Heat Up Your Career With A Job In HVAC

Heating, Ventilation, and Air Condition (HVAC) Technician
HVAC technicians work mostly in homes, schools, hospitals, office buildings, or factories. These technicians work on heating, ventilation, cooling, and refrigeration systems that control the temperature and air quality in buildings. Some technicians choose to specialize in one or more aspects of HVAC work. Technicians working for a home building company or an appointment-based business, may work a typical 9-5 schedule and will need good customer service skills. They can expect to visit many different work sites during the week. For technicians that work in industrial or commercial settings, it is possible they will be at the same job site all day long for weeks at a time.

Bright Outlook
Employment of HVAC technicians is projected to grow 13 percent from 2018 to 2028, much faster than the average for all occupations. This is because commercial and residential building construction is expected to increase. The growing number of sophisticated climate-control systems is also expected to increase demand for qualified technicians.

Required Training
Some HVAC technicians learn all of their skills on the job, but it is becoming more common that companies desire applicants to learn through an apprenticeship program. Some states and localities may require technicians to be licensed, and workers may need to pass a background check prior to being hired.

In Virginia, there are three levels of licensing you can attain: journeyman, master, and contractor. There are also three different classes of contractor licenses you can apply for, and a contractor’s license is mandatory any time a project has a budget over $1,000. Learn about licensing requirements.

Potential Earnings: $48,000
The U.S. average yearly wages for HVAC technicians is $48,730. In Virginia, technicians on average earn $49,770.
In the Virginia Beach-Norfolk-Newport News area, technicians earn an average of $48,170.

A career in HVAC can make you an invaluable skilled tradesperson in a job market where the demand is only increasing. As the demand rises, salaries will often rise with along with it. HVAC professionals play a crucial role in the everyday lives of Americans.

Success Story
Grace Jordan graduated from college with an English degree, but she found a career in HVAC to be better suited to her interests.