HVAC Technician · Salary Comparison · 2026
HVAC Technician Salary: Richmond, VA vs Boston, MA
Side-by-side comparison of salary, taxes, cost of living, and take-home pay for HVAC Technicians in Richmond, VA and Boston, MA, based on BLS OEWS 2026 data.
1Which City Pays More After Tax?
Higher Gross Salary
✓ Boston, MA
$52,000 vs $70,000
Better Purchasing Power
✓ Richmond, VA
$51,485 vs $43,210
Best Take-Home (COL-Adj)
✓ Richmond, VA
$44,837 vs $37,930
2
Detailed Comparison
| Metric | Richmond, VA | Boston, MA | Diff |
|---|---|---|---|
| Median Annual Salary | $52,000 | $70,000▲ | -$18,000 |
| 25th Percentile | $40,040 | $53,900▲ | -$13,860 |
| 75th Percentile | $66,560 | $89,600▲ | -$23,040 |
| 90th Percentile | $83,200 | $112,000▲ | -$28,800 |
| Cost of Living Index | 101 | 162 | -61 |
| State Income Tax | 5.75% | 5%▲ | +0.75% |
| COL-Adjusted Median | $51,485▲ | $43,210 | +$8,275 |
| Est. Annual Take-Home | $45,285 | $61,446▲ | -$16,161 |
| COL-Adj. Take-Home | $44,837▲ | $37,930 | +$6,907 |
| Total Employment | 35,000 | 105,000 | -70,000 |
▲ = Higher value wins for this metric. Diff = Richmond, VA minus Boston, MA.
3Summary Analysis
On paper, Boston, MA pays $18,000 more (median: $52,000 vs $70,000). However, after adjusting for cost of living (index 101 vs 162), Richmond, VA provides better purchasing power ($51,485 vs $43,210 equivalent). Boston, MA has the lower state tax rate (5% vs 5.75%).
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.