HVAC Careers Are in Demand: What You’ll Do as a Technician and How Much You’ll Take Home

If you’re considering a new, high-paying career, look no further than heating, ventilation and air conditioning. HVAC is one of the most rapidly growing careers available, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, which estimates careers in this industry will grow by 13 percent by 2028.

There are several reasons why these careers are growing so quickly. One is homeowners tapping into government rebates to purchase more energy-efficient comfort systems. Then there’s the ban on R-22 Freon® refrigerants, which impacts old equipment. Finally, there’s the red-hot home market and a property shortage that’s driven a bump in new construction homes.

One of the top needed jobs is working as an HVAC technician. Discover about what they do, how to become one and about how much you can expect to earn.

What Is a Professional HVAC Technician?

An HVAC technician is someone who repairs, installs and maintains heating and cooling equipment. Most work with both homeowners and business owners. And, most important, you’ll be knowledgeable about:

• Air conditioners
• Furnaces
• Mini-splits and heat pumps
• Thermostats and home zoning
• Indoor air quality products like air filters and air purification systems

Some are HVAC-R technicians, which means they also can do refrigeration.

Is Working in HVAC Difficult?

While HVAC can be physically demanding, it can also be highly satisfying. As a technician you should be able to:

• Work in difficult settings, such as tight or dirty spaces.
• Work in hot or cold areas since equipment is typically outdoors.
• Work evenings, weekends and overtime during peak days.

One of the biggest misconceptions about HVAC is that it’s a blue-collar career. You have to have a certain skill set, in-depth instruction and ongoing certification.

It’s a fantastic career possibility if you want to:

• Not be saddled with heavy amounts of student debt.
• Avoid sitting at a desk or in an office.
• Have job security being sure your position can’t be outsourced.
• Work as your own boss and run your own successful business.

How You Can Start Your Careers as a Professional HVAC Technician

To become an HVAC technician, you will require a high school diploma or GED, as well as comprehensive education. Other more specialized (and higher paying) HVAC positions typically require extra instruction or certifications.

You can get your certification by taking classes at a community college or trade school. How long it takes to become an HVAC technician relies on the program, which is typically six months to two years. Your employer could also require NATE certification. This refers to North American Technician Excellence, this highly regarded endorsement improves your technical know-how to help you better serve customers.

Career Explorer noted that technicians who have expertise with tablets, electronics and troubleshooting will be in great demand as equipment updates.

Another advantage of working in HVAC is little to no instructional debt.

According to Midwest Technical Institute, attending a technical or trade school often is around $15,000. A community college often runs around $5,000 annually. In comparison, the average student debt for a bachelor’s degree is $25,921.

The Average Career of an HVAC Technician

Your work schedule might vary depending on where you work. If you work in repairs, you might work early, late or be on call. If you work in construction/home building or management, you may have more of a fixed schedule during usual business hours.

As a technician, you’ll visit different locations for repair, maintenance or installation work. Some jobs might need more time than others, so the number of calls you can go to could vary.

As we went over previously, you should be comfortable working outdoors in extreme weather, as well as in dirty or cramped spots. If you work in a customer-facing role, good customer service skills are always positive.

Typical Salary Rates for {Professional Technicians|Technicians|Full-Time Technicians and Other HVAC Careers

Because HVAC is a fast-growing career, your salary will reflect it. The national average salary for an HVAC technician is $49,242, according to ZipRecruiter. Top earners make between $56,600 and $68,000. However, salaries might fluctuate based on your state and its cost of living.

Aside from running your own business, there are several extra career opportunities. These involve:

HVAC manager, $72,515 average salary

HVAC service manager, $71,176 average salary

Where HVAC Technicians Are in High Demand

HVAC technicians are in demand across the nation, but even more so in Florida, California, Texas, New York and Illinois. According to hvacclasses.org, these states employ the most HVAC workers and are going through major construction growth. Here’s why:

• Florida: Hurricanes, school and healthcare facilities.
• California: Wildfires, transportation, energy and utility upgrades.
• Texas: Hurricanes, energy, utility and other infrastructure projects.
• New York: Residential and infrastructure projects.
• Illinois: Companies moving to the Chicago area.

Where HVAC Technicians Will Be in High Demand in the Future

Projections Central, who develops long-term occupational projections, forecasts these states to have the biggest demand for technicians by 2028:

1. Utah, 31.1%
2. Colorado, 29.7%
3. Nevada, 27.9%
4. Arizona, 21.4%
5. Iowa, Oregon and Montana, 18.5%
6. Arkansas, 16.3%
7. Florida, 16.2%
8. South Carolina, 16%
9. Texas, 15.9%
10. Idaho, 15.7%
11. Washington, 15.6%
12. North Carolina, 15.5%
13. Tennessee, 15.2%
14. Wyoming, 14.3%
15. Nebraska, 13.9%
16. Indiana, 13.8%
17. North Dakota, 13.8%

Here’s where the greatest number of new openings during that time frame are expected to be:

1. Florida, 5,420
2. Texas, 5,530
3. California, 4,100
4. North Carolina, 2,510
5. New York, 2,290
6. Colorado, 2,000
7. Ohio, 1,550
8. Pennsylvania, 1,510
9. Virginia, 1,500
10. Tennessee, 1,360
11. Washington, 1,290
12. Georgia, 1,270
13. New Jersey, 1,170
14. Utah, 1,170
15. South Carolina, 1,1060
16. Indiana, 940
17. Maryland, 820
18. Missouri and Arizona, 810
19. Michigan, 780

Weather and economic development is expected to fuel expansion in these states, according to hvacclasses.org.

Build a Career in HVAC with Three Rivers Heating and Cooling

HVAC technicians are required across the country and in Portland. To discover more about our openings, view our careers page or reach us at (503) 739-5400 right away!