Are you thinking of becoming an HVAC technician? If so, now’s a great time to join the nearly 400,000 people already working in the industry!
One thing’s for sure – people will always need their heating and cooling systems! That means, there will always be a great demand for skilled HVAC technicians who can keep them in working order!
What exactly is involved in working as an HVAC technician? What’s the average salary for an HVAC technician? And what are job prospects for people entering this field right now?
Join us as we explore why HVAC technician is a solid career choice!
The Role of HVAC Technicians
Let’s start by defining HVAC. Any system in homes and businesses that is involved in heating, ventilation, or air-conditioning is an HVAC system. An HVAC technician service these systems.
HVAC technicians tend to specialize in either residential or commercial HVAC maintenance. You may be involved in servicing and repairing current systems or installing new systems.
HVAC Technician Training
During your HVAC technician training, you will gain a wide range of experience. This will include:
- Maintaining and servicing different air-conditioning and heating systems
- Diagnosing faults in HVAC systems
- Repairing existing HVAC systems
- Installing new HVAC systems
- Upgrading parts of current HVAC systems
This broad range of experience will help you to decide what your future career will look like. Most HVAC technicians choose to specialize in a particular area.
For example, some may focus only on servicing and repairs. Others may choose to focus on installing new systems.
The EPA provides certification for HVAC technicians. There are four types of certification:
- Type 1: Small appliances
- Type 2: High-pressure appliances
- Type 3: Low-pressure appliances
- Universal EPA certification – covering all three of the above
Many states also have their own requirements for HVAC certification and licensing.
Careers in HVAC
The type of HVAC business you work for will also influence the type of work you do. You can set up your own business, and choose your own specialism.
Alternatively, there is a demand for qualified HVAC technicians in construction companies. New buildings will need to have HVAC systems installed that are up to code. Your skills as a trained HVAC technician could be in demand in many construction companies.
Once you are trained and licensed, it’s good to develop a few years of experience in the HVAC technician role. Once you have that under your belt, you can apply for more senior positions.
This could include roles such as HVAC Maintenance Manager or Service Manager in medium to larger businesses. Take on further training and you could qualify for more senior roles either in engineering or management.
The Job Outlook for HVAC Technicians
Currently, the job outlook for HVAC technicians is favorable.
Conservative estimates predict a 5% growth in HVAC technician jobs over the next ten years. There is currently a shortage of skilled tradespeople in the US that has been going on for some time. It’s a great time to learn valuable skills and benefit from higher salaries and incentives.
HVAC systems have an average lifespan of 10-15 years. In the interim, they require regular maintenance and servicing. Add to that technicians who retire each year, and there are strong reasons to qualify as an HVAC technician.
A key area of growth is the promotion of energy-efficient HVAC systems. The US government is currently offering a range of incentives. These encourage homeowners to upgrade to more energy-efficient HVAC systems.
This means that HVAC technician jobs are likely to be in considerable demand in the future.
New Technologies
New HVAC technologies are constantly emerging to allow people to heat and cool their homes. The goal of these technologies is to use less energy, harness natural resources, and reduce our carbon footprint.
An example of this is air-source heat pumps. These systems are great for use in moderate climates. Develop your skills in installing these modern systems, and you will be in high demand!
Job Security
Advances in technology are jeopardizing certain jobs, especially in the manufacturing industry. However, in the HVAC field, this is not the case.
HVAC technicians will always be needed to install, service, and repair HVAC systems. Systems are becoming increasingly complex. It’s no longer possible for homeowners to do their own servicing and maintenance.
Develop the right specialist skills, and you should enjoy job security for the decades ahead.
All parts of the country and the world use HVAC systems. Developing these skills will mean that you are in demand wherever you choose to live.
Attractive Salary
According to the US Bureau of Labor Statistics, the mean annual wage for an HVAC technician in 2020 was $53,410. That works out at an average hourly rate of $25.68.
Of course, salaries vary depending on skills and experience. The most experienced and skilled HVAC technicians can earn over $80,000 annually.
The industries with the highest level of employment for HVAC technicians:
- Building equipment contractors
- Direct selling establishments
HVAC technicians are most in-demand in the states of Florida, California, Texas, New York, and Pennsylvania.
However, if you’re looking to max out your HVAC technician salary, consider Alaska. At $79,630 per year, they pay the highest average salary of any state.
If that’s a little out of your comfort zone, then the District of Columbia comes in next at $73,460. But don’t forget to factor in the cost of living in these locations.
Let HVAC Training HQ Give You a Helping Hand
HVAC technicians are in great demand. People will always need to have HVAC systems installed, repaired, and upgraded. Government incentives mean more people will soon upgrade to more energy-efficient HVAC systems.
With emerging technologies, the future is looking very bright for people entering this exciting field of work. Now’s the time to get high-quality training in current and emerging HVAC technology.
HVAC Training HQ is your one-stop shop for HVAC training and careers. We have information about training requirements by state. We’ll also guide you through the hiring process and training available to you locally.
Search for your local training center now by entering your zip code!