HVAC professional services maintain year-round demand. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, employment of HVAC professionals is projected to grow 15 percent from 2016 to 2026 – a much faster than average rate compared to other occupations. This is due to many reasons, including:
- Most everyone in the modern world has HVAC and refrigeration systems – especially in Florida
- Technologies are ever evolving, while equipment is aging
- Commercial and residential building construction is continuing to boom
The following career details about HVAC technicians have been provided by Snagajob.com:
How much do HVAC workers make?
• $15 to $25 per hour
• Around $43,000 average salary for full-time positions
Take Note:
• Requires formal training and/or apprenticeship
• Job opportunities are growing quickly
Job Skills & Requirements:
• Education – HVAC training is available at community colleges, trade schools and through some military positions. Paid apprenticeships are standard in the HVAC industry and apprentices are usually paid approximately half the rate of more experienced HVAC professionals in their area.
• Mechanical Skill – Whether you specialize in installation or repair, you’ll need to be good with machines, comfortable with electrical work and handy with a variety of tools.
• Endurance -Remember how you’re providing comfort to the eager masses? Well, unfortunately that means that while you’re working at a job site, it’s often uncomfortably hot or cold. You’ll frequently be working in cramped conditions installing and repairing duct work and related appliances. Safety gear will be needed for working around insulation and hazardous materials.
• Hours – Most HVAC companies operate during normal business hours throughout the week, and you can expect to work about 40 hours per week on average. On-call availability may be required for emergencies on nights and weekends.
• Dress the Part – Some employers distribute uniforms; others have a standard dress code. Either way you should plan ahead- wear layers and be prepared, no matter what temperatures you’re dealing with that day.
Job Myth:
“I’ll just be fixing heat pumps all day.”
Most technicians are trained in both maintenance and installation, but even if you choose to pursue maintenance there are many different kinds of mechanical and electrical components involved in heating, ventilation and air conditioning systems. On the other hand, if you specialize in installation you’ll be on construction and renovation sites installing new systems and running duct work.
Career Paths:
• Home appliance repair (Averages $40,700/year)
• Sheet metal worker (Averages $51,000/year)
Similar Positions:
Electrician, Sheet metal worker, Home appliance repair
Extra Perks:
• Paid apprenticeship
• Never again panicking when your A.C. unit breaks down
You can use your GI bill or Vocational Rehab to go to school! Contact us if you are interested.
Central Florida companies that are hiring for HVAC technicians right now: