HVAC Technician Salary And Career Outlook

Are you trying to choose a career path that challenges you, allows you to be active, and a job that pays well? A career as an HVAC technician can be a very promising career opportunity.

What Is an HVAC or HVAC/R Technician?

An HVAC or HVAC/R technician undergoes training in repairing, installing, and maintaining Heating, Ventilation, Air Conditioning, Refrigeration (thus, HVAC/R) systems.

The Average Salary Of An HVAC Technician

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), the median wage of 2019 for HVAC installers was $48,730. On the other hand, the total median salary for all other occupations was only $39,810.

The highest (10 percent) median wage was more than $77,920, while the lowest (10 percent) median salary was less than $30,610.

In the same data, BLS reports that the average salary was at $23.43/ hour. In another study carried out by Housecall Pro, an HVAC technician’s average salary is $24.57/ hour.

The variations in salary occur even in the HVAC industry. It segregates into a wide array of jobs- from service technicians to senior service specialists.

One can only climb up the ladder in the industry with experience. Here are some examples of various HVAC/R positions at different career stages and levels:

HVAC/R Entry-Level Positions

-HVAC/R Tech
-HVAC/R Maintenance Tech

HVAC/R Mid-Level Positions

-Refrigeration Technician
-Maintenance Manager
-Controls Technician
-Service Manager

HVAC/R Senior-Level Positions

-Chief Mechanical Engineer
-HVAC Maintenance Director
-HVAC Controls Systems Engineer
-HVAC Service Director

The following are the factors that influence the salary of the HVAC industry:

-HVAC skills and experience
-Success and performance
-Industry or employer
-Geographic location
-Credentials
-Job tasks

Insights on HVAC Technicin Average Salaries in Different U.S. States

A study carried out by Housecall Pro finds that Connecticut accounts for the highest average salary at $52.93/ hour. On the other end, Idaho accounted for the lowest average salary at $22.22/ hour.

HVAC Technician Career Outlook

The employment of HVAC technicians is expecting to grow by 4% within the year 2029. The employment of HVAC technicians in the U.S. is currently standing at about 332,900.

Yet, based on extensive surveys and studies, the U.S. anticipates more HVAC technicians’ requirements (over 55,000). This estimation is currently done on the 48,800 additional HVAC technicians. Plus, the retirement rate has been increasing up to 6,700.

According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor and Statistics, there is a scarcity of about 70,000 jobs in HVAC and Refrigeration. The BLS thus, expects the scarcity to multiply to 115,000 in the following years.

The Rise of HVAC Technician Job Opportunities

The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, an HVAC technician occupation, has a “Bright Outlook.” Refrigerators, heating systems, and air conditioners are part and parcel of a modern lifestyle. Therefore, the HVAC industry will evolve even into the future. This continuity remains a crucial reason to boost the employment opportunities of HVAC technicians.

Drivers of HVAC Technician Job Growth

Rapid Urbanization

Rapid urbanization has led to commercial and residential building construction. These buildings further inevitably require heating, ventilation, air conditioning, and refrigeration systems.

For installing, repairing, or maintaining such systems, HVAC technicians are in high demand across the country and even globally.

Environmental Concerns

As the world moves towards an unpolluted planet, there are alarming concerns over climate change. It has led to a demand for climate-control systems.

Consequently, there is a need for more qualified HVACR technicians. Why? Climate-control systems require retrofitting. It can either be upgraded or replaced. The traditional energy-efficient systems also require retrofitting.

These climate-control systems are inexpensive to utilize and are “greener models.” Environmental regulations that prohibit the emission of refrigerant pollutants furthermore accelerates the growth.

New Technology

Technology has taken jobs away. However, the rise of technology has spurred many opportunities for the HVAC and Refrigeration Industry.

Today, the Internet of Things (IoT) is fusing with HVAC systems. Built-in sensors and other smart recognition features are part and parcel of building automation or smart home systems.

Some systems may be complicated. It can take extra time to install and repair. It will also require routine maintenance. These systems also require immediate fixes if issues arise.

Urgency For Efficient-Energy

HVAC systems are complying with building retrofit regulations. It aims at carbon reduction. Energy improvements by HVAC manufacturing companies have drastically improved by 250%. Consumers are upgrading systems that give energy-saving benefits.

In this way, job security for HVAC and Refrigeration workers has increased.

Refrigeration Regulations

The EPA mandated the phase-out of R22 or Freon as the industry standard. R22 is usually utilized in many air conditioning and refrigeration systems. Many systems that use R22 are now retrofitting to use newer refrigerants that are energy-efficient.

The Endless Cycle Of Demand

It is a well-known fact that “heating & cooling” will always be necessary even during economic regressions.

Although automated systems monitor and control systems, employing a manual workforce to install and replace an appliance is inevitable. Other tasks may include changing out parts, making repairs, and performing regular checks and maintenance.

Decreasing Workforce

As discussed above, the driving factors have led to an increase in demand for a skilled workforce. The HVAC technician job outlook promising because of the workforce that is either retiring or nearing retirement providing opportunities for new, younger HVAC technicians.

HVAC Job Prospects

HVAC systems are familiar to every household, office space, business establishment, manufacturing plant, or warehouse. The commonness of HVAC systems can allow one to work from anywhere.

Job opportunities for HVAC technicians are promising for an individual who is aware of installation and maintenance, and repair work.

An HVAC Technician specializing in the new installation of HVAC equipment may face a scarcity of jobs as it usually depends on construction activities.

However, maintenance and repair work is stable. It owes to the regular maintenance checks needed for climate-control or refrigeration systems.

The BLS recommends post-secondary instructions from technical schools and even alternatives like a trade school or community colleges. The programs are highly efficient in educating about HVAC.

Completing such educational training programs can build a strong foundation for your career as an HVAC technician.