HVAC Technician · Salary Comparison · 2026
HVAC Technician Salary: Dallas, TX vs Boston, MA
Side-by-side comparison of salary, taxes, cost of living, and take-home pay for HVAC Technicians in Dallas, TX and Boston, MA, based on BLS OEWS 2026 data.
1Which City Pays More After Tax?
Higher Gross Salary
✓ Boston, MA
$59,000 vs $70,000
Better Purchasing Power
✓ Dallas, TX
$52,679 vs $43,210
Best Take-Home (COL-Adj)
✓ Dallas, TX
$48,675 vs $37,930
2
Detailed Comparison
| Metric | Dallas, TX | Boston, MA | Diff |
|---|---|---|---|
| Median Annual Salary | $59,000 | $70,000▲ | -$11,000 |
| 25th Percentile | $45,430 | $53,900▲ | -$8,470 |
| 75th Percentile | $75,520 | $89,600▲ | -$14,080 |
| 90th Percentile | $94,400 | $112,000▲ | -$17,600 |
| Cost of Living Index | 112 | 162 | -50 |
| State Income Tax | 0%▲ | 5% | -5% |
| COL-Adjusted Median | $52,679▲ | $43,210 | +$9,469 |
| Est. Annual Take-Home | $54,516 | $61,446▲ | -$6,930 |
| COL-Adj. Take-Home | $48,675▲ | $37,930 | +$10,745 |
| Total Employment | 87,500 | 105,000 | -17,500 |
▲ = Higher value wins for this metric. Diff = Dallas, TX minus Boston, MA.
3Summary Analysis
On paper, Boston, MA pays $11,000 more (median: $59,000 vs $70,000). However, after adjusting for cost of living (index 112 vs 162), Dallas, TX provides better purchasing power ($52,679 vs $43,210 equivalent). Dallas, TX has no state income tax, which is a significant advantage.
Data: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics OEWS · 2026 · Cost-of-living indices from composite metro area data. Take-home estimates approximate only — consult a tax professional for accurate figures.