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Wondering “is HVAC a good career?” HVAC technicians are heating, ventilation, air conditioning workers. They know the ins and outs of HVAC units and this is a well-respected, in-demand career that could be a smart, lifelong career choice for yourself.
Why?
HVAC is a great career choice for people who like working with their hands and do different jobs every day. The field is growing, so there are plenty of job opportunities. HVAC mechanics and installers earn a great deal of money for doing relatively little school training.
You get to work on a variety of projects and troubleshooting problems. While the field is growing, there usually aren’t layoffs. You’ll never be bored, days will be fleeting, the work will be challenging and you can earn a nice wage. Here’s more about this in-demand career.
What is HVAC?
HVAC is short for heating, ventilation, and air conditioning. The acronym represents a huge industry that includes everything from building heating systems to industrial refrigeration.
Even if you don’t know what HVAC means, you probably have used it in your life—in fact, most homes have either an air conditioner or furnace installed in them!
You may be wondering what types of jobs fall under the category of HVAC technician.
You can find positions working on residential units (like furnaces) or commercial ones (like central air conditioning).
These technicians are responsible for installing and maintaining different types of mechanical equipment such as compressors for cooling units; however, they also install electrical components such as thermostats that control temperatures within buildings depending on how warm or cool we want our homes to feel during certain times each day/year/etcetera…
The field is growing, so there are plenty of job opportunities.
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the job growth through 2031 is expected to be 5% or around 20,000 new jobs. Here are some quick stats on the job:
- The average salary is $48,630/year
- You’ll need a postsecondary education to work in this career including long-term on-the-job training
- There were 394,100 jobs in 2020
With the average age of the population getting older and requiring more HVAC services, you’re guaranteed to always have a job as long as you do a good job and treat your clients right.
You may also be paid well by some companies who know that they need to pay top dollar for skilled workers in the industry.
HVAC mechanics and installers earn a great deal of money for doing relatively little school training.
If you’re looking to enter the HVAC and refrigeration industry, you have many avenues to pursue.
There are a multitude of jobs available, including sales and service positions in both residential and commercial settings; equipment installation, repair and maintenance; research and development; management; teaching at technical schools or colleges; manufacturing control systems for HVAC systems; designing new heating, ventilation or air conditioning products.
The work you do might be in:
- Homes
- Schools
- Hospitals
- Factories
- Office buildings
You get to work on a variety of projects and troubleshooting problems.
- You get to work on a variety of projects.
- You get to use your hands.
- You get to work with your mind.
- You get to work with other people.
- You get to work with machines and electricity, which is pretty cool!
While the field is growing, there usually aren’t layoffs.
One of the benefits of being in a growing industry is that it doesn’t suffer from many downsides like layoffs or job insecurity. This means that you won’t have to worry about losing your job randomly and can feel secure in your position for years at a time.
In addition, as long as you’re willing to move around or improve your skillset (this is something most people who are interested in this career need to do) then it’s likely that you’ll have plenty of opportunities for advancement within this field
Pros and Cons of Working as an HVAC Technician
Pros of HVAC Technician Work
- You’re always working with your hands. You’ll get dirty, but that’s part of the job.
- You’re always learning new things—about HVAC and other fields, too. For example, you may need to know how to fix plumbing problems or electrical problems in addition to air conditioning repair and installation.
Cons of HVAC Technician Work
- You have to deal with dirty equipment that you don’t want to get dirty yourself. It can be gross!
How do you become an HVAC Technician?
So, how do you become an HVAC technician?
There are many different ways to become an HVAC technician, including:
HVAC Technician Training Programs – These programs teach students the skills necessary to install and repair heating and cooling systems. They can be completed at community colleges, technical schools and online through distance learning programs.
Most HVAC technician training programs require you to take math, science and mechanical aptitude courses first before starting the hands-on portion of your education.
In some cases, you may need a high school diploma or GED before enrolling in these programs. You should also check with your state’s licensing board for specific educational requirements in your area before beginning training as they vary from state to state.*
HVAC Technician Apprenticeship Programs – Apprenticeships are available through local unions throughout the country as well as through national organizations like NATEF (the National Association of Trade Exchanges) or GEI (the General Equipment International).
These apprenticeships include both classroom instruction as well as practical experience working with equipment under the supervision of a licensed professional.*
Online Training Courses – Online courses offer students convenient access regardless of location or schedule so long as they have Internet access during class hours.*
Onsite Training Facilities – Local contractors may provide training onsite if desired by offering apprenticeships where students work alongside experienced technicians at their jobsites for hands-on experience
HVAC is a great career choice if you want to go into demand skilled trades that doesn’t require years of schooling.
HVAC is a great career choice for people who like working with their hands and doing different jobs every day. This can be a good career if you want to go into demand skilled trades that doesn’t require years of schooling.
If you have an interest in the HVAC field and are willing to work hard, don’t worry about going into debt or taking classes, then HVAC may be your best option for finding employment after graduation.
Is a Career as an HVAC Technician worth it?
If you want to get into a skilled trade that doesn’t require years of schooling and can earn a good living, then HVAC should be at the top of your list.
The U.S. Department of Labor places HVAC technicians in their “shortage occupation lists” for 2020, which means the demand for them is expected to grow faster than average.
You won’t find yourself working in vain as an HVAC technician either: according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, there are over 400 possible job openings per year (aside from contractors) and salaries average $56,000 per year with some positions paying up to $80,000 annually.
Final Thoughts
If you like working with your hands, HVAC is a great career. While it’s not an online career, it’s interesting work that changes daily that’ll keep you on your toes.
You get to work on a variety of projects and troubleshooting problems. While the field is growing, there usually aren’t layoffs in this industry.
If you want to go into demand skilled trades that doesn’t require years of schooling, then an HVAC technician might be worth considering as an option.
