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 expects careers in this field will increase by 13 percent by 2028.

There are several reasons why these jobs are expanding so rapidly. One is homeowners using government incentives to get more energy-efficient comfort systems. Then there’s the ban on R-22 Freon® refrigerants, which impacts old equipment. In conclusion, there’s the red-hot housing market and a property shortage that’s driven a boost 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 Is an HVAC Technician?

An HVAC technician is a person who repairs, installs and maintains heating and cooling equipment. Most assist both homeowners and business owners. And, most important, you’ll be skilled in:

Some are HVAC-R techs, which means they also can take care of refrigeration.

Is an HVAC Career Hard?

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

  • Work in uncomfortable 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 days.

One of the most common misconceptions about HVAC is that it’s a blue-collar job. You need a certain skill set, in-depth education and ongoing certification.

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

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

How to Become an HVAC Professional

To become an HVAC technician, you will require a high school diploma or GED, plus comprehensive education. Other more specialized (and higher paying) HVAC jobs typically must have extra education 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 depends on the program, which is often six months to two years. Your employer might also expect NATE certification. This stands for North American Technician Excellence, this top accreditation expands your technical know-how 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 becomes more technologically advanced.

Another advantage 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 is around $5,000 annually. In comparison, 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 your situation. If you work in repairs, you may 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 normal business hours.

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

As we went over previously, you should be used to working outdoors in extreme weather, as well as in dirty or cramped spaces. If you work in a customer-facing role, strong customer service skills are always an advantage.

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

As HVAC is a quickly growing industry, 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 might be different based on your location and its cost of living.

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

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 experiencing high 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 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 makes 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 jobs 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 growth is anticipated to fuel expansion in these states, according to hvacclasses.org.

Kickstart Your HVAC Career with Farris Heating & Air

HVAC technicians are required across the nation and in Bartlesville. To discover more about our openings, view our careers page or reach us at 918-333-0376 right away!