Top Industries for HVAC Technicians

Whether you’re considering a career in heating, ventilation, air conditioning, and refrigeration or you’re already attending an HVAC school, you may be wondering about the career and earning opportunities available to you. Here is a brief list.

How Much Can You Expect to Make?

Figuring out wages and salaries can be difficult, as they can vary greatly depending upon your location, position, and your experience. The Bureau of Labor Statistics has published ranges for HVAC technicians that can help you get an idea of what you could be earning. The number of people employed as Heating, Air-Conditioning, and Refrigeration Mechanics and Installers in 2014 was around 261,390 in the United States. The mean annual wage was $46,880 a year or $22.54 an hour.

Where Can You Expect to Work?

In 2014, HVAC technicians were in high demand, and the field is expected to continue to grow a total of 21 percent by 2022, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics. Those who are attending or will attend a trade school for HVAC training in the near future may benefit from the increasing number of jobs.

Industries with the highest numbers of HVAC employees in 2014 included:

• Building equipment contractors
• Direct selling establishments
• Hardware and plumbing and heating equipment and supplies merchant wholesalers
• Commercial and industrial machinery and equipment repair and maintenance
• Colleges, universities, and professional schools

Where Will the Jobs Be in the Future?

The Bureau of Labor Statistics predicts that HVAC jobs will grow as residential and commercial building construction recovers from the recession. There will be a need for HVAC technicians who are specially trained to install and repair the latest climate-control systems. With the advent of newer, more energy-efficient and environmentally friendly heating and air conditioning units, we’re likely to see the replacement of older units, which generally already need to be replaced every 10 to 15 years.

Lastly, “green” jobs are growing faster than ever. The Bureau of Labor Statistics states that the use of geothermal energy is expected to grow, as are the jobs utilizing skills to bring this resource to homes and businesses. For example, HVAC technicians can specialize in installing geothermal heat pumps to fuel heating and air conditioning units. Solar energy is the fastest growing segment of the renewable energy sector, adding 2.3 jobs globally in 2013 (see this infographic titled “The Solar Demand”). In as little as two years, individuals can complete their training to become solar installation helpers.

Why Start with Vocational School?

The future is promising for those who enter the HVAC industry. Given that heating and air conditioning units are becoming increasingly sophisticated, those who pursue HVAC training at an accredited school prior to entering the field may have a competitive advantage. Vocational schools like The Refrigeration School (RSI) not only offer comprehensive hands-on training but also career services that can help you find a job once you’ve competed your education. To learn more, contact RSI today.