Which States Have the Highest Demand for HVAC Workers in 2025?

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Local, national, and global forces are contributing to increased demand in the U.S. for HVAC professionals. By illustration, the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS 2024) projected a 9 percent increase in openings for HVAC mechanics and installers between 2023 and 2033—which is much faster than the average growth rate for all occupations nationwide. This is the latest data available as of April 2025.

There are varied reasons posited for the thriving HVAC industry. New building construction, retrofitting or replacing old systems, and evolving environmental laws are only three of the forces fueling this demand for qualified technicians. According to ResearchAndMarkets, the United States HVAC market was valued at $31.26 billion in 2024 and is expected to reach $38.45 billion by 2030, rising at a CAGR of 7.87 percent.

The industry report from SIS International is also optimistic, forecasting strong growth through 2030 due to the expansion of indoor air quality (IAQ), as well as European, Middle Eastern, and Asian market expansion. They additionally expect innovation and the popularity of smart HVAC systems to expand and grow the market.

HVAC and HVAC/R installations require skilled technicians. The equipment has become increasingly sophisticated, and the system is an integral part of the IoT in many structures. More and more of the components are automated, but the installation still requires a skilled professional. Every system is unique.

Using new construction rates and other factors, this guide explores the top states for HVAC installers in the U.S. in 2025.

States With the Highest Construction Rates

According to Research and Markets (April 2024), a vast amount of the construction market is located in ten states. The following five states report the most construction work:

  • California: Not only has California suffered devastating wildfires, flooding, and mudslides that have made rebuilding a priority, but also the state has “a large number of megaprojects in transportation infrastructure and energy and utility projects.”
  • Florida: Florida is another state hard hit by hurricanes, necessitating extensive rebuilding projects. The state also has mixed-use developments underway, as well as increased funding for education and healthcare facilities.
  • Texas: Texas continues to rebuild from hurricanes. It is also “the leader in energy and utility projects” as well as development and infrastructure projects.
  • New York: Several major infrastructure projects are underway in New York, along with an anticipated increase in residential projects. “The MTA, the Port Authority, and city government have all increased the funding they’re dedicating to infrastructure projects.”
  • Pennsylvania: Ranking fifth on the list is Pennsylvania according to Research and Markets. It has seen a steady rise in construction activity, particularly in the commercial and residential sectors. Pennsylvania’s location on the East Coast and investment in infrastructure projects have fueled demand. Additionally, urban redevelopment in cities like Pittsburgh and Philadelphia is contributing to the construction boom.

The remaining five of the top ten states for construction are Georgia, Illinois, Ohio, Washington, and North Carolina.

States that Employ the Most HVAC Workers

The Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS May 2024) found that the following states currently have the highest number of HVAC and HVAC/R workers employed:

State HVAC workers employed
1. Florida 38,290
2. California 34,020
3. Texas 32,070
4. New York 22,710
5. Pennsylvania 16,930
6. North Carolina 13,750
7. Michigan 13,720
8. Virginia 13,640
9. Ohio 13,570
10. Georgia 12,210

So, where is the demand expected to be the highest? According to Projections Central (2025), the following 20 states will have the highest expected percentage increase in positions for HVAC mechanics and installers between 2022 and 2032:

States Percentage increase in positions for HVAC mechanics and installers between 2022 and 2032
1. Utah 34.3 percent
2. Idaho 26.9 percent
3. Montana 26.1 percent
4. Wyoming 23.9 percent
5. Mississippi 20.2 percent
6. Oregon 19.3 percent
7. Arizona 18.3 percent
8. Georgia 17.6 percent
9. Texas 17.4 percent
10. Florida 16.9 percent
11. South Dakota 16.2 percent
12. New Mexico 16.1 percent
13. Colorado 15.6 percent
14. Nevada 14.8 percent
15. Rhode Island 13.6 percent
16. Iowa 13.3 percent
17. Nebraska 13.2 percent
18. North Carolina 12.9 percent
19. Wisconsin 12.9 percent
20. North Dakota 12.6 percent

The order of the top-employing states changes when expressed as the absolute number of jobs added rather than as a percentage. The states with the highest expected number of new openings for HVAC mechanics and installers include:

States New HVAC positions anticipated (2022-2032)
1. Florida 3,940
2. California 3,790
3. Texas 3,520
4. Pennsylvania 1,720
5. North Carolina 1,580
6. Georgia 1,380
7. Ohio 1,340
8. Virginia 1,260
9. Illinois 1,100
10. Tennessee 1,000
11. Arizona 990
12. Washington 990
13. New Jersey 950
14. Utah 930
15. Michigan 920
16. Missouri 860
17. Colorado 800
18. Indiana 750
19. Maryland 720
20. Wisconsin 660

These are the latest complete state figures available as of April 2025.

Reasons vary as to why these particular states are experiencing the most growth in HVAC.

For example, most of Arizona is hot and dry, so residents need cooling systems. Agriculture is also a significant part of Arizona’s economy, so cold storage facilities and refrigerated transportation are essential. Manufacturing in the state has increased, particularly for electronics and communication components. Manufacturing facilities often require specialized climate-control systems. More people, especially Americans over the age of 65, consistently move into Arizona than move out, which has led to increased construction of residences and facilities.

Similar to Arizona, agriculture and its refrigeration requirements in Florida contribute to the need for HVAC technicians. Florida also draws residents from colder northern states, which means the construction of new residences and facilities to accommodate them. However, tourism is the mainstay of Florida’s economy. The hospitality venues drive the need for climate-control systems.

The state of Washington is another example. Western Washington tends to be gray, chilly, and often rainy. Eastern Washington is hot in the summer, cold in the winter, and dry most of the year. The economy is diverse, with a substantial interest in tech and engineering plus agriculture. At a commercial level, companies like Microsoft, Boeing, or Amazon require specialized systems to keep equipment at the proper temperature.

Another factor is relative economic strength. States with industries doing well generally have higher rates of construction and a higher demand for HVAC professionals. For example, Statista placed California as having the strongest economy of all the states. Texas was second, followed by Florida, New York, and Illinois.

In their latest rankings of the best states, the U.S. News & World Report (2025) named Florida as having the strongest economy, based on employment, business environment, and population growth. Idaho, Utah, Colorado, and Nevada completed their list of the top five. Technicians interested in considering other states will find an alphabetical listing of the economic strengths and weaknesses in Kiplinger’s economic outlook for all 50 states.

Overall, each state has a unique combination of economic prosperity, job opportunities, and weather patterns that may make them ideal locations for HVAC/R professionals.

Sandra Smith

Sandra Smith was introduced to the HVAC industry when she worked as a bookkeeper and secretary for a small air-conditioning contractor. She eventually became a CPA and started her own practice specializing in small business taxes and accounting. After retiring from business, she began writing articles for newspapers, magazines, and websites. She also authored four books. Sandra makes her home in the mountains with a rescue dog that naps on her lap as she writes.

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