An HVAC technician’s salary depends on a number of factors like experience, education or certification, the employer and where the HVAC tech lives in the country.
Below, we’ll take a look at how much HVAC technicians make on average. We’ll also explore some of the factors that can affect their earnings potential. So, whether you’re looking to stay put or are ready for a change, this information will help you make the best decision for your future.
What Does An HVAC Technician Do?
An HVAC technician installs, maintains, and repairs heating, ventilation, and air conditioning systems in both commercial and residential buildings. They work on a variety of systems, including central heating and cooling units, ductless systems, and window units.
HVAC technicians must be able to work with a variety of tools and equipment, including a digital multimeter, drills, and wrenches. They must also be able to read blueprints and schematics and have a knowledge of electrical wiring.
What are the Qualifications to Become an HVAC Technician?
The first step is to become an HVAC technician is to obtain a high school degree or its equivalent. Also try to gain the basic knowledge of how air conditioning and heating works and how to properly maintain them. You should also look into taking courses in mechanics and electronics, as these can be helpful for the job.
In addition, you will need to have experience working with residential and commercial systems. That means that you should have hands-on training dealing with all types of HVAC systems, whether it is a furnace repair or AC maintenance.
You will also need to obtain a license before you can become a certified HVAC technician. Most states require you to take and pass an exam, which will test your skills on the specific type of equipment used by your state.
What Skills are Needed to Become an HVAC Technician?
First, you need to be able to work with your hands. That means having experience with tools and being able to follow precise instructions. Second, you need to be able to think on your feet and troubleshoot problems. You also need to be able to communicate effectively with clients and colleagues, be comfortable working with heavy equipment, and be able to manage your time effectively.
Why are HVAC Technicians in Demand?
HVAC technicians are in high demand due to the increasing complexity of HVAC systems. As homes become more energy efficient, the load on HVAC systems increases. This has led to a higher demand for qualified technicians who can properly install, maintain, and repair these systems.
That’s why it’s a great career choice. Not only do you have the potential to make a good salary, but the career field is very wide. This means you can be selective about the jobs you take, and that you’ll always have work.
What Training / Certification Do You Need?
HVAC schooling, and the training and certification you need to become an HVAC technician will vary depending on the state you reside in. However, some technicians will have an associate’s degree in heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC).
Some employers may also require their technicians to be licensed. This usually means passing an exam that tests your knowledge of HVAC systems. Certification is another way to prove your competency in this field. The two most popular certifications are the NATE certification and EPA 608 Certification.
How Long is HVAC Technician Training?
The amount of time it takes to become an HVAC technician varies depending on the person and the type of program they enroll in. Typically, it can take anywhere from six months to three years to complete.
Keep in mind that you may also have to complete an apprenticeship if you’re looking to qualify for a higher level of certification or a specialized position. This is basically four years and may include classroom-based learning as well as hands-on experience working with heating and cooling systems. In some cases, you may also need to sit for licensing exams.
How Much Does it Cost to Become an HVAC Technician?
Most programs that offer HVAC certifications require some form of tuition payment, whether through grants or taking out student loans. The cost of these programs ranges from $1500 to $20,000 depending on the type of program, duration, and state you live in.
However, most employers are willing to pay for at least a portion of the training costs so you don’t have to cover this on your own.
How Much Does an HVAC Technician Make?
How much an HVAC tech makes depends on location, experience and education. Those who work in urban cities tend to make more as they have access to more job opportunities and a higher cost of living. Additionally, those with certifications can also earn higher wages than those without them as they are considered more skilled and qualified.
The average salary for an HVAC technician averages at $25 per hour, according to Indeed. That translates to an annual salary of $52,038. On the high end, HVAC techs can make over $80,000 per year, and on the low end, salary can be just over $32,000 annually.
According to BLS, the median pay for heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanics and installers is $48,630 per year or $23.38 per hour.
By joining a union or going through additional training, HVAC technicians can increase their earning potential even further.
On top of the hourly wage, HVAC technicians may also receive health insurance benefits and auto insurance. Furthermore, more experienced technicians and those with specialized certifications may be able to negotiate higher salaries than entry-level technicians. There is also the potential for overtime pay if more hours are worked in a certain week or season—which can be a great opportunity for those looking to earn extra money.
