HVAC Technician Career Guide

Learn what an HVAC Technician is, how much money an HVAC Technician can make and how to become an HVAC Technician.

Heating, Ventilation, Air-conditioning and Refrigeration Technicians are trained to install, maintain and repair a wide variety of HVAC/R equipment. HVAC service technicians can in one day work on a boiler in the morning, a walk-in freezer in the afternoon and finish their day programming a building automation system. The work of an HVAC Tech is diverse and constantly changing. This career field is in high demand and employers are constantly looking to hire workers that are willing to learn an exciting and challenging career.

Air-conditioning and refrigeration tools used to repair HVAC systems.

Refrigerant, manifold gages and vacuum pump. These tools are used to service refrigeration systems.

Job that is in demand
The HVAC industry is constantly growing. At the same time many workers are beginning to retire. Therefore, there are many great career opportunities for people interested in Heating and Cooling.
Interesting and Challenging
Heating and cooling workers are always learning new skills to improve their ability to solve complex problems. The work is very diverse and constantly changing.
No College Degree Required
You do not need an expensive college degree to work as a HVAC Service Tech. Many Technicians have acquired training through trade schools, apprenticeships, community colleges, the military or on the job training with an employer.

Where you can work as an HVAC/R Technician and job responsibilities

The skills that HVAC Technicians develop through training and experience can be applied to a wide variety of jobs. These jobs range from general maintenance to commercial service technician.

Maintenance Department

Hospitals, Public Schools, University's, large corporations and facilities typically will employ an in-house Maintenance Department. Individuals with skills in the HVAC/R field can easily find jobs as HVAC Technicians, Building engineers and Boiler Operators.These workers get to learn their buildings and equipment, typically have steady year round work and get to go home at the same time every day.

Construction

Installation of Heating, Ventilation, air-conditioning, and refrigeration equipment is a challenging and constantly changing work enviroment. No job is the same and this requires installation workers to constantly adapt and apply creative skills to get the job done quickly, safely and efficiently. These workers frequently travel to various job locations, work overtime and may experience slow times throughout the year. Installation workers have been in high demand lately as homeowners and facility owners upgrade Heating and cooling equipment.

Residential HVAC

Residential HVAC Technicians typically do both service, maintenance and installation of HVAC equipment in residential properties. These technicians may also service and maintain small commercial office or retail buildings. Residential heating and cooling technicians are typically very busy during extreme hot and cold weather. They can work significant overtime and also make money on sales of replacement HVAC equipment. In addition, these service technicians are typically provided company work trucks to drive to various service locations.

Commercial HVAC

Commercial HVAC Service Technicians work on a wide variety of heating, ventilation, air-conditioning and refrigeration equipment. These technicians also frequently encounter Building Automation Systems. They work with large heavy equipment, on ladders, roofs, frequently stand, climb, work near moving parts, noisy equipment rooms and high electrical voltage. Commercial HVAC Technicians must have strong troubleshooting skills to solve complex problems. Company trucks are typically provided to technicians. Work is steady year round and overtime can be significant. Workers are usually very busy during hot and cold weather.

HVAC Technician career progression idea's

Here are some career advancement idea's for HVAC Technicians that have several years of experience and training.

Facility Manager/Supervisor

Heating, ventilation, air-conditioning and refrigeration technicians can learn valuable skills throughout their career that can help them advance to the position of Facility manager/Supervisor. Facility managers/Supervisors typically lead skilled tradesmen in the safe and efficient maintenance and repair of large facilities. They are knowledgeable in building codes, OSHA regulations, industry practices and workforce leadership.

Inspector

Mechanical, boiler and building inspectors ensure new installations, buildings and boilers are safe for operation. Mechanical inspectors typically provide inspection of new installations in residential and commercial locations. Boiler inspectors provide inspection for new and existing boilers. Many state Governments employ boiler inspectors along with insurance company's. Inspectors typically need to be licensed and have several years of experience and training.

Sales Engineer

Sales Engineers work for product manufactures and help customers in the selection and use of their companies products. These workers help the customer select the correct product for the application, provide training and can assist in troubleshooting various problems that may occur. Sales Engineers usually requires some formal training, college, apprenticeship, years of experience and excellent people skills.

Building Automation/Controls Technician

Building automation technicians install, maintain and service building management systems that control heating, ventilation and air-conditioning equipment, building lighting and security systems. A building management system is connected to a computer allowing a technician to operate and control various equipment throughout a building. These technicians install and service sensors, controllers, electric relays and other electrical components. In addition, they use a computer to program controllers and schedule equipment to turn off and on and to maintain temperature controlled environments. Building automation technicians need very good computer experience, knowledge of HVAC systems, the ability to climb ladders, perform work on roofs, exposed to heights, may work in confined spaces, perform work in noisy mechanical rooms and the ability to safely work with electricity. These technicians typically drive a company truck to various work sites and may work irregular hours to provide customers assistance after hours.

HVAC/Energy Engineer

Company Owner

After completing training and several years of experience, an HVAC Technician can apply for a license to operate as a company owner. These workers are highly skilled and responsible for organizing, planning and completing heating, air-conditioning and refrigeration installation and repair projects. Company owners work directly with customers, facility owners, inspectors, engineers and employees. They are very busy and can work a significant amount of hours.

