HVAC Salary in Australia: Where It Sits on the Salary Index
Find out how the typical HVAC salary compares to the national average using the Australian salary index. Learn about median earnings, state variations, and award coverage for air c
The median full-time HVAC technician salary sits slightly above the national line at an index of approximately 100.8.
HVAC Salary in Australia: Where It Sits on the Salary Index
When people search for "hvac salary" in Australia, they usually want to know what a heating, ventilation, and air conditioning technician can expect to earn. This article uses the Australian salary index to show where typical HVAC pay sits compared to the national line. The index sets full-time adult ordinary-time earnings at 100, which in May 2026 was $2,083.70 per week or $108,352 per year.
What the Data Says
Jobs and Skills Australia tracks earnings for Airconditioning and Refrigeration Mechanics (ANZSCO 3421), the occupation that covers most HVAC roles. The latest survey (May 2025) shows a median full-time weekly earnings of $2,100 before tax. That works out to about $109,200 annually. The median hourly rate is $51.
On the salary index, that $2,100 per week gives a score of roughly 100.8 – just a whisker above the national line. For comparison, the national minimum wage (from 1 July 2026) is $26.44 per hour, or $1,004.90 per week, which sits at index 48.2. So a typical HVAC technician earns more than double the minimum wage.
How the Salary Index Works
The Salary Index compares any gross annual salary to the national benchmark. You take the yearly figure, divide by $108,352, and multiply by 100. For HVAC: $109,200 ÷ $108,352 × 100 ≈ 100.8. An index of 100 means you earn exactly the national average for full-time adult ordinary-time workers. Above 100 means above average; below means below.
State and Industry Variations
HVAC mechanics are not spread evenly. Jobs and Skills Australia reports that 31% work in New South Wales, 19.6% in Victoria, and smaller shares in other states. The overall state salary indices from the on-site reference give a clue about regional differences:
- Western Australia has an index of 106.9, suggesting pay is generally higher there.
- Tasmania sits at 88.6, the lowest state index.
- New South Wales is 101.2, close to the national line.
- Victoria is 98.0, slightly below.
While we don't have state-specific HVAC medians, it's reasonable to expect that HVAC pay follows these patterns. A technician in WA might earn more than one in TAS, all else equal.
Industries also matter. Most HVAC mechanics work in Construction and Other Services (which includes repair and maintenance). The construction industry index nationally is not given separately, but the broader 'Construction' category often pays above the all-industries average. In contrast, retail and hospitality sit much lower (index 75.9 and 72.5 respectively).
Awards and Minimum Entitlements
Most HVAC employees are covered by a modern award – likely the Air Conditioning and Refrigeration Award or a similar classification. The Fair Work Commission's Modern Awards Pay Database sets minimum rates, allowances, and penalty rates. From 1 July 2026, award minimums rose by 4.75%. The national minimum wage also increased, but award rates often exceed that floor.
For example, an entry-level HVAC apprentice might earn a percentage of the adult rate, while a qualified tradesperson gets the full classification rate. The median of $2,100 per week is well above the award minimum for most classifications, reflecting experienced workers and possibly overtime.
Take-Home Pay Estimate
Using the 2026–27 resident tax rates (with tax-free threshold and 2% Medicare levy), a gross annual HVAC salary of $109,200 would result in take-home pay of roughly $82,000 per year, or about $1,577 per week. This is an estimate ignoring HELP repayments, salary sacrifice, or the Medicare levy surcharge. Superannuation at 12% (from July 2026) would add about $13,104 per year to the total package, but that is not included in the salary index.
Where to Find More
For a deeper look at how pay varies across Australia, see the states page. To compare HVAC pay with other trades and professions, browse the industries section. And if you want to understand the index calculation in more detail, read how the index works.
The Bottom Line
The typical HVAC salary in Australia sits just above the national line at an index of about 100.8. That means a full-time qualified technician earns slightly more than the average full-time worker across all occupations. Actual pay depends on location, experience, and the specific award or enterprise agreement. The data from Jobs and Skills Australia provides a solid benchmark, but always check your own award or contract for the exact rate.
Questions people ask
What is the average HVAC salary in Australia?
According to Jobs and Skills Australia, the median full-time weekly earnings for Airconditioning and Refrigeration Mechanics (HVAC technicians) is $2,100 before tax. This equates to roughly $109,200 per year. Hourly median earnings are $51. These figures are for full-time non-managerial employees and are a guide only.
How does the HVAC salary compare to the national average?
The national full-time adult ordinary-time earnings benchmark (index 100) is $2,083.70 per week or $108,352 per year. The HVAC median of $2,100 per week gives a salary index of about 100.8, meaning the typical HVAC technician earns slightly above the national line. For context, the national minimum wage sits at index 48.2.
What factors affect HVAC pay in Australia?
Pay varies by state (e.g., Western Australia has a higher overall index of 106.9), years of experience, employer size, and the specific modern award covering the role. Most HVAC mechanics work full-time (91%) and are covered by awards such as the Air Conditioning and Refrigeration Award. Overtime, allowances, and superannuation (12% from July 2026) also affect total remuneration.