HVAC & Mechanical Subcontractor Bid & Labor Burden Calculator
Price hvac jobs accurately by factoring true payroll burden, field overhead, and target gross profit margin.
Pre-loaded with HVAC benchmarks (Workers' Comp: 6.0% – 10.5%)
FICA, SUTA + Workers' Comp (6.0% – 10.5%)
HVAC Subcontract Proposal
Date: 11/12/2026
HVAC Bid Summary
Raw Field Wages (80 hrs):$3,120.00
Burdened Labor (+28%):$3,993.60
Materials & Equipment:$5,350.00
Overhead Allocated (20%):$1,868.72
Break-Even Cost:$11,212.32
Projected Gross Profit (24%):+$3,540.73
Recommended Total Bid Price
$14,753.05
Estimated via SubShieldHQ.com • Valid for 30 days from proposal date.
HVAC Labor Burden & Insurance Benchmarks
HVAC contractors face elevated overhead from service fleets, EPA refrigerant compliance, sheet metal shop fabrication, and warranty callbacks.
Typical Workers' Comp Range: 6.0% – 10.5%
Why do HVAC subcontractors frequently underbid commercial change-outs?
Many HVAC bids omit crane rigging hours, start-up/commissioning labor, and a 18%–22% overhead allocation needed to cover service vehicles and warranty reserve.
Common HVAC Takeoff Materials
RTUs, split systems, sheet metal ductwork, refrigerant lines, thermostats, dampers
Common HVAC Equipment & Rentals
Cranes/rigging, vacuum pumps, recovery machines, scissor lifts, duct lifts