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 available, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, which expects careers in this industry will increase by 13 percent by 2028.

There are a few reasons why these jobs are growing so quickly. One is homeowners using government rebates to purchase more energy-efficient comfort systems. Then there’s the ban on R-22 Freon® refrigerants, which affects old equipment. Finally, there’s the red-hot home market and a house shortage that’s driven a bump in new construction residences.

One of the top 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 receive.

What Is an HVAC Technician?

A HVAC technician is a person who services, installs and maintains heating and cooling units. Most work with both homeowners and business owners. And, most important, you’ll be knowledgeable about:

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

Is HVAC a Hard Career?

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

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

One of the most common misconceptions about HVAC is that it’s a blue-collar career. You need a certain skill set, specialized training and ongoing qualifications.

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

  • Avoid a lot of educational debt.
  • Avoid sitting at a desk or in an office.
  • Have job security being sure 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 will require a high school diploma or GED, in addition to comprehensive training. Other more specialized (and higher paying) HVAC positions typically require extra instruction or certifications.

You can get your certification by going to classes at a community college or trade school. How long it takes to become an HVAC technician is linked to the program, which is usually six months to two years. Your employer might also expect NATE certification. This refers to North American Technician Excellence, this industry-leading accreditation improves your technical knowledge to help you better serve customers.

Career Explorer reports that technicians familiar with tablets, electronics and troubleshooting will be in great demand as equipment evolves.

Another advantage of working in HVAC is little to no educational debt.

According to Midwest Technical Institute, attending a technical or trade school typically runs around $15,000. A community college usually 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 your employer. If you perform repairs, you could 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 go to different locations for repair, maintenance or installation work. Some tasks might take longer than others, so the number of calls you can go on could vary.

As we mentioned previously, you should be accustomed to working outdoors in extreme weather, plus dirty or cramped spots. If you work in a customer-facing role, good customer service skills are always positive.

Average Salary for HVAC Technicians and Other HVAC Careers

Because HVAC is a quickly growing field, your salary will mirror it. The national average salary for an HVAC technician is $49,242, according to ZipRecruiter. Top earners receive between $56,600 and $68,000. However, salaries could differ based on your stateand its cost of living.

Aside from having your own business, there are a wide range of 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 needed across the country, but even more so in Florida, California, Texas, New York and Illinois. According to hvacclasses.org, these states employ the highest number of HVAC workers and are going through high construction growth. Here’s why:

  • Florida: Hurricanes, school and healthcare facilities.
  • California: Wildfires, transportation, energy and utility upgrades.
  • Texas: Hurricanes, energy, utility and other infrastructure updates.
  • New York: Residential and infrastructure updates.
  • 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 biggest number of new positions 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 fuel growth in these states, according to hvacclasses.org.

Grow Your HVAC Career with The Frazier Company

HVAC technicians are needed across the country and in Omaha. To discover more about our openings, see our careers page or reach us at 402-628-0206 right away!