If you’re thinking about a new, well-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 industry will grow by 13 percent by 2028.

There are a few reasons why these jobs are increasing so rapidly. One is homeowners using government incentives to upgrade to more energy-efficient comfort systems. Then there’s the discontinuation of R-22 Freon® refrigerants, which influences old equipment. In conclusion, there’s the red-hot housing market and a home shortage that’s driven a boost in new construction houses.

One of the top needed jobs is working as an HVAC technician. Learn more about what they do, how to become one and about how much you can expect to make.

What Is a Professional HVAC Technician?

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

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

Is HVAC a Hard Career?

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

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

One of the biggest misconceptions about HVAC is that it’s a blue-collar job. It requires a certain skill set, specialized education and ongoing qualifications.

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

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

Steps for Becoming an HVAC Technician

To become an HVAC technician, you should have a high school diploma or GED, as well as comprehensive training. Other more specialized (and higher paying) HVAC careers typically must have extra schooling or certifications.

You can become certified by taking classes at a community college or trade school. How long it takes to become an HVAC technician relies on the program, which is often six months to two years. Your employer might also want NATE certification. Known as North American Technician Excellence, this highly regarded accreditation increases your technical knowledge to help you better serve customers.

Career Explorer says that technicians who can work with tablets, electronics and troubleshooting will be in great demand as equipment becomes more technologically advanced.

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

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

A Typical Day of an HVAC Technician

Your work schedule might vary depending on your situation. 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 normal business hours.

As a technician, you’ll respond to different locations for repair, maintenance or installation jobs. Some work might take longer than others, so the number of calls you can take care of could 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, good customer service skills are always an advantage.

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

Since 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 make between $56,600 and $68,000. However, salaries may be different based on your state and its cost of living.

In addition to owning your own business, there are a few other career opportunities. These can be:

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 highest number of HVAC workers and are experiencing major construction growth. Here’s why:

  • Florida: Hurricanes, school and healthcare locations.
  • California: Wildfires, transportation, energy and utility updates.
  • Texas: Hurricanes, energy, utility and other infrastructure projects.
  • New York: Residential and infrastructure upgrades.
  • 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, 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 highest number of new openings 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 expected to contribute to growth in these states, according to hvacclasses.org.

Build a Career in HVAC with Kapaun & Brown

HVAC technicians are needed across the USA and in Marshalltown. To discover more about our openings, visit our careers page or call us at 641-812-2028 today!