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 you can find, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, which expects positions in this field will increase by 13 percent by 2028.
There are a few reasons why these jobs are growing so fast. One is homeowners taking advantage of government incentives to purchase more energy-efficient comfort systems. Then there’s the discontinuation of R-22 Freon® refrigerants, which affects older equipment. Finally, there’s the red-hot housing market and a housing shortage that’s driven a boost in new construction houses.
One of the number one needed positions is working as an HVAC technician. Find out about what they do, how to become one, and how much you can expect to receive.
What Is an HVAC Technician?
An HVAC technician is an individual who fixes, installs, and maintains heating and cooling units. Most serve both homes and businesses. And, most important, you’ll be skilled in:
- Air conditioners
- Furnaces
- Mini-splits and heat pumps
- Thermostats and home zoning
- Indoor air quality products such as air filters and air purification systems
Some are HVAC-R professionals, which means they also can take care of refrigeration.
Is HVAC a Hard Career?
While HVAC can be physically challenging, it can also be highly fulfilling. As a technician you’ll be required to be able to:
- Work in difficult settings, such as crowded or dirty spaces.
- Work in hot or cold areas because the equipment is typically outdoors.
- Work evenings, weekends, and overtime during peak demand.
One of the biggest misconceptions about HVAC is that it’s a blue-collar position. It requires a certain skill set, specialized training, and ongoing qualifications.
It’s a great career choice if you want to:
- Avoid excessive educational debt.
- Avoid working at a desk or in an office.
- Have job security realizing your position can’t be outsourced.
- Become your boss and have your own successful business.
How to Become an HVAC Technician
To become an HVAC technician, you’ll need a high school diploma or GED, in addition to specialized education. Other more specialized (and higher paying) HVAC careers often require added instruction or endorsements.
You can become certified 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 often six months to two years. Your employer may also want NATE certification. This stands for North American Technician Excellence, this industry-leading certification expands your technical expertise to help you better serve customers.
Career Explorer noted that technicians familiar with tablets, electronics, and troubleshooting will be in large demand as equipment evolves.
Another benefit of working in HVAC is having little to no student debt.
According to Midwest Technical Institute, attending a technical or trade school typically is around $15,000. A community college usually runs around $5,000 annually. In comparison, the average student debt for a bachelor’s degree is $25,921.
A Day in the Life of an HVAC Technician
Your work schedule may vary depending on your situation. If you perform repairs, you could work early, late, or be on call. If you work in construction/home building or management, you might have more of a set schedule during usual business hours.
As a technician, you’ll visit different locations for repair, maintenance, or installation work. Some tasks could need more time than others, so the number of calls you can go to may vary.
As we talked about before, you should be used to working outdoors in extreme weather, in addition to in dirty or cramped spots. If you work in a customer-facing role, solid customer service skills are always positive.
Average Salary for HVAC Technicians and Other HVAC Careers
As HVAC is a fast-growing industry, your salary will reflect it. The national average salary for an HVAC technician is $49,242, according to ZipRecruiter. Top earners receive between $56,600 and $68,000. However, salaries could fluctuate based on your location and cost of living.
In addition to running your own business, there are several other career opportunities. These include:
- HVAC manager, $72,515 average salary
- HVAC service manager, $71,176 average salary
Where HVAC Technicians Are in High Demand
HVAC technicians are desired across the nation, but even more so in Florida, California, Texas, New York, and Illinois. According to hvacclasses.org, these states employ the highest number of HVAC workers and are going through high construction growth. Here’s why:
- Florida: Hurricanes, education, and healthcare locations.
- California: Wildfires, transportation, energy, and utility projects.
- Texas: Hurricanes, energy, utility, and other infrastructure updates.
- New York: Residential and infrastructure upgrades.
- Illinois: Companies flocking to the Chicago area.
Where HVAC Technicians Will Be in High Demand in the Future
Projections Central, which makes long-term occupational projections, expects these states to have the biggest demand for technicians by 2028:
- Utah, 31.1%
- Colorado, 29.7%
- Nevada, 27.9%
- Arizona, 21.4%
- Iowa, Oregon, and Montana, 18.5%
- Arkansas, 16.3%
- Florida, 16.2%
- South Carolina, 16%
- Texas, 15.9%
- Idaho, 15.7%
- Washington, 15.6%
- North Carolina, 15.5%
- Tennessee, 15.2%
- Wyoming, 14.3%
- Nebraska, 13.9%
- Indiana, 13.8%
- North Dakota, 13.8%
Here’s where the biggest number of new positions during that time frame are anticipated to be:
Weather and economic improvement are anticipated to feed growth in these states, according to hvacclasses.org.
Build Your HVAC Career with Air Houston Mechanical LLC
HVAC technicians are required across the USA and in Huffman. To find out more about our openings, go to our careers page or call us at (832) 501-3419 now!
The post HVAC Jobs Are Needed: What You’ll Do as a Technician and How Much You’ll Earn appeared first on Air Houston Mechanical LLC.