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

There are a few reasons why these jobs are growing so fast. One is homeowners taking advantage of government rebates to upgrade to more energy-efficient comfort systems. Then there’s the discontinuation of R-22 Freon® refrigerants, which impacts old equipment. Finally, there’s the red-hot housing market and a property shortage that’s driven a boost in new construction homes.

One of the number one needed jobs 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 an individual who fixes, installs and maintains heating and cooling equipment. Most work with both homeowners and business owners. And, most important, you’ll be skilled in:

Some are HVAC-R technicians, which means they also work with refrigeration.

Is Working in HVAC Difficult?

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

  • Work in extreme settings, including small or dirty spaces.
  • Work in hot or cold areas because 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 career. It requires a distinct skill set, extensive education and ongoing endorsements.

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

  • Avoid a lot of student debt.
  • Avoid working at a desk or in an office.
  • Have job security being sure your position can’t be outsourced.
  • Become your own boss and own your own prosperous business.

Steps for Becoming an HVAC Technician

To become an HVAC technician, you should have a high school diploma or GED, in addition to comprehensive instruction. Other more specialized (and higher paying) HVAC careers typically must have extra education or endorsements.

You can be certified by attending 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 require 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 says that technicians who have expertise with tablets, electronics and troubleshooting will be in large demand as equipment becomes more technologically advanced.

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

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

Common Duties of an HVAC Technician

Your work schedule could vary depending on where you work. If you do 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 set schedule during typical business hours.

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

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

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

Because HVAC is a fast-growing career, your salary will show 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 might differ based on your location and its cost of living.

Aside from 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 HVAC Technicians Are Needed the Most

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

  • Florida: Hurricanes, education and healthcare facilities.
  • California: Wildfires, transportation, energy and utility projects.
  • Texas: Hurricanes, energy, utility and other infrastructure updates.
  • 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 makes long-term occupational projections, anticipates 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 greatest 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 expected to contribute to growth in these states, according to hvacclasses.org.

Kickstart Your HVAC Career with Kirkfield Heating & Air Conditioning

HVAC technicians are needed across the nation and in Winnipeg. To discover more about our openings, see our careers page or reach us at 204-272-8128 today!