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 offered, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, which expects careers in this trade will grow by 13 percent by 2028.

There are a few reasons why these jobs are growing so quickly. One is homeowners using 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 real estate market and a home shortage that’s driven an increase in new construction residences.

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 earn.

What Are HVAC Technicians?

An HVAC technician is an individual who repairs, installs and maintains heating and cooling units. 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 take care of refrigeration.

Is Working in HVAC Difficult?

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

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

One of the most common misconceptions about HVAC is that it’s a blue-collar position. It requires a certain skill set, in-depth instruction and ongoing certification.

It’s an excellent career possibility if you want to:

  • Avoid a lot of educational debt.
  • Avoid sitting at a desk or in an office.
  • Have job security realizing your position can’t be outsourced.
  • Work as your own boss and run your own successful business.

Steps for Becoming 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 positions typically must have extra instruction or qualifications.

You can become 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 typically six months to two years. Your employer might also want NATE certification. This stands for North American Technician Excellence, this highly regarded endorsement expands your technical knowledge 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 evolves.

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

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

The Average Career of an HVAC Technician

Your work schedule might vary depending on your employer. If you perform repairs, you might work early, late or be on call. If you work in construction/home building or management, you might have more of a set schedule during typical business hours.

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

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

Typical Salary Rates 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 might fluctuate based on your state 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 needed 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 dealing with explosive construction growth. Here’s why:

  • Florida: Hurricanes, education and healthcare locations.
  • California: Wildfires, transportation, energy and utility projects.
  • Texas: Hurricanes, energy, utility and other infrastructure updates.
  • 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 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 growth is expected to fuel expansion in these states, according to hvacclasses.org.

Launch Your HVAC Career with AC Sales

HVAC technicians remain in demand across the USA and in Lafayette. To discover more about our openings, go to our careers page or call us at (337) 234-2345 right away!