HVAC Technician Salary in Australia: What to Expect in 2026-27
Compare HVAC technician salary offers using the Salary Index. Median weekly earnings are $2,100, near the national line. Learn about awards, super, and tax.
The median HVAC technician salary in Australia is around $2,100 per week, placing it near the national average on the Salary Index.
HVAC Technician Salary: Reading Job Ads and Comparing Offers
When you see a job ad for an HVAC technician in Australia, the salary figure can be confusing. Is it above or below average? Does it include super? Is it based on an award or an enterprise agreement? This guide helps you make sense of the numbers using the Salary Index, where 100 equals full-time adult ordinary-time earnings of $108,352 per year.
What the Data Says About HVAC Technician Pay
Jobs and Skills Australia tracks Airconditioning and Refrigeration Mechanics (ANZSCO 3421). Their latest data shows a median full-time weekly earnings of $2,100 before tax. That works out to $109,200 a year, giving a Salary Index of about 100.8 – right around the national line. For context, the national minimum wage sits at index 48.2 ($52,255 annualised), so HVAC technicians earn more than double that.
But median is not the same as an offer. The figure comes from the ABS Survey of Employee Earnings and Hours (May 2025) and covers full-time non-managerial employees. It excludes part-time workers, managers, and apprentices. If you're comparing a job ad, check whether it states a base rate or a total package.
Awards and Minimum Rates
Most HVAC technicians are covered by the Airconditioning and Refrigeration Mechanics Award 2020 (or a state-based award). From 1 July 2026, award minimum rates increased by 4.75% following the Annual Wage Review. The Fair Work Commission's Modern Awards Pay Database provides detailed classification rates, but you'll need to look up the specific level for your role.
Entry-level award rates start at $25.74 per hour (the national minimum wage floor for award-covered employees). More experienced technicians on higher classifications earn significantly more. The Fair Work Ombudsman's P.A.C.T tool can help you calculate the correct rate for your situation.
Superannuation and Tax
From 1 July 2026, the super guarantee is 12% on top of your gross pay, up to the maximum contribution base of $270,830. So if a job ad says $100,000, the employer must also contribute $12,000 to super. Always check whether the advertised salary includes super or is base salary.
For tax, the 2026-27 resident rates are: nil up to $18,200, then 15% to $45,000, 30% to $135,000, 37% to $190,000, and 45% above that. Plus the Medicare levy of 2%. A technician earning $109,200 would have an estimated take-home pay of about $83,000 after tax and Medicare (assuming no HELP debt or other adjustments).
State and Industry Comparisons
Where you work matters. The Salary Index shows state benchmarks: NSW 101.2, VIC 98, QLD 97.9, SA 94.6, WA 106.9, TAS 88.6, NT 95.2, ACT 109.9. HVAC technicians in Western Australia or the ACT may earn more due to higher demand and cost of living. The mining industry (index 154.7) often pays more for HVAC work in remote sites, while retail and accommodation sectors pay less.
How to Compare Job Offers
When you see a job ad for an HVAC technician, ask:
- Is the salary base or total package (including super)?
- Does it match the award classification for your skill level?
- Does it include allowances for travel, tools, or on-call work?
- What state and industry does the role fall under?
Use the Salary Index to see where the offer sits against the national line. If the ad says $110,000, that's an index of about 101.5 – slightly above average. If it says $80,000, that's index 73.8, below the national line but still above the minimum wage.
Where to Find More Information
- Pay guides for award rates and classifications
- State comparisons to see how your location affects pay
- Industry benchmarks for HVAC in construction, mining, or services
- Topics on super, tax, and casual loading
Remember: the median is a guide, not a guarantee. Your actual pay depends on your experience, the employer, and whether the role is covered by an enterprise agreement that may pay above award.
Final Thoughts
HVAC technician salaries in Australia are generally around the national average, with good prospects for higher earnings in certain states and industries. By understanding the Salary Index and the award system, you can confidently compare job offers and know where you stand.
Questions people ask
What is the average HVAC technician salary in Australia?
According to Jobs and Skills Australia, the median full-time weekly earnings for Airconditioning and Refrigeration Mechanics is $2,100, which annualises to about $109,200. This is slightly above the national full-time adult ordinary-time earnings of $108,352 (index 100.8). However, actual pay varies by award classification, experience, and location.
How does the HVAC technician salary compare to the national minimum wage?
The national minimum wage from 1 July 2026 is $26.44 per hour ($1,004.90 per week). HVAC technicians typically earn well above this due to award rates and skill shortages. The median hourly earnings for HVAC technicians are $51 per hour (from ABS data), nearly double the minimum wage.
What award covers HVAC technicians and what are the minimum rates?
Most HVAC technicians are covered by the Airconditioning and Refrigeration Mechanics Award 2020 (or similar state awards). Minimum rates vary by classification and experience. The Fair Work Ombudsman's P.A.C.T tool provides current award rates. From 1 July 2026, award minima increased by 4.75%. Entry-level rates start around $25.74 per hour, with higher classifications paying more.