Can A HVAC Technician Afford Rent in Madison, WI?
Rent-burdened — rent takes 40.5% of gross income.
Madison rent: September 2026. Salary: BLS OEWS May 2024 (Wisconsin 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 Wisconsin cities have lower median rent than Madison, which improves the affordability math on a hvac technician salary:
Compare with full rent data for Madison
View full rent data for Madison, WI →Frequently asked questions
Can a hvac technician afford rent in Madison, WI?
Median rent in Madison is $1,837 a month. A typical hvac technician in Wisconsin earns about $54,435 a year, which makes that rent 40.5% 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 Madison?
Using the 30% rule, a hvac technician salary in Wisconsin (~$54,435/yr) supports up to $1,361 a month in rent. Madison's current median rent is $1,837/mo, which is $476/mo over the affordability threshold.
How many hours does a hvac technician work to cover rent in Madison?
At an hourly equivalent of about $26 an hour, a hvac technician in Wisconsin works roughly 70.2 hours a month to cover Madison's median rent of $1,837.
Where is rent cheaper than Madison for a hvac technician?
Nearby Wisconsin cities with lower median rent include Oconomowoc ($1,834/mo), Oconomowoc ($1,831/mo), Monona ($1,825/mo). Each shifts the affordability math materially on a hvac technician salary.