If you’re considering a new, successful career, look no further than heating, ventilation and air conditioning. HVAC is one of the most rapidly growing careers you can find, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, which expects careers in this field will expand by 13 percent by 2028.

There are a couple of reasons why these positions are growing so rapidly. One is homeowners using government refunds to upgrade to more energy-efficient comfort systems. Then there’s the ban on R-22 Freon® refrigerants, which influences old equipment. Finally, there’s the red-hot home market and a home shortage that’s driven a boost in new construction houses.

One of the most needed positions 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 equipment. Most serve both homeowners and business owners. And, most important, you’ll be knowledgeable about:

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

Is an HVAC Career Hard?

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

  • Work in extreme settings, such as crowded or dirty spaces.
  • Work in hot or cold areas since equipment is often outdoors.
  • Work evenings, weekends and overtime during peak times.

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

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

  • Not be saddled with a lot of educational debt.
  • Avoid being stuck 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.

What to Do to Become an HVAC Professional

To become an HVAC technician, you’ll need a high school diploma or GED, as well as comprehensive education. Other more specialized (and higher paying) HVAC positions typically require extra instruction or certifications.

You can become certified by attending classes at a community college or trade school. How long it takes to become an HVAC technician relies on the program, which is usually six months to two years. Your employer could also expect NATE certification. This stands for North American Technician Excellence, this top certification increases your technical knowledge to help you better serve customers.

Career Explorer reports that technicians who can work with tablets, electronics and troubleshooting will be in great 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 usually runs 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.

A Day in the Life of an HVAC Technician

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

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

As we mentioned previously, you should be comfortable working outdoors in extreme weather, as well as in dirty or cramped areas. If you work in a customer-facing role, strong 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 career, your salary will mirror 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 differ based on your state and its cost of living.

In addition to owning your own business, there are a few additional career opportunities. These involve:

HVAC manager, $72,515 average salary

HVAC service manager, $71,176 average salary

Where Are HVAC Technicians in High Demand?

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 most HVAC workers and are dealing with high construction growth. Here’s why:

  • Florida: Hurricanes, education and healthcare locations.
  • California: Wildfires, transportation, energy and utility updates.
  • 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 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 greatest number of new openings during that time frame are anticipated 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 anticipated to contribute to expansion in these states, according to hvacclasses.org.

Launch Your HVAC Career with Air Temperature Control

HVAC technicians are needed across the country and in Macon. To find out more about our openings, see our careers page or reach us at 478-202-3170 today!