You may have been looking at HVAC jobs and deciding if a specialized area of HVAC expertise is for you or if you want to consider going into business as an HVAC technician. HVAC careers are in demand because most buildings in our modern-day world rely on HVAC systems and services to heat, cool, circulate air, and generally keep us comfortable. Today we will look at these HVAC jobs; how much money you can make, what training and certification you’ll need, how to get started, and what the future holds.
Highest Paying HVAC Jobs
Let’s take a look at a few of the highest paying jobs in the industry, ballpark range salary (zip recruiter reports figures here), and a brief overview of each position:
Thermal Engineer
Thermal engineers maintain, create, test, or repair mechanical systems that involve transferring heat into other forms of energy. You analyze how mechanical heat sources interact with different physical and industrial systems. This is the highest-paying job in the industry right now. One can earn $96,000 – $134,000 a year.
HVAC Project Manager
An HVAC project manager is a professional who oversees HVAC installations in new construction and replacements in existing buildings. Experience is needed, so it’s helpful to know that becoming an HVAC tech first is imperative. Salaries can range from $68,500 – $100,000 a year.
HVAC Engineer
HVAC engineers design heating, ventilation, air conditioning, cooling, and refrigeration systems. The job centers mainly around the design of these, but depending on where you’re working, you may also have installation, maintenance, and repair duties. The average salary range for HVAC engineers is $57,500 – $93,000 a year.
HVAC Sales Rep
As an HVAC sales representative, responsibilities include generating new customer leads, forming positive relationships, and recommending and selling heating, ventilation, or air conditioning products to customers. The salary range for this is $43,000 – $82,500
HVAC Mechanic
An HVAC mechanic repairs and maintains HVAC systems. Mechanics check the heating and cooling units at properties, both residential and commercial, and follow criteria to install a unit, repair air conditioning systems, or inspect for proper ventilation. Mechanics of this nature can earn $44,500 – $62,500 a year.
HVAC Installation Technician
As an HVAC installation technician, you assemble, install, and repair heating and cooling systems in residential and commercial buildings. One can earn $42,500 – $62,000 a year in this position.
HVAC Technician
The job of an HVAC technician is to test, install, and repair HVAC systems in homes and commercial buildings. Techs can earn anywhere from $41,500 – $60,000 a year. Of course, you will also want to determine if you’d like to become a residential or commercial HVAC technician. Both salaries are comparable.
HVAC Jobs: How to get started
Make sure you have a high school diploma or GED
Research and acquire proper certification from a training program
Acquire state licensing as needed
Browse online for jobs or start your own company for positions like HVAC technicians. When running your business, software programs like ServiceWorks can help manage administrative stuff (such as accounting, customer info, route optimization, etc.).
Training & Certification for HVAC jobs
In some jobs, like an HVAC sales representative, you don’t need any particular degree; you’ll need experience working in the HVAC industry and to be good at customer service and paperwork.
For jobs such as an HVAC technician, you need a high school diploma or GED, a certification or training program, complete an apprenticeship, and finally get state approval which will vary from state to state regarding credentials. For example, the EPA requires Section 608 Technician Certification in all states. This allows a technician to work with refrigerants.
The Section 608 Technician Certification has three types:
1. Type I covers small appliances
2. Type II covers high-pressure heating and cooling units
3. Type III covers low-pressure heating and cooling units
Higher-paying thermal engineering jobs can require a bachelor’s degree or higher in engineering, mechanics, chemistry, or math, in addition to over ten years of experience in related fields of thermal engineering; leadership experience is required.
The Future of HVAC Jobs
Currently, heating, ventilation, air conditioning, and refrigeration is a fast-growing industry with 300,000 HVAC technicians in the United States. According to Career Explorer, that number is expected to increase by approximately 14%. So if you’re looking for a secure job with earnings potential becoming an expert in the HVAC field is a sure bet. Much of this growth is because of the increased construction and development, the lowered life expectancy of HVAC units, and environmental concerns.
If you’re considering becoming an HVAC technician and your boss, there are many things to consider, such as administrative work behind the scenes. In addition, an excellent software program like ServiceWorks can help your business tremendously by tracking service appointments, customers’ HVAC equipment, and scheduling. Best of all, there is a 14-day risk-free trial.
