If you’re thinking about 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 increase by 13 percent by 2028.

There are a few reasons why these positions are expanding so quickly. One is homeowners using government refunds to upgrade to more energy-efficient comfort systems. Then there’s the end of R-22 Freon® refrigerants, which impacts old equipment. Lastly, there’s the red-hot home market and a home shortage that’s driven an increase in new construction residences.

One of the top needed positions is working as an HVAC technician. Discover about what they do, how to become one and about how much you can expect to earn.

What Are HVAC Technicians?

An HVAC technician is a person who fixes, installs and maintains heating and cooling equipment. Most serve both homeowners and business owners. And, most important, you’ll be skilled in:

Some are HVAC-R pros, which means they also can take care of refrigeration.

Is a Career in HVAC Difficult?

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

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

One of the most common misconceptions about HVAC is that it’s a blue-collar career. You have to have a distinct skill set, specialized training and ongoing certification.

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

  • Avoid excessive higher education debt.
  • Avoid being stuck at a desk or in an office.
  • Have job security realizing your position can’t be outsourced.
  • Be your own boss and run your own profitable business.

What to Do to Become a Professional HVAC Technician

To become an HVAC technician, you should have a high school diploma or GED, plus comprehensive education. Other more specialized (and higher paying) HVAC careers typically require extra education or certifications.

You can be certified by taking classes at a community college or trade school. How long it takes to become an HVAC technician depends on the program, which is typically six months to two years. Your employer may also want NATE certification. This refers to North American Technician Excellence, this highly regarded certification increases your technical know-how to help you better serve customers.

Career Explorer noted that technicians familiar with tablets, electronics and troubleshooting will be in great demand as equipment becomes more technologically advanced.

Another advantage of working in HVAC is little to no student debt.

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

The Average Career of an HVAC Technician

Your work schedule may vary depending on where you work. If you do repairs, you may work early, late or be on call. If you work in construction/home building or management, you could have more of a regular schedule during typical business hours.

As a technician, you’ll go to different locations for repair, maintenance or installation work. Some jobs might take longer than others, so the number of calls you can go on may vary.

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

Typical Salary Rates for {Professional Technicians|Technicians|Full-Time Technicians and Similar HVAC Jobs

As HVAC is a fast-growing 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 might be different based on your state and its cost of living.

Aside from running your own business, there are a few additional 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 in demand 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 explosive 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 projects.
  • 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 creates long-term occupational projections, anticipates these states to have the biggest 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 biggest number of new jobs during that time frame are expected 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 improvement is expected to feed expansion in these states, according to hvacclasses.org.

Kickstart Your HVAC Career with Stephen Hurst Pack Heating and Cooling

HVAC technicians remain in demand across the nation and in Circleville. To learn more more about our openings, view our careers page or reach us at 740-474-5940 now!