Career comparison
HVAC Technician vs. Solar Panel Installer
Side-by-side pay, training, growth and day-to-day duties to help you choose between two related careers.
HVAC technicians earn more at the median ($61,010 vs. $53,140), while solar panel installers usually get to work faster (1–6 months of training). HVAC technicians install, maintain and repair heating, cooling, ventilation and refrigeration systems. Solar panel installers install and maintain rooftop and ground-mounted solar energy systems.
Pay data: BLS OEWS, May 2025 · Outlook: BLS 2025–35 · Checked October 15, 2026
| HVAC Technician | Solar Panel Installer | |
|---|---|---|
| Median pay | $61,010 ($29.33/hr) | $53,140 ($25.55/hr) |
| Pay range (10th–90th) | $40,050 – $95,210 | $41,600 – $79,970 |
| Job growth, 2025–35 | +10.9% (much faster than average) | +36.5% (much faster than average) |
| Openings per year | 40,600 | 4,200 |
| Typical entry education | Postsecondary nondegree award | High school diploma or equivalent |
| Training time | 6–24 months | 1–6 months |
| Key credential | EPA Section 608 | NABCEP PV Associate |
| Work setting | HVAC technicians work in homes, offices, schools, hospitals, factories and stores. | Installers work outdoors on rooftops and ground-mounted arrays, often in heat and sun. |
What each job does
HVAC Technician
- Install heating, cooling and ventilation equipment and ductwork
- Perform preventive maintenance on systems
- Diagnose electrical, airflow and refrigerant problems
- Recover, recycle and charge refrigerants according to EPA rules
- Test pressures, temperatures, voltage and airflow
Solar Panel Installer
- Review site plans, permits and array layouts
- Install roof attachments, flashing and racking systems
- Mount and secure solar modules
- Run conduit and wiring between modules, inverters and panels
- Install inverters, optimizers or microinverters
How they’re similar
Both careers involve hands-on work, physical work, working outdoors, and in-demand. Both are part of the skilled trades & construction field, so many skills transfer between them.
Which should you choose?
Choose HVAC technician if…
- I like troubleshooting machines and electrical systems
- I can handle heat, cold and cramped spaces
- I’m comfortable talking with customers in their homes
Choose solar panel installer if…
- I like working outside and on rooftops
- Heights don’t bother me
- I’m interested in clean energy
Still torn? Take the HVAC Technician fit quiz and the Solar Panel Installer fit quiz, or the full Career Match Quiz.
Quick comparisons
Which pays more, HVAC technician or solar panel installer?
HVAC Technicians earn more at the median: $61,010 versus $53,140 for solar panel installers, based on BLS May 2025 data.
Which takes less time to train for?
Solar Panel Installers typically train faster (1–6 months) than HVAC technicians (6–24 months).
Which career has better job growth?
BLS projects solar panel installers to grow +36.5% from 2025–35, compared with +10.9% for HVAC technicians.