Whether for residential or industrial purposes, HVAC (Heating, Ventilation, and Air Conditioning) systems have become pretty common. Regulating the indoor temperature, these appliances can keep you comfortable in every type of surroundings.
However, as these systems are extensively used and are regularly upgraded with the latest technologies, the need for HVAC technicians has increased. They help install, maintain, repair, and replace the equipment effectively, owing to their sound technical knowledge and experience in the field.
Thus, pursuing a career in the HVAC industry can render you better job and compensation opportunities. And for doing so, enrolling in an HVAC training course is essential. Many offline schools and online academies offer varied levels of HVAC certifications. You must avail of the classes that suit your needs the best.
How Much Does an HVAC Technician Make?
The average salary of an HVAC technician can vary from $53,410 to $62,155.
However, the duties you fulfill influence the exact amount you can make while working as an HVAC technician. The responsibilities of an HVAC technician can range from entry-level tasks and simple repairs to highly skilled and specialized work on HVAC systems.
In addition, your expertise, skillset, and geographical location also influence your pay scale. According to the Bureau of Labour Statistics (BLS), the average salary for all occupations, including CNA (Certified Nursing Assistant) salary (USA), is around $56,310. Since most HVAC jobs do not require a pricey bachelor’s degree from a university, the typical HVAC technician’s salary is higher than the average for all jobs.
The HVAC industry requires skilled professionals due to the increasing complexity and advanced technologies of heating and cooling systems. Acquiring specific skills and certifications can provide technicians the competitive edge they need to earn more.
Experienced commercial HVAC technicians typically make around $81,021 per year on average. Besides, the commercial sector’s entry-level wage is approximately $31.50 per hour. Also, field service technicians make an average of $45,800 a year. Some businesses even give them commissions or incentives.
On the other hand, residential technicians receive a lower hourly wage than commercial technicians. Depending on the employer and area, their typical yearly salary is between $50,000 and $60,000.
The commercial or industrial HVAC technician salary varies by position. Even so, certain factors are considered to establish an approximate compensation range for industrial workers. Every business entity has a specific wage range they are willing to pay their staff.
Besides, the location of a technician’s home also impacts their annual salary. The cost of living is significantly greater in certain places, such as New York and California, than in others. Hence, the pay rate for technicians varies accordingly.
What Does an HVAC Technician Do?
People who work on heating, ventilation, and air conditioning systems are called HVAC technicians. They typically operate indoors or outdoors. Usually, companies offering HVAC system maintenance, building owners, or contractors hire HVAC technicians to carry out related jobs.
There are two types of HVAC technicians: residential and commercial. Each class has its own duties and pay rates appropriate to the type of work they need to execute.
Industrial or commercial HVAC jobs pay more as they need higher work hours and deal with massive systems regularly. Commercial technicians mostly get paid for the number of services they offer.
On the other hand, residential HVAC technicians work for hourly wages. Thus, the amount of money they make depends on how frequently they are called for service.
HVAC professionals are in charge of various jobs, but installing and maintaining heating and cooling systems is one of their primary responsibilities. They might also need to collaborate with other HVAC specialists to assist them in resolving more severe issues.
Another crucial aspect of an HVAC technician’s job is educating consumers on how to save money using an HVAC system.
So, here are some duties of an HVAC technician.
- Reading HVAC equipment instructions and interpreting drawings
- Cutting or drilling holes in the framework of buildings
- Connecting HVAC systems to sources of power, water, and fuel
- Putting in thermostats, humidistats, timers, and solar panels
- Testing HVAC systems and their parts according to the manufacturer’s instructions
- Installing and assembling HVAC/R equipment in commercial or residential buildings
- Ensuring that the HVAC systems are in optimal operating order
- Removing and replacing clogged air filters and other problematic components
- Checking for leaks in pipe or tubing junctions
- Selling service agreements or AMCs for the upkeep or repair of the HVAC equipment
- Resolving typical HVAC system issues
- Examining, clearing clogs, and cleaning ducts
How Do I Become an HVAC Technician?
If you are passionate about working with HVAC systems and willing to go through the process with utmost effort and hard work, you can become a successful technician.
