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 fastest-growing careers offered, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, which predicts careers in this trade will expand by 13 percent by 2028.

There are several reasons why these positions are growing so rapidly. One is homeowners tapping into government refunds to get more energy-efficient comfort systems. Then there’s the discontinuation of R-22 Freon® refrigerants, which affects old equipment. Lastly, there’s the red-hot real estate market and a property shortage that’s driven an increase in new construction houses.

One of the most needed positions 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 Are HVAC Technicians?

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 with:

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

Is HVAC a Hard Career?

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

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

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

It’s a fantastic career possibility if you want to:

  • Not have excessive educational debt.
  • Avoid working at a desk or in an office.
  • Have job security realizing your position can’t be outsourced.
  • Be your own boss and have your own prosperous business.

How to Become a Professional HVAC Technician

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

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 may also expect NATE certification. Known as North American Technician Excellence, this industry-leading accreditation increases your technical know-how to help you better serve customers.

Career Explorer reports that technicians familiar 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 educational debt.

According to Midwest Technical Institute, attending a technical or trade school typically costs around $15,000. A community college typically is 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 your employer. If you perform 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 fixed schedule during usual business hours.

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

As we mentioned previously, you should be comfortable working outdoors in extreme weather, in addition to dirty or cramped spots. If you work in a customer-facing role, solid customer service skills are always a plus.

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

As HVAC is a rapidly expanding field, your salary will mirror 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 could be different based on your location and its cost of living.

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

HVAC manager, $72,515 average salary

HVAC service manager, $71,176 average salary

Where the Demand for HVAC Technicians Is Highest

HVAC technicians are in demand 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 experiencing explosive 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 upgrades.
  • Illinois: Companies relocating to the Chicago area.

Where HVAC Technicians Will Be in High Demand in the Future

Projections Central, who develops long-term occupational projections, expects 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 positions 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 development is forecasted to feed growth in these states, according to hvacclasses.org.

Launch a Career in HVAC with North Mechanical Heating and Cooling

HVAC technicians remain in demand across the country and in Payson. To find out more about our openings, visit our careers page or call us at 928-263-8570 now!