Trying to not only make a living, but do something you actually enjoy, is tough nowadays. There's a lot of competition out there and deciding what route to take after high school and college is a challenging decision. College isn't always affordable and, frankly, it's not for everyone. If you are able to attend a four year program, securing a job afterwards is not even guaranteed. But HVAC is something that is guaranteed to always be around, and that's why it's a great industry to start a career in.
Over 40% of the energy the United States uses in a year goes towards HVAC. Now THAT’S job security!
What is HVAC?
HVAC is heating, ventilation, and air conditioning; or as we like to think of it, everyday comfort. There are two major ways to work within the HVAC industry: commercially and residentially. Within those areas are two specialties for in the field: service and install. If you’re entry level and just starting your career, you can apply to be an apprentice technician. This kind of position can provide you with technical training and industry knowledge. Over time and with more experience, you can grow to be a regular service technician. Having these skills will provide you with steady, year-round work.
It's also a good idea to invest in a higher education program after some time. This will prepare you for NATE exams and other qualifying certifications that allow you to advance in your career/company. The North American Technician Excellence (NATE) is for technicians working in the heating, ventilation, air-conditioning, and refrigeration(HVAC/R) industry within the U.S. and Canada. "NATE tests represent real-world working knowledge of HVACR systems and validate the professional competency of service and installation technicians."
How much can I really make working in HVAC?
If you start out as an apprentice, you'll make somewhere between $12 to $16 an hour. That being said, your ability to make more money increases along with your skills and experience, so that often within the first year you'll be making closer to $22 an hour if you’re working for a fair company. But regular service technicians can make anywhere between $25 to $40 an hour. Technicians who can do both service and install also move into the $30 an hour range.
Is HVAC the right career for me?
HVAC is a great career if you don't like to be in the same place every day. While there will occasionally be times of monotony (like cleaning your fifth air filter in one day), there will always be a sense of accomplishment at the end of the day because the work you do truly helps improve people’s lives. There's no better feeling than seeing how grateful people are when their new or updated systems changes their quality of life.
If you like helping others and some hard work doesn’t scare you, then yes, HVAC is the career for you!
Want to apply to be a part of the ECI Comfort team? Click here to learn more and apply to be an Apprentice Technician or Service Technician.