Is HVAC a Good Career Path? What HVAC Technicians Make, Job Outlook, and More

Are you wondering if HVAC might be the right career move for you? Before embarking on any new career, it’s important to know what you’re getting into. Is the HVAC job outlook growing? Is there room for advancement and to earn good money? How long will you have to train?

In this article, we’ll take a closer look at what it means to choose a career as a heating, ventilation and air conditioning technician.

HVAC Technician Career at a Glance

National Average	HVAC Technician
Common Duties	Heating and air conditioning repair, installation and maintenance
Entry-Level Training	Vocational training
Projected Job Growth	13% through 2028
Certification Required	NATE (varies by state and employer)
Where They Work	HVAC contracting companies, self-employed

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How Much Can You Earn as an HVAC Tech?

Nationally, the median annual pay for HVAC technicians was $47,610 in May 2018. [5]

Salaries will vary based on state, city and employer. What’s more, the amount of money an HVAC technician makes can be influenced by their level of experience. You can learn more about salaries within the HVAC industry from the Bureau of Labor Statistics.

A Day in the Life of an HVAC Technician

Most HVAC technicians work for HVAC and plumbing contractors. However, the Bureau of Labor Statistics estimates that 9% are self-employed. Job opportunities for HVAC techs also exist in education and wholesale.

HVAC technicians work to repair, install and maintain air conditioning systems at the residential and commercial level. They drive to jobs to inspect, diagnose and repair issues. Get a more in-depth look at what HVAC technicians do.

HVAC Career Paths and Opportunities

Starting as an HVAC technician could open the door to advancement and career opportunities. See the example below to get an idea of common career paths.

Entry-Level Positions

• HVAC/R Tech
• HVAC/R Maintenance Tech 

Mid-Level Positions

• HVAC Refrigeration Technician
• HVAC Maintenance Manager
• HVAC Controls Technician
• HVAC Service Manager

Senior-Level Positions

• Chief Mechanical Engineer
• HVAC Maintenance Director
• HVAC Controls Systems Engineer
• HVAC Service Director[2]

HVAC Technician Job Outlook

The future is looking bright for HVAC techs. The job outlook is expected to grow 13% through 2028, much faster than average for all occupations (5%). [3] Commercial and residential construction will drive much of the employment growth. However, many employers fear they might not be able to fill a growing number of open positions because there’s a lack of skilled labor.[4]

So, choosing to complete training in HVAC/R could help lead you to a career in repair, manufacturing, sales, management and other areas.

How do You Become an HVAC Tech?

HVAC technicians often graduate from a trade school that offers mechanical trades programs. HVAC training programs typically last between six and nine months and include a combination of lecture and lab time.

For example, Delta Technical College in Mississippi offers a nine-month HVAC training program. In this HVAC program, students will learn the fundamental processes and principles to enter the field at an entry level.

• Basic Electricity
• Air Conditioning
• Heat Pumps
• Major Appliance Repair
• Indoor Air Quality

Upon graduation, some employers or states may require additional credentials, such as North American Technical Excellence or, NATE certification.[6] The NATE certification requirements are universally recognized in the United States.

Is HVAC the Right Career for You?

If you like the idea of a career that doesn’t keep you cooped up at a desk all day, training to become an HVAC/R technician might be the right move for you. You’ll learn an in-demand skill with a promising job outlook and potential to earn good money.

Want to learn more about Delta Tech‘s HVAC/R-MAR Technician Program? Fill out the form below to contact your local campus.