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Permit&Labor
US Construction & Trade Index
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Reviewed by Arthur M. Vance, PE, CBO Verified Professional
Licensed Professional Engineer (Lic #PE-88412) & ICC Certified Building Official. Validated against 2026 BLS OEWS May regional updates and Tennessee Department of Labor benchmarks.
Tennessee (TN) SOC 49-9021 2017/2020 NEC Active

HVAC / Mechanical Contractor Hourly Rates & Contractor Costs in Tennessee (2026)

State-specific wage telemetry for Tennessee derived from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS OEWS). Regional hourly compensation, billable contractor spreads, and licensing verification for Tennessee.

📌 Tennessee HVAC / Mechanical Contractor Cost Snapshot (2026)

TN Labor Index: 0.91x
Tennessee Median Wage
$27.44 / hr
Contractor Billable Range
$73–$136 / hr
Journeyman Billable
$86.45 / hr
Governing Code
2018/2021 Tennessee State Code
TN 10th Percentile
$17.75
Entry-level wage
TN Median Wage
$27.44
BLS Tennessee median
TN 90th Percentile
$44.86
Master mechanic tier
Tennessee Billable Spread
$73–$136/hr
Contractor invoice rate
Interactive Calculation Engine

⚡ Quick Tennessee HVAC / Mechanical Contractor Cost Calculator

Tennessee Multiplier: 0.91x
Labor Total: $0.00
Materials & Tax: $0.00
Est. Permit Allocation: $150.00
Total Estimated Outlay: $0.00

👨‍🔧 Tennessee Experience Tiers & Billing Rates

Apprentice: $20.02/hr (Billable: $50.05/hr)
Journeyman (TN Licensed): $30.03/hr (Billable: $86.45/hr)
Master / Specialist: $42.32/hr (Billable: $127.40/hr)

🏛️ Tennessee Governing Codes & Licensing Authority

State Building Code: 2018/2021 Tennessee State Code
Electrical / Energy Code: 2017/2020 NEC
Cost of Labor Index: 0.91x national baseline
🔗 Tennessee Licensing Board Portal

❓ Frequently Asked Questions (Tennessee HVAC / Mechanical Contractor Rates)

How much does a HVAC / Mechanical Contractor charge per hour in Tennessee?

In 2026, licensed HVAC / Mechanical Contractors in Tennessee average a median BLS wage of $27.44/hour. Billable contractor rates range between $73 and $136/hour depending on master tier certification, service complexity, and whether the job is scheduled or emergency after-hours.

What is the difference in billing rates between Journeyman and Master HVAC / Mechanical Contractors in Tennessee?

In Tennessee, Journeyman mechanics bill out at approximately $86.45/hour, while Master contractors and specialized technicians bill between $127.40 and $136.50/hour for complex engineering scopes and service calls.

What technical building and electrical codes apply in Tennessee?

All HVAC / Mechanical Contractor work in Tennessee must comply with 2018/2021 Tennessee State Code and 2017/2020 NEC. Failing to meet these standards can result in failed municipal rough-in inspections and re-inspection penalties.

How can I verify a HVAC / Mechanical Contractor contractor license in Tennessee?

Property owners and general contractors can verify active state licensing, general liability insurance, and workers' compensation coverage directly through the official Tennessee licensing portal at https://www.tn.gov/commerce/regboards/contractors.html.

🛠️ Other Specialized Trade Labor Rates in Tennessee

Licensed Electrician $30.19/hr Master & Journeyman Plumber $29.53/hr Roofing Contractor & Installer $24.12/hr Framing & Finish Carpenter $27.12/hr Concrete & Masonry Contractor $27.76/hr Drywall & Plaster Finisher $24.93/hr Professional Painting Contractor $22.93/hr Structural Engineer & Plan Reviewer $51.69/hr

Need Licensed HVAC / Mechanical Contractor Quotes in Tennessee?

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