So, here are the steps involved in the process of becoming an HVAC technician.
Step 1: Get A High School Diploma or Equivalent GED
Students in high school completing their physics, math, and vocational education coursework can get a jump start on their HVAC education. Those who take classes in plumbing, fundamental electronics, or electrical work have added advantages.
Step 2: Get Into an HVAC Training Program
Learn the skills you need for a career in HVAC technology by enrolling in a community college or vocational program. However, you can opt for part-time HVAC online classes if you want to do an apprenticeship alongside. Also, apart from getting an HVAC certificate or associate degree, these training programs help students develop enhanced vocational skills.
Step 3: Gain Experience Through Apprenticeship
Companies prefer candidates having finished a 3-5-year HVAC apprenticeship program plus a postsecondary degree. In certain situations, apprentices work with skilled workers and may even get paid a stipend. Thus, apprenticeships render knowledge about the sector, including how to interpret blueprints, use tools, and follow safety procedures.
Step 4: Get a License
Several US states require HVAC technicians to get a license before working independently. Thus, candidates must demonstrate evidence of their employment history and liability insurance and pass a test to obtain the permit. In addition, different states have varying rules regarding the licensing of HVAC technicians.
Step 5: Get Certified
HVAC specialists must adhere to various standards imposed by each state. In addition, specific specializations and states demand certification. So, get HVAC certification by completing the required work hours and qualifying for a test. Some important certifications include R-410A certification and Section 608 certification from the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). HVAC professionals require EPA certification to handle refrigerants.
How Long Does It Take to Become an HVAC Technician?
After completing high school, a trade school, or a program at vocational school, one can work as an HVAC technician. However, the number of needed courses and the educational program influence how long it takes.
While some programs span 3 years, the least amount of schooling necessary is 2 years. The period may involve lectures, fieldwork, internships, and apprenticeships.
HVAC technicians must submit documentation of their prior experience when a state demands licensure. Several states require candidates to have 2-6 years of work or apprenticeship experience to obtain the license.
The categorization determines how much experience you’d need to get the license. For instance, it may take about 3-4 years if you go for a degree program. So, the duration of becoming an HVAC technician entirely depends on which route you pursue the career.
Where to Find HVAC Technician Jobs?
HVAC professionals are in high demand all over the world. However, certain countries require more technicians than others. So, looking for jobs in these areas would prove beneficial in finding the correct position and salary.
According to studies, 5 US states have the highest demand for HVAC technicians. Therefore, you can also expect the highest salaries in these states. They are Florida, New York, California, Pennsylvania, and Texas.
The rapid rate of construction taking place in these locations is one of the factors contributing to the strong demand for HVAC technicians. So, as the construction of new buildings continues, it will create a greater need for HVAC experts to handle the heating and cooling requirements of these new or renovated structures.
Regions with extreme temperatures also have a high demand for HVAC technicians. These areas require climate control systems for a comfortable stay. Besides, metropolitan cities are also good places to look for technician jobs. However, a high school diploma or GED is typically necessary for most regions in the US before starting this job.
If you’re still in high school, you might want to enroll in classes that cover important topics to become a successful HVAC technician. For example, opting for courses on mechanical drawing, technical math, and blueprint reading would be highly beneficial. You can also enroll in reputed HVAC schools to become a better technician.
How to Find an HVAC Technician Near Me?
You can find an HVAC technician using several sources. Some include HVAC service provider websites, online job portals, social media, recommendations, and recruiting firms.
You can ask your acquaintances about the HVAC technicians they might know. Consult nearby co-workers, friends, relatives, neighbors, and business associates for the same.
Also, use social media platforms and other organizations to reach out to people outside your social circle. These nearby residents might provide you with recommendations of trustworthy contractors.
Moreover, you should look online for customer reviews before contacting a technician to confirm an appointment to visit your home.
If you are looking for the best HVAC technician, you should consider certain factors before choosing the right one. Ensuring that they have proper certification is one of them, as it is proof of their expertise and the quality of work they’ll provide.
Besides, you should also consider their experience and the type of services they offer. Always go for local technicians who know about the various needs of homeowners in your region. You should also get a quote before hiring a technician and ensure they provide you with top-notch service.