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

There are several reasons why these positions are growing so rapidly. One is homeowners using government refunds to get more energy-efficient comfort systems. Then there’s the end of R-22 Freon® refrigerants, which affects old equipment. In conclusion, there’s the red-hot home market and a house shortage that’s driven a boost in new construction homes.

One of the number one 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 make.

What Is an HVAC Technician?

An HVAC technician is a person who services, installs and maintains heating and cooling systems. Most work with both homeowners and business owners. And, most important, you’ll be skilled with:

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

Is Working in HVAC Difficult?

While HVAC can be physically difficult, it can also be extremely satisfying. As a technician you’ll need to be able to:

  • Work in uncomfortable settings, like small or dirty spaces.
  • Work in hot or cold areas because equipment is usually outdoors.
  • Work evenings, weekends and overtime during peak days.

One of the most common misconceptions about HVAC is that it’s a blue-collar career. You need a distinct skill set, extensive education and ongoing certification.

It’s a good career choice if you want to:

  • Avoid heavy amounts of student debt.
  • Avoid working at a desk or in an office.
  • Have job security realizing your position can’t be outsourced.
  • Work as your own boss and run your own prosperous business.

What to Do to Become an HVAC Professional

To become an HVAC technician, you will require a high school diploma or GED, in addition to comprehensive training. Other more specialized (and higher paying) HVAC careers typically need extra schooling 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 is linked to the program, which is often six months to two years. Your employer might also expect NATE certification. This stands for 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 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 costs 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 Typical Day of an HVAC Technician

Your work schedule could vary depending on your employer. If you perform 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 regular schedule during typical business hours.

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

As we talked about previously, you should be used to working outdoors in extreme weather, as well as in dirty or cramped spaces. If you work in a customer-facing role, solid customer service skills are always an advantage.

Potential Compensation for {Professional Technicians|Technicians|Full-Time Technicians and Other Careers in HVAC

Since HVAC is a rapidly expanding field, your salary will reflect it. The national average salary for an HVAC technician is $49,242, according to ZipRecruiter. Top earners get between $56,600 and $68,000. However, salaries may be different based on your state and its cost of living.

Other than having your own business, there are a wide range of other career opportunities. These include:

HVAC manager, $72,515 average salary

HVAC service manager, $71,176 average salary

Where Are HVAC Technicians 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 dealing with high construction growth. Here’s why:

  • Florida: Hurricanes, education and healthcare locations.
  • California: Wildfires, transportation, energy and utility updates.
  • Texas: Hurricanes, energy, utility and other infrastructure updates.
  • New York: Residential and infrastructure updates.
  • Illinois: Companies moving to the Chicago area.

Where HVAC Technicians Will Be in High Demand in the Future

Projections Central, who creates long-term occupational projections, expects these states to have the greatest 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 highest number of new openings during that time frame are anticipated 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 anticipated to contribute to increases in these states, according to hvacclasses.org.

Build Your HVAC Career with Premium Air Services LLC

HVAC technicians are required across the country and in Tomball. To discover more about our openings, visit our careers page or call us at 713-364-9957 today!