HVAC Technician Salary in South Carolina

How Much Does a HVAC Technician Make in South Carolina?

The typical HVAC Technician salary in South Carolina ranges from $35,700 to $66,300, with the national median at $51,000.

Install and repair heating, ventilation, and air conditioning systems Your actual take-home pay as a HVAC Technician in South Carolina depends on:

• Your specific salary or hourly rate
• Federal income tax (10% to 37% progressive rates)
• FICA taxes (7.65% for Social Security and Medicare)
• South Carolina state income tax
• Local taxes (if applicable in your city)
• Health insurance and retirement contributions
• Cost of living in your specific city or region

Taxes for HVAC Technician in South Carolina

As a HVAC Technician working in South Carolina, you'll pay the following taxes on your income:

Federal Income Tax

Everyone in the US pays federal income tax, including HVAC Technician professionals. The federal tax system uses progressive tax brackets ranging from 10% to 37%, meaning you pay different rates on different portions of your income.

FICA Taxes

Social Security and Medicare taxes (FICA) total 7.65% of your gross income:

• Social Security: 6.2% (on first $168,600 in 2025)
• Medicare: 1.45% (no income limit)
• Additional Medicare: 0.9% on income over $200,000

South Carolina State Income Tax

South Carolina has a state income tax that applies to all HVAC Technician salaries earned in the state. The exact rate depends on South Carolina's tax brackets and your total income.

Use our South Carolina salary calculator to see your exact state tax based on your HVAC Technician salary.

Cost of Living for HVAC Technician in South Carolina

Your HVAC Technician salary goes further or shorter depending on the cost of living in your area of South Carolina. Key factors include:

• Housing: Rent or mortgage payments (often 25-35% of take-home pay)
• Transportation: Car payments, gas, insurance, or public transit
• Food: Groceries and dining out
• Healthcare: Insurance premiums, copays, prescriptions
• Utilities: Electric, gas, water, internet

A $51,000 HVAC Technician salary in a low-cost area of South Carolina provides significantly more buying power than the same salary in an expensive metro area.

HVAC Technician Salary Examples in South Carolina

Here's what different HVAC Technician salary levels look like in South Carolina:

Entry-Level HVAC Technician ($35,700)

• Gross annual salary: $35,700
• Federal tax: ~$4,284
• FICA: ~$2,731
• South Carolina state tax: Varies
• Approximate take-home: $24,990

Median HVAC Technician ($51,000)

• Gross annual salary: $51,000
• Federal tax: ~$8,160
• FICA: ~$3,902
• South Carolina state tax: Varies
• Approximate take-home: $34,170

Experienced HVAC Technician ($66,300)

• Gross annual salary: $66,300
• Federal tax: ~$14,586
• FICA: ~$5,072
• South Carolina state tax: Varies
• Approximate take-home: $39,780

Calculate your exact take-home pay: These are estimates. For precise calculations based on your specific situation, use our South Carolina salary calculator.

Compare HVAC Technician Salaries Across States

The same HVAC Technician salary can result in very different take-home pay depending on the state:

• No-tax states (TX, FL, NV, TN, WA): Higher take-home pay
• Low-tax states (AZ, IN, ND, PA): Moderate take-home pay
• High-tax states (CA, NY, NJ, HI): Lower take-home pay

A $51,000 HVAC Technician salary in California results in about $2,550 to $5,100 less take-home pay per year compared to the same salary in a no-tax state.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the average HVAC Technician salary in South Carolina?

The average HVAC Technician salary in South Carolina varies by experience, location within the state, and employer. The national median is $51,000, with typical South Carolina salaries ranging from $35,700 to $66,300.

How much does a HVAC Technician make after taxes in South Carolina?

After federal taxes, FICA, South Carolina state tax, and typical deductions, a HVAC Technician earning $51,000 in South Carolina takes home approximately $33,150 to $35,700 per year.

Is South Carolina a good state for HVAC Technician professionals?

It depends on your priorities. Consider South Carolina's cost of living, career opportunities, quality of life, and state tax burden when evaluating your options.

Next Steps

Ready to see your exact HVAC Technician take-home pay in South Carolina?

Use our South Carolina salary calculator →

Or compare HVAC Technician salaries across different states to find the best location for your career.