $1,400-$1,600. While this is a jump from renting, it’s manageable, especially if you have a partner with an income or are willing to start with a smaller, older home in a neighborhood like Judson or a suburb like White Oak. For a single-income household, it requires careful budgeting, but it’s a realistic goal within 3-5 years of starting in the field.

Where the Jobs Are: Longview's Major Employers

Longview’s economy is a mix of healthcare, education, and manufacturing, all of which need HVAC support. The job market here is less about large corporate headquarters and more about established local companies and regional service providers. Here’s who’s hiring:

1. Service Experts (formerly Air Conditioning Experts): A major national franchise with a strong local presence. They handle residential and light commercial work. They are almost always looking for service techs and installers. This is a great place to start for structured training.
2. Wright’s Temperature Control: A long-standing, family-owned local company. They specialize in residential HVAC and have a reputation for quality. They value long-term employees and often hire from local trade schools. Hiring trends are stable; they grow with the population.
3. Christus Health: The region’s largest healthcare provider, with Christus Good Shepherd Hospital (both North and South campuses) and numerous clinics. Their facilities management department employs in-house technicians for constant maintenance and system upgrades. These are stable, salaried positions with benefits.
4. Longview Independent School District (LISD): With over 20 campuses, LISD has a dedicated maintenance and operations team. HVAC techs here work on schools, ensuring comfortable learning environments. It’s a union-supported job with excellent benefits and a predictable schedule.
5. East Texas Oil & Gas Service Companies: Companies like Key Energy Services or ProPetro (which have yard/service facilities in the area) need HVAC techs for their offices, warehouses, and sometimes specialized equipment for remote field offices. These jobs often pay a premium for industrial experience.
6. Gregg County Government: The county maintains courthouses, administrative buildings, and facilities. Their facilities management team is a steady employer, often hiring through the county’s job board. It’s a competitive application process but offers great job security.
7. Local Industrial Plants: While not always publicly listed, plants like Boise Cascade (particleboard) or various chemical facilities in the nearby Kilgore area have in-house maintenance crews. These are specialty roles that require experience with industrial refrigeration and process cooling.

Insider Tip: The best jobs often aren’t advertised on Indeed. Stop by these companies in person, especially the smaller local ones like Wright’s. Bring your resume and introduce yourself to the office manager. In Longview, a handshake still goes a long way.

Getting Licensed in TX

Texas has a straightforward but mandatory licensing process. You cannot work as an HVAC technician without a license. The Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation (TDLR) oversees this.

1. Apprentice License: This is your starting point. You can apply as an individual or as part of a registered apprenticeship program (like through an HVAC company or a local union). There’s no exam, just an application and a fee. You must work under the supervision of a Master or Class B license holder.
2. Class B Technicians License: After accumulating 2 years of full-time, documented experience (4,000 hours) under an apprentice license, you can apply for the Class B exam. This covers residential and light commercial work (under 25 tons of cooling). The exam fee is $105, and the license fee is $100, renewed every 3 years.
3. Class A Technicians License: For larger commercial systems (25+ tons). Requires an additional 2 years of experience (or passing a more advanced exam) and typically a Master License holder’s supervision.

Timeline to Get Started:

• Day 1: Apply for your Apprentice License online through the TDLR website. Expect it to be processed in a few weeks.
• Year 1-2: Work full-time, logging your hours meticulously. Consider enrolling in a certificate program at Kilgore College (just 15 minutes away) or Panola College to bolster your knowledge.
• Year 2-3: Study for the Class B exam. Many local companies offer in-house training. The exam is a 100-question, multiple-choice test covering safety, codes, and systems.
• Total Cost: Apprenticeship application ($35), plus exam and license fees ($205 every 3 years). It’s a low barrier to entry for a career.

Best Neighborhoods for HVAC Technicians

Where you live affects your commute and lifestyle. Longview is a driving city, but traffic is minimal. Here are the best areas for a working HVAC tech:

1. North Longview (Judson Road/Estes Parkway area):
   • Rent Estimate: $850 - $1,100/month for a 1BR.
   • Why: This is the heart of residential service territory. You’re minutes from the largest neighborhoods, shopping, and major employers like LISD and Christus. The commute to most service calls is under 20 minutes. It’s affordable and central.
2. South Longview (Near Gregg County Fairgrounds):
   • Rent Estimate: $800 - $1,000/month.
   • Why: More affordable, with older, established neighborhoods. It’s closer to the industrial corridor and plants. A good option if you’re looking to buy a starter home. Commute to downtown is short.
3. White Oak (Independent Suburb), 10 mins east:
   • Rent Estimate: $950 - $1,200/month (smaller market).
   • Why: A separate city with a small-town feel, excellent schools, and a lower crime rate. Many technicians live here for the quality of life. It’s a reverse commute from the main Longview job hubs, which is easy. You might find more house for your money.
4. Kilgore (East of Longview), 15-20 mins:
   • Rent Estimate: $750 - $950/month.
   • Why: A major hub for the oil and gas industry, which means more industrial HVAC work and higher potential pay. The cost of living is lower, and it’s a growing area. The commute is straightforward on Highway 259.
5. Gladewater (West of Longview), 15 mins:
   • Rent Estimate: $700 - $900/month.
   • Why: A classic East Texas town with extreme affordability. If you’re willing to commute for work but save significantly on housing, this is a top choice. It’s quiet, with a strong community feel.

