If you’re wanting to find a new, well-paying career, look no further than heating, ventilation and air conditioning. HVAC is one of the most rapidly 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 several reasons why these careers are growing so quickly. One is homeowners tapping into government incentives to purchase more energy-efficient comfort systems. Then there’s the discontinuation of R-22 Freon® refrigerants, which influences old equipment. Lastly, there’s the red-hot housing market and a home shortage that’s driven an increase in new construction residences.

One of the number one 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 make.

What Is an HVAC Technician?

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

Some are HVAC-R techs, which means they also can do refrigeration.

Is HVAC a Hard Career?

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

  • Work in difficult settings, like tight or dirty spaces.
  • Work in hot or cold areas as equipment is typically outdoors.
  • Work evenings, weekends and overtime during peak days.

One of the most typical misconceptions about HVAC is that it’s a blue-collar career. You need a specific skill set, specialized education and ongoing certification.

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

  • Avoid excessive student 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 prosperous business.

How to Become an HVAC Technician

To become an HVAC technician, you’ll need a high school diploma or GED, plus comprehensive training. Other more specialized (and higher paying) HVAC careers typically require extra schooling 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 relies on the program, which is usually six months to two years. Your employer might also want NATE certification. This stands for North American Technician Excellence, this highly regarded accreditation expands your technical expertise to help you better serve customers.

Career Explorer noted that technicians familiar with tablets, electronics and troubleshooting will be in large demand as equipment updates.

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

According to Midwest Technical Institute, attending a technical or trade school often runs around $15,000. A community college typically is 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 your employer. 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 regular schedule during typical business hours.

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

As we went over 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 positive.

Average Salary for HVAC Technicians and Other HVAC Careers

As HVAC is a fast-growing industry, 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 could fluctuate based on your stateand its cost of living.

Aside from having your own business, there are several extra career opportunities. These involve:

HVAC manager, $72,515 average salary

HVAC service manager, $71,176 average salary

Where HVAC Technicians Are 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 most HVAC workers and are going through 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 updates.
  • Illinois: Companies moving 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 positions 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 forecasted to feed increases in these states, according to hvacclasses.org.

Engineer Your HVAC Career with Street Heating and Cooling

HVAC technicians are required across the country and in Rapid City. To learn more more about our openings, see our careers page or contact us at 605-206-3915 today!