How to become an HVAC Technician and how much money an HVAC Tech can make

Attending a HVAC training school is important to a successful career as a HVAC Technician. Furthermore, an HVAC technician's salary typically increases upon completion of HVAC training and certifications. To get started, learn about the different HVAC training paths you can take to become an HVAC technician.

HVAC Technician Salary

A great website to get an idea of how much money you could possibly make as a HVAC Technician is The Bureau of Labor Statistics. It provides some excellent compensation information along with a detailed job outlook for HVAC Technicians, how to get started in the HVAC trade and typical working conditions of an HVAC Technician.

The Occupational Outlook Handbook is a great resource for various skilled trades occupations. Click here for more information on the HVAC Trade and other skilled trades careers-

Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Handbook

The Occupational Employment Statistics program provides compensation information for various occupations. Click here for more information on HVAC Technicians compensation-https://www.bls.gov/oes/current/oes499021.htm

HVAC Apprenticeship Program

A great way to get started in the HVAC field is an Apprenticeship program through a local Union. As an apprentice you will work for a union contractor and also attend classes at a union training facility. Apprenticeship programs typically last 4-5 years and apprentices receive pay increase as they progress throughout the program. Check out the following Unions for more information regarding Apprenticeship programs in your area.

United Association Union of Plumbers, Fitters, Welders and Service Techs. https://ua.org/
International Association of Sheetmetal Workers. https://smart-union.org/

Another good website to check out for information regarding apprenticeship programs is ResumeBuilder.com. Not only do they have great information on creating resumes they also have apprenticeship information for each state. Visit https://www.resumebuilder.com/apprenticeship-resources-by-state/

Community College and HVAC Technician Trade School

Community College:

Many Community Colleges have HVAC/R programs that teach service, maintenance and installation of heating and cooling equipment. Students in these programs typically earn a certificate or an Associates degree upon completion. Some Community College's, may also help students connect with employers. Check with your local Community College on what HVAC/R programs are available.

HVAC Tech Trade Schools:

There are many HVAC trade schools that specialize in training HVAC/R technicians. Many areas across the country have trades schools that teach Skilled Trades careers. Students in these programs typically earn a certificate upon completion. However, its important to research the training quality and how successful previous students have been at finding jobs. It's important to talk to local heating and cooling contractors on what their experience has been with students from a local trade school.

In short, Community Colleges and HVAC trade schools are a great way to get started in the HVAC Trade. Its important to research the quality of training and how successful previous students have been at finding and retaining jobs. Some Community Colleges and trade Schools may have programs to connect students with employers. Talk to local heating and cooling contractors on what their experience has been with these schools.

Military

There are many skilled trades and construction occupations throughout the United States Armed Forces. Each military branch has personnel that are highly trained to service, maintain and install anything that exist on a military base. Enlisted members of the Armed Forces, complete a basic training course then they must complete additional training before they begin working in their occupation. Members of the Armed Forces get 30 days of vacation each year, food and housing, medical, dental and many other important benefits. Educational benefits are available during your enlistment period and upon completion. Joining the military can be a great way to learn a skilled trades or construction occupation.

Always contact a Military Recruiter to learn more detailed information on job opportunities, training, benefits and other important information for employment within the Armed Forces.

Air Force:

Click here for more information on HVAC Technicians employed by the Air Force-https://www.airforce.com/careers/detail/heating-ventilation-air-conditioning-and-refrigeration

Navy:

Click here for more information on Machinist Mates employed by the Navy to service, maintain and operate HVAC/R equipment and steam turbines on ships-https://www.navy.com/careers/mechanical-industrial-technology

Click here for more information on Seabees employed by the Navy to install, service, maintain and operate land based HVAC/R equipment-https://www.navy.com/careers/construction

Coast Guard:

Click here for more information on Machinery Technicians employed by the Coast Guard-https://www.gocoastguard.com/active-duty-careers/enlisted-opportunities/view-job-descriptions/mk

Army:

Click here for more information on Utilities Equipment Repairer employed by the Army-https://www.goarmy.com/careers-and-jobs/browse-career-and-job-categories/mechanics/utilities-equipment-repairer.html

Marine Corp:

Contact a recruiter for additional information on Refrigeration and Air-conditioning Technicians (MOS 1161). Click here for more information-https://www.marines.com/

Explore our career resources for other Skilled Trades jobs that are in demand today

The Trades are in demand and hiring today! View our career resources for other skilled trade careers and learn how to get started in a rewarding skilled trade job. Learn what trades are most in demand today, how to get started and how much money you can make in the trades. It's a great time to Go Skilled Trades!

Skilled Trades Career Resources

Many Skilled Tradesmen have acquired their training through an apprenticeship program, trade school, the military or while working on the job. You do not need an expensive college degree to work in the Skilled Trades, facility maintenance or Construction field.

No College Degree Required

You do not need an expensive college degree to work in the skilled trades field. Many skilled tradesmen today, have acquired their training through apprenticeships, military, trade schools or working on the job.

No Expensive Student Loans

The average college student today graduates with a significant amount of debt due to their expensive student loans. On the other hand, an apprentice gets paid while completing their training program.

Great Rewarding Careers

There are many Skilled Trades and Construction career opportunities available today. Employers are constantly looking for workers with a good work ethic and the ability to learn new skills.