Insider Tip: If you’re looking to buy, check out neighborhoods like Summerhill or Pine Tree in Longview. They have older homes that are more affordable but often have good bones and mature trees, which are great for shade and energy efficiency.

The Long Game: Career Growth

Staying as a service tech is a solid job, but advancement is where the money and longevity are. In Longview, your growth path typically splits in two directions:

• The Management/Ownership Path: Many techs start their own shops after 10-15 years. The local market isn’t saturated, and a reputation for honesty and quality work can build a strong client base. Alternatively, you can move into a lead technician, then a service manager role at a larger company like Service Experts. This path involves less physical labor and more customer interaction and scheduling.
• The Specialization Path: This is where you can significantly boost your income. The premiums for specialties are real.
  • Commercial/Industrial Refrigeration: Working on supermarket cases, cold storage, or industrial chillers. This can push your salary into the $70,000+ range.
  • System Design & Sales (Comfort Advisor): Moving to the sales side, designing systems for new builds or major retrofits. Top performers in this role can earn $80,000+ with commissions.
  • Building Automation/BAS: Programming and servicing smart HVAC controls for large commercial buildings (like those at Christus or the university). This is a growing niche with very high demand and few qualified technicians.

The 10-Year Outlook: The 6% job growth is reliable. The drivers are consistent: an aging housing stock in Longview needs system replacements, and the commercial sector (healthcare, retail) is expanding. Climate change is leading to longer, hotter summers, which will only increase the demand for AC repair and high-efficiency replacements. The key to staying relevant is continuing education and embracing smart technology.

The Verdict: Is Longview Right for You?

Pros	Cons
Low Cost of Living: A $53,732 salary goes much further here than in a major metro.	Lower Ceiling: Top-end salaries are capped compared to Dallas or Houston.
Stable Job Market: Consistent demand from residential and healthcare sectors.	Limited Nightlife/Culture: It’s a quiet, family-oriented city. Not a social hub.
Easy Commutes: Traffic is minimal; you can get anywhere in 20 minutes.	Dependence on Car: You will need a reliable vehicle for work and life.
Strong Community: A genuine, small-town feel with friendly neighbors.	Slower Pace: Career advancement can feel gradual compared to faster-growing cities.
Good for Families: Excellent public schools and safe neighborhoods.	Heat and Humidity: Summers are long and intensely hot, which is your busy season.

Final Recommendation: Longview is an excellent choice for an HVAC technician who prioritizes stability, a high quality of life, and homeownership. If you’re a young technician looking to build a foundation, start a family, and own your home within a few years, this is a top-tier market. If your goal is to climb the corporate ladder rapidly, earn a six-figure salary, and live in a bustling metropolis, you may be better served in a larger Texas city. For the vast majority of tradespeople, Longview offers a balanced, rewarding, and financially sustainable career.

FAQs

Q: How competitive is the job market for a newcomer?
A: It’s not hyper-competitive, but you need to be proactive. Having your Apprentice License before you apply will set you apart. The 168 jobs can fill up, but turnover exists. Show up in person, be persistent, and emphasize reliability.

Q: Do I need a truck of my own?
A: Most companies provide a service van for technician roles, especially for service and repair. For installation, a personal truck can be a bonus. You will need a reliable personal vehicle to get to the shop and for on-call work, but you don’t need a work-truck to get hired.

Q: What’s the on-call/on-call schedule like?
A: It varies by company. Residential-focused companies often have rotating on-call schedules (e.g., one week in five). Commercial and healthcare facilities like Christus may have more structured, in-house on-call with shift differentials. It’s a standard part of the trade here and can significantly boost your overtime pay.

Q: Is it worth getting a degree from Kilgore College?
A: A certificate or Associate’s degree in HVAC/R from a local college like Kilgore is a fantastic move. It can shorten your apprenticeship time in the eyes of employers, give you a deeper understanding of theory, and often includes EPA 608 certification prep. It’s a strong signal of commitment and can lead to higher starting offers.

Q: How’s the weather impact on the job?
A: The East Texas climate is the core of the business. You’ll work hard from May through September on AC repair and replacement. Winter is for heating systems and heat pumps. The shoulder seasons (spring and fall) are for maintenance contracts. The heat is real—working on a rooftop in July is tough, so hydration and sun protection are non-negotiable.