How Much Do HVAC Techs Make
If you’re interested in a career as an HVAC technician, you might be wondering how much they make. The good news is that salaries for this occupation are quite competitive.
The salary you’ll earn will depend on several factors including your education, experience and employer. However, the national average is around $50,000 per year.
Job Description
HVAC (heating, ventilation, and air conditioning) technicians install, repair, maintain, and troubleshoot heating and cooling equipment in residential and commercial settings. They use a variety of tools and techniques to inspect faulty equipment and troubleshoot issues that prevent systems from working properly.
They often need to be on the road, as they must travel to customer locations to assess their needs and provide solutions. They also need to be able to work in confined spaces, as they may have to crawl into attics and other small areas to perform repairs.
Their duties include conducting tests and inspections, testing a system’s thermostat and cooling capacity, and checking a blower fan to ensure that it’s operating correctly. They also need to know how to troubleshoot issues, including determining which parts of the system are at fault and whether they can be repaired or replaced.
In addition to these responsibilities, they also help customers determine their maintenance schedules and keep track of their repair costs. They also prepare and deliver contract documents to customers, collect payment, and answer questions.
During regular maintenance and repairs, they also need to check a system’s refrigerant levels to ensure it is working efficiently and safely. These checks are typically performed twice a year, at the start of spring and fall.
When performing repairs, they need to follow manufacturer instructions and applicable local codes. They may need to work on a wide range of heating and cooling equipment, from simple boilers to complex industrial HVAC systems.
Some HVAC technicians specialize in one specific type of equipment, such as a heat pump or a ductless split system. Others are more generalists and can work on all types of heating and cooling equipment.
In addition, they need to be able to work in cold and hot environments. This can involve traveling from location to location and battling extreme weather conditions on a regular basis.
If you want to attract the best candidates for this role, you’ll need to create an attractive job description that clearly defines the qualifications and skills a candidate must have. It will also be important to define what character traits you seek in your technicians, such as patience, creativity, and a strong work ethic.
Education and Training Requirements
The heating, ventilation, air conditioning and refrigeration (HVAC) industry is one of the fastest growing career fields in the country. It’s also a great choice for those who want job security and a high wage.
HVAC technicians must undergo specialized training in order to install, repair and maintain HVAC systems. This includes learning how to use tools and equipment.
High school students can take a variety of courses to prepare for a career in the HVAC industry, including computer science, chemistry and physics. Alternatively, they can attend a vocational type of school that offers shop classes.
A bachelor’s degree in HVAC is a more advanced route to take, but it can be expensive and may require two years or more of study. If you have an interest in this field but don’t want to spend the money, consider enrolling in an apprenticeship program that lasts three to five years.
During your apprenticeship, you’ll work under a licensed technician to gain hands-on experience and learn how to read blueprints, apply tools and use safety practices. Many employers prefer applicants who have completed an apprenticeship, especially if they are interested in working for themselves in the future.
If you’re unable to attend college, career and technical schools offer HVAC programs that lead to a diploma or associate degree. These programs can last from 250 to 300 credit hours and include general education courses, labs, and practical training.
Community colleges and trade schools also offer a wide range of HVAC programs, some of which are specifically designed to prepare you for certification through an industry-standard certifying agency. Examples include NATE and EPA 608 certification, both of which are common requirements for entry-level employment.
In addition to preparing you for certification, some programs end with a state or city-specific HVAC license. These may vary by jurisdiction, but in New York for example, a license is required to work as an NYC Oil Burner Equipment Installer or a High-Pressure Boiler Operating Engineer.
Most states require HVAC professionals to hold licenses and certifications to work in the industry. These may vary by state, but in some cases, they can be obtained by passing exams.
Salary
HVAC technicians have a lot of potential to earn good money, but how much they make depends on many factors. This includes their level of experience, education and credentials. It can also be affected by where they work.
The cost of living is another factor that can impact how much they make, especially in metropolitan areas. In general, HVAC techs make more in urban areas than they do in suburban or rural locations.
Getting a job in the right city can be an important factor for determining how much you make as an HVAC technician. It’s important to find a place that offers the lifestyle and work environment that you want, while offering competitive pay.
It is also important to consider the salary of other technicians in your area. You may be able to attract more high-quality candidates by paying a higher salary than the average in your industry.
An attractive salary will help you attract the best-qualified candidates and keep them in your business longer. This can reduce turnover rates and save you time and money by minimizing your hiring and training processes.
A technician’s experience, education and credentials can play a role in how much they are paid, so ensuring that you’re rewarding employees with a fair salary is essential to their career success.
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, a junior-level technician with a high school diploma and a certification makes an average salary of $48,400 per year. Senior-level technicians with a bachelor’s degree and experience are paid $65,400 per year.
Master HVAC technicians, with a minimum of seven years of experience, earn an average of $87,200 per year.
The BLS also notes that the salaries of HVAC techs can increase with experience and qualifications. For example, a commercial HVAC technician may earn more per hour because they service large buildings and their jobs are more complicated.
It is also possible to boost your HVAC technicians’ income by providing them with a 401k benefits package. This can be a great way to attract and retain employees, as it demonstrates that you appreciate their hard work and value their contribution to your company’s success.
Work Environment
If you’re looking for a job that provides both work and personal satisfaction, a career as an HVAC technician could be the right choice. This career offers a steady income, the security of knowing that there will always be an industry need, and variety in your work environment.
Although the salaries for heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanics and installers are not uniform across the country, they generally average around $50k annually. This is higher than average for all occupations and reflects the strong job outlook for this profession.
As an HVAC technician, you will be responsible for the maintenance and repair of residential and commercial cooling and heating systems. Your responsibilities include diagnosing and repairing problems, installing new equipment, and ensuring that the systems operate safely and efficiently.
Most HVAC technicians receive post-secondary education and training to obtain their licenses and certifications. This typically includes a combination of general education courses and specific HVAC classes. Many schools offer a diploma or associate degree program, while others offer apprenticeship programs that last three to five years.
When deciding to enter this field, you should be aware of the potential for long hours and irregular on-call shifts. These are common during peak heating and cooling seasons, when customers need a sudden fix for their air conditioners or heaters.
During these times, your job can become very stressful and demanding. You’ll need to be able to manage time and tasks, meet deadlines, and complete work on schedule.
You’ll also need to have strong people skills and an ability to interact with a wide range of customers. You’ll spend a lot of time explaining your work to your customers, and you’ll need to have an understanding of the needs and expectations of each one.
It’s also important to have a good knowledge of current industry standards and practices. This will help you stand out as a technician and increase your chances of getting hired by a contractor.
The best thing you can do to prepare for a career as an HVAC technician is to complete a training program that includes hands-on learning experiences. This will give you the knowledge and skills you need to begin a successful career in this growing field.
