Can A HVAC Technician Afford Rent in Salem, MA?
Rent-burdened — rent takes 48.4% of gross income.
Salem rent: September 2026. Salary: BLS OEWS May 2024 (Massachusetts state estimate).
About rent and a hvac technician salary
HVAC technician pay sits near the US median household income and rises sharply with certification and overtime. At the national-average HVAC salary, the 30% rule supports about $1,433 a month in rent.
Cheaper rent nearby
These Massachusetts cities have lower median rent than Salem, which improves the affordability math on a hvac technician salary:
Compare with full rent data for Salem
View full rent data for Salem, MA →Frequently asked questions
Can a hvac technician afford rent in Salem, MA?
Median rent in Salem is $2,683 a month. A typical hvac technician in Massachusetts earns about $66,468 a year, which makes that rent 48.4% of gross monthly income. Under the 30% rule, the answer is no — rent exceeds the 30% threshold.
How much rent can a hvac technician afford in Salem?
Using the 30% rule, a hvac technician salary in Massachusetts (~$66,468/yr) supports up to $1,662 a month in rent. Salem's current median rent is $2,683/mo, which is $1,021/mo over the affordability threshold.
How many hours does a hvac technician work to cover rent in Salem?
At an hourly equivalent of about $32 an hour, a hvac technician in Massachusetts works roughly 84 hours a month to cover Salem's median rent of $2,683.
Where is rent cheaper than Salem for a hvac technician?
Nearby Massachusetts cities with lower median rent include Tewksbury ($2,682/mo), Andover ($2,682/mo), Andover ($2,682/mo). Each shifts the affordability math materially on a hvac technician salary.