Last updated October 27, 2026. Heat pump installers and service techs are counted by the federal government under one occupation: Heating, Air Conditioning, and Refrigeration Mechanics and Installers (SOC 49-9021). Here’s what the most recent official numbers say for Massachusetts, and what real employers are advertising right now.
Official wage data: Massachusetts, May 2025
| Measure | Hourly | Annual |
|---|---|---|
| Employment in MA | 8,200 workers | |
| 10th percentile (entry level) | $24.44 | $50,820 |
| 25th percentile | $29.36 | — |
| Median | $37.16 | $77,300 |
| Mean | $37.38 | $77,760 |
| 75th percentile | $45.71 | — |
| 90th percentile (top earners) | $49.23 | — |
For comparison, the national median for the same occupation is $29.33/hour (about 409,670 workers nationwide), so the typical Massachusetts tech earns roughly 27% more than the US median.
Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS), May 2025 estimates, retrieved via the BLS Public Data API (series OEUS2500000000000499021xx and OEUN0000000000000499021xx). BLS OEWS: 49-9021. BLS does not break out heat-pump specialists separately; these figures cover all HVAC/R mechanics and installers.
What employers on this board are advertising
Among Massachusetts listings we’ve checked that state pay, advertised ranges run from $23/hour for a will-train installer role (C2S Energy, New Bedford) to $40–$50/hour for a senior lead installer (C2S Energy). Western-MA heat pump installers are advertised at $28–$45/hour (Alpine Heat Pumps, Granby), a North Chelmsford installer role at $25–$45/hour (EcoSave), and a Fall River licensed installer role at $30–$40/hour with a $5,000 sign-on bonus (Thielsch Engineering). One Worcester service/install role quotes $75,000–$120,000+ including commissions (AVID Energy Solutions). See current listings.
What moves pay up
- Licensing. Massachusetts refrigeration and sheet-metal licenses, and Connecticut S/D licenses, appear as requirements in most higher-paying postings.
- EPA Section 608 Universal. Federally required to handle refrigerant; nearly every installer posting asks for it.
- Commissioning skills. Postings at the top of the range ask for brazing, evacuation, superheat/subcooling charging and Manual J sizing.
- Service vs. install. Service techs who diagnose independently and take on-call shifts tend to sit above install-crew helpers.
Employer pay ranges are as stated on each employer’s posting on the date we checked; they are not BLS figures.