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 predicts careers in this field will expand by 13 percent by 2028.

There are a few reasons why these positions are expanding so fast. One is homeowners taking advantage of government incentives to purchase more energy-efficient comfort systems. Then there’s the ban on R-22 Freon® refrigerants, which impacts old equipment. Lastly, there’s the red-hot real estate market and a home shortage that’s driven a boost in new construction houses.

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 receive.

What Is a Professional HVAC Technician?

An HVAC technician is a person who services, 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 professionals, which means they also can do refrigeration.

Is Working in HVAC Difficult?

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

  • Work in uncomfortable settings, such as tight or dirty spaces.
  • Work in hot or cold areas as equipment is typically outdoors.
  • Work evenings, weekends and overtime during peak times.

One of the most typical misconceptions about HVAC is that it’s a blue-collar position. You need a certain skill set, extensive instruction and ongoing certification.

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

  • Not be saddled with a lot of higher education debt.
  • Avoid being stuck at a desk or in an office.
  • Have job security realizing your position can’t be outsourced.
  • Become your own boss and run your own successful business.

How to Become an HVAC Technician

To become an HVAC technician, you’ll need a high school diploma or GED, plus comprehensive instruction. Other more specialized (and higher paying) HVAC positions typically must have extra instruction 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 is linked to the program, which is usually six months to two years. Your employer may also require NATE certification. This refers to North American Technician Excellence, this top certification improves your technical know-how to help you better serve customers.

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

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

According to Midwest Technical Institute, attending a technical or trade school typically is around $15,000. A community college typically runs around $5,000 annually. In contrast, 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 where you work. If you perform 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 fixed schedule during normal business hours.

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

As we talked about previously, you should be accustomed to working outdoors in extreme weather, in addition to 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 Similar HVAC Jobs

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

In addition to owning your own business, there are a wide range of extra 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 needed across the country, 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 major 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 updates.
  • Illinois: Companies relocating 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 highest 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 jobs during that time frame are forecasted 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 forecasted to feed expansion in these states, according to hvacclasses.org.

Grow a Career in HVAC with Home Comfort Heating & Air

HVAC technicians remain in demand across the USA and in Elk River. To discover more about our openings, go to our careers page or contact us at 763-276-0617 now!