HVAC Jobs Are in Demand: What You'll Do as a Technician and How Much You'll Take Home
Feb 23, 2024
Author
Jake Nielson
Manager
If you’re considering a new, successful career, look no further than heating, ventilation and air conditioning. HVAC is one of the quickest-growing careers offered, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, which expects careers in this trade will expand by 13 percent by 2028.
There are a few reasons why these careers are increasing so rapidly. One is homeowners taking advantage of government rebates to purchase more energy-efficient comfort systems. Then there’s the end of R-22 Freon® refrigerants, which affects old equipment. Lastly, there’s the red-hot housing market and a house shortage that’s driven an increase in new construction residences.
One of the top needed careers is working as an HVAC technician. Find out about what they do, how to become one and about how much you can expect to receive.
What Is a Professional HVAC Technician?
An HVAC technician is someone who services, installs and maintains heating and cooling equipment. Most work with both homeowners and business owners. And, most important, you’ll be skilled in:
Thermostats and home zoning
Indoor air quality products like air filters and air purification systems
Some are HVAC-R pros, which means they also work with refrigeration.
Is a Career in HVAC Difficult?
While HVAC can be physically challenging, it can also be highly satisfying. As a technician you’ll need to be able to:
Work in uncomfortable settings, such as small or dirty spaces.
Work in hot or cold areas as equipment is usually outdoors.
Work evenings, weekends and overtime during peak demand.
One of the biggest misconceptions about HVAC is that it’s a blue-collar job. You have to have a certain skill set, extensive training and ongoing endorsements.
It’s a fantastic career choice if you want to:
Avoid heavy amounts of educational 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 own your own prosperous business.
How to Become an HVAC Technician
To become an HVAC technician, you will require a high school diploma or GED, as well as comprehensive training. Other more specialized (and higher paying) HVAC positions typically must have extra instruction or qualifications.
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 might also require NATE certification. This refers to North American Technician Excellence, this highly regarded certification improves your technical expertise to help you better serve customers.
Career Explorer noted that technicians familiar with tablets, electronics and troubleshooting will be in big demand as equipment becomes more technologically advanced.
Another perk of working in HVAC is little to no student debt.
According to Midwest Technical Institute, attending a technical or trade school typically runs around $15,000. A community college often is 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 might vary depending on your employer. If you work in repairs, you may 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 typical business hours.
As a technician, you’ll respond to different locations for repair, maintenance or installation service. Some work might require more time than others, so the number of calls you can go to might vary.
As we went over previously, you should be accustomed to working outdoors in extreme weather, plus dirty or cramped spots. If you work in a customer-facing role, good customer service skills are always positive.
Potential Compensation for {Professional Technicians|Technicians|Full-Time Technicians and Other HVAC Careers
As HVAC is a rapidly expanding career, your salary will mirror 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 may differ based on your location and its cost of living.
Other than owning your own business, there are several other career opportunities. These can be:
HVAC manager, $72,515 average salary
HVAC service manager, $71,176 average salary
Where HVAC Technicians Are Needed the Most
HVAC technicians are desired across the United States, 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 experiencing high construction growth. Here’s why:
Florida: Hurricanes, school and healthcare locations.
California: Wildfires, transportation, energy and utility projects.
Texas: Hurricanes, energy, utility and other infrastructure upgrades.
New York: Residential and infrastructure projects.
Illinois: Companies flocking to the Chicago area.
Where HVAC Technicians Will Be in High Demand in the Future
Projections Central, who develops 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 highest number of new openings during that time frame are expected to be:
Florida, 5,420
Texas, 5,530
California, 4,100
North Carolina, 2,510
New York, 2,290
Colorado, 2,000
Ohio, 1,550
Pennsylvania, 1,510
Virginia, 1,500
Tennessee, 1,360
Washington, 1,290
Georgia, 1,270
New Jersey, 1,170
Utah, 1,170
South Carolina, 1,1060
Indiana, 940
Maryland, 820
Missouri and Arizona, 810
Michigan, 780
Weather and economic growth is forecasted to fuel increases in these states, according to hvacclasses.org.
Kickstart a Career in HVAC with Schraer Heating & Air Conditioning
HVAC technicians are needed across the nation and in Warrenton. To find out more about our openings, see our careers page or reach us at 636-456-5041 now!