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

There are a couple of reasons why these careers are increasing so fast. One is homeowners tapping into government refunds to upgrade to 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 house shortage that’s driven an increase in new construction houses.

One of the top needed jobs is working as an HVAC technician. Discover about what they do, how to become one and about how much you can expect to make.

What Is a Professional HVAC Technician?

An HVAC technician is a person who services, 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 technicians, which means they also can do refrigeration.

Is a Career in HVAC Difficult?

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

  • Work in difficult settings, including small 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 typical misconceptions about HVAC is that it’s a blue-collar position. You need a certain skill set, extensive training and ongoing certification.

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

  • Not have excessive higher education debt.
  • Avoid being stuck at a desk or in an office.
  • Have job security knowing your position can’t be outsourced.
  • Work as your own boss and have your own successful business.

What to Do to Become a Professional HVAC Technician

To become an HVAC technician, you will require a high school diploma or GED, plus comprehensive training. Other more specialized (and higher paying) HVAC careers typically require extra schooling or endorsements.

You can be certified 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 often six months to two years. Your employer might also want NATE certification. This stands for North American Technician Excellence, this industry-leading certification increases 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 great demand as equipment becomes more technologically advanced.

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

According to Midwest Technical Institute, attending a technical or trade school typically costs around $15,000. A community college usually is around $5,000 annually. In comparison, the average student debt for a bachelor’s degree is $25,921.

The Average Career of an HVAC Technician

Your work schedule might vary depending on your situation. If you do repairs, you could 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 visit different locations for repair, maintenance or installation service. Some tasks might take longer than others, so the number of calls you can go to may vary.

As we mentioned previously, you should be accustomed 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 positive.

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

As HVAC is a rapidly expanding field, your salary will reflect 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 fluctuate based on your state and its cost of living.

Aside from having your own business, there are several 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 needed across the nation, 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 major construction growth. Here’s why:

  • Florida: Hurricanes, school and healthcare facilities.
  • California: Wildfires, transportation, energy and utility updates.
  • 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 makes long-term occupational projections, forecasts 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 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 forecasted to fuel growth in these states, according to hvacclasses.org.

Engineer Your HVAC Career with Booneville Heating & Cooling

HVAC technicians are required across the USA and in Booneville. To find out more about our openings, visit our careers page or contact us at 662-269-8716 today!