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

There are a couple of reasons why these jobs are increasing so quickly. One is homeowners tapping into government rebates 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 bump 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 make.

What Are HVAC Technicians?

An HVAC technician is an individual who services, installs and maintains heating and cooling systems. Most serve both homeowners and business owners. And, most important, you’ll be knowledgeable about:

Some are HVAC-R techs, which means they also can take care of 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 difficult settings, including small or dirty spaces.
  • Work in hot or cold areas since equipment is usually 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 endorsements.

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

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

Steps for Becoming a Professional HVAC Technician

To become an HVAC technician, you will require a high school diploma or GED, in addition to comprehensive education. Other more specialized (and higher paying) HVAC positions typically require extra schooling 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 often six months to two years. Your employer may also expect NATE certification. Known as North American Technician Excellence, this highly regarded accreditation improves 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 large demand as equipment updates.

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

According to Midwest Technical Institute, attending a technical or trade school usually runs 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 Day in the Life of an HVAC Technician

Your work schedule might vary depending on where you work. If you do 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 usual business hours.

As a technician, you’ll visit different locations for repair, maintenance or installation jobs. Some jobs might require more time than others, so the number of calls you can go on might vary.

As we went over 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.

Potential Compensation for {Professional Technicians|Technicians|Full-Time Technicians and Similar HVAC Jobs

Since HVAC is a fast-growing industry, 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 could be different based on your state and its cost of living.

In addition to owning your own business, there are a wide range of extra 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 desired across the United States, but even more so in Florida, California, Texas, New York and Illinois. According to hvacclasses.org, these states employ the greatest number of HVAC workers and are dealing with high construction growth. Here’s why:

  • Florida: Hurricanes, educational and healthcare facilities.
  • California: Wildfires, transportation, energy and utility updates.
  • Texas: Hurricanes, energy, utility and other infrastructure upgrades.
  • New York: Residential and infrastructure projects.
  • Illinois: Companies relocating to the Chicago area.

Where HVAC Technicians Will Be in High Demand in the Future

Projections Central, who makes long-term occupational projections, forecasts 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 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 growth is expected to contribute to growth in these states, according to hvacclasses.org.

Build a Career in HVAC with Kapaun & Brown

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