If you’re wanting to find a new, successful career, look no further than heating, ventilation and air conditioning. HVAC is one of the fastest-growing careers offered, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, which predicts careers in this field will increase by 13 percent by 2028.

There are several reasons why these jobs are expanding so fast. One is homeowners taking advantage of government refunds to purchase more energy-efficient comfort systems. Then there’s the discontinuation of R-22 Freon® refrigerants, which affects old equipment. Lastly, there’s the red-hot real estate market and a house shortage that’s driven a bump in new construction residences.

One of the top needed careers 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 someone who fixes, installs and maintains heating and cooling equipment. Most work with both homeowners and business owners. And, most important, you’ll be skilled with:

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

Is HVAC a Hard Career?

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

  • Work in extreme settings, including small or dirty spaces.
  • Work in hot or cold areas because equipment is usually outdoors.
  • Work evenings, weekends and overtime during peak times.

One of the biggest misconceptions about HVAC is that it’s a blue-collar career. You need a certain skill set, in-depth training and ongoing endorsements.

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

  • Not be saddled with a lot of educational debt.
  • Avoid working at a desk or in an office.
  • Have job security being sure your position can’t be outsourced.
  • Become your own boss and own your own prosperous business.

How to Become an HVAC Technician

To become an HVAC technician, you should have a high school diploma or GED, as well as comprehensive education. Other more specialized (and higher paying) HVAC jobs typically require extra education or endorsements.

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 typically six months to two years. Your employer might also want NATE certification. This stands for North American Technician Excellence, this top certification increases 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 benefit of working in HVAC is little to no educational debt.

According to Midwest Technical Institute, attending a technical or trade school often costs around $15,000. A community college often costs around $5,000 annually. By 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 might vary depending on your employer. If you perform 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 set schedule during typical business hours.

As a technician, you’ll go to different locations for repair, maintenance or installation work. Some work might take longer than others, so the number of calls you can go to may vary.

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

Average Salary for HVAC Technicians and Other HVAC Careers

As HVAC is a fast-growing industry, your salary will show 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 might differ based on your locationand its cost of living.

In addition to running your own business, there are a wide range of additional career opportunities. These include:

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 United States, 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 going through explosive construction growth. Here’s why:

  • Florida: Hurricanes, school and healthcare locations.
  • California: Wildfires, transportation, energy and utility updates.
  • Texas: Hurricanes, energy, utility and other infrastructure projects.
  • New York: Residential and infrastructure projects.
  • Illinois: Companies relocating to the Chicago area.

Where HVAC Technicians Will Be in High Demand in the Future

Projections Central, who creates long-term occupational projections, forecasts these states to have the greatest 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 openings 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 expected to fuel growth in these states, according to hvacclasses.org.

Grow Your HVAC Career with Kilbourne Heating & AC

HVAC technicians are required across the country and in Delray Beach. To find out more about our openings, see our careers page or call us at 561-287-7071 today!