How Much Does an HVAC Technician Make Right Out of School?
If you’re fresh out of school and looking to get into the HVAC field, you’ll probably earn as someone who doesn’t have experience. Generally speaking, experienced HVAC technicians tend to make more than those who are just starting out—but keep in mind that salaries can vary greatly depending on region and employer. With that said, many entry-level HVAC technicians start at around $36,000 – $40,000 per year.
How Much Does an HVAC Technician Make With a Few Years’ Experience?
As you start to gain more experience in the field, your salary can increase. HVAC technicians with a few years of experience typically make between $58,000 and $ 65,400 per year. This is an average figure and will depend on the region you live in and the demand for HVAC technicians in your area.
Those with more experience may also have certifications from specific organizations, such as NATE (North American Technician Excellence). This can open up additional job opportunities and higher salaries. Those who obtain certifications tend to earn higher salaries than non-certified professionals. Certified HVAC technicians can make anywhere from $45,000 up to over $100,000 a year depending on their level of expertise.
How Much Can You Make as an Owner Operator HVAC Technician?
According to Glassdoor, the average salary for an owner-operator HVAC technician is $163,298. However, this can vary depending on your experience, expertise, and location.
What are the Factors that Affect HVAC Technician Salary?
There are a few key factors to consider. The first is experience and qualification. Generally speaking, the more experience or qualifications you have, the more you’ll be paid. This makes sense, as an experienced technician has more skills and knowledge to offer their employer.
Another important factor is location. Some parts of the country—and even some cities within a state—pay more than others for HVAC technicians. This could be due to the cost of living in that area, or the demand for technicians in that region.
Finally, company size can also play a role in salary. Larger companies typically pay more than smaller companies, as they can afford to do so. This is because they have a greater need for qualified technicians, and are able to offer better benefits and higher salaries.
Improving Your Chances of Getting a Better Salary
If you are not sure how to get a better salary from your current HVAC employer or looking to move up the career ladder, here are some tips:
Make Yourself Indispensable
This means going above and beyond the call of duty, whether it’s being the first one to arrive and the last one to leave, or taking on extra tasks and projects. When your boss can’t imagine the team functioning without you, you’re in a strong position to negotiate a raise.
Stay Up-To-Date On The Latest Industry Trends
Keeping tabs on new technology and developments will show that you’re invested in your career and always working to improve your skills. This means that you should continuously grow your knowledge base by attending conferences, reading trade magazines, or participating in online courses.
This will demonstrate to potential employers that you are invested in this career path and are passionate about learning more. By making sure that you’re always up-to-date on the advancements in the industry, you can guarantee that you’ll be one step ahead of the competition and be able to land a better salary. Plus, it’s not only beneficial for your wallet but being educated and knowledgeable about new technologies can help improve results for your customers too.
Network, Network, Network
Get out there and meet people in your field, attend industry events, and join relevant online forums and groups. Building relationships with other professionals can help you learn about job openings and get advice on advancing your career.
Get More Certifications
As with any job, it’s quite possible to make more money as an HVAC technician if you get more certifications. In addition to certifying that you have a certain amount of experience, these certifications will also give you the ability to service a wider variety of systems and work in different environments. And the better pay comes with the knowledge and expertise that comes along with having more certifications.
Overall, while getting more certifications means more time and effort in education, it could be worth it in the long run if it means higher wages for your HVAC services.
Improve Your Sales Skills
HVAC technicians with strong sales backgrounds can earn higher salaries, as they are able to bring in new business and close larger deals.
Good sales skills can be developed through practice and experience, but there are a few basics you should know. First, understand your customer’s needs. Listen to what they’re saying and use that information to create a customized solution for them. Next, be confident in your approach and be able to explain why the customer should choose you for the job.
Finally, know when to negotiate or compromise on price or services in order to close the deal. By honing your sales skills, you can command a higher salary as an HVAC technician or even set yourself up for promotions within the industry!
Work On Your Management Skills
Companies are always looking for good managers, and since you’re already working in the field you know the ins and outs of the job and have a lot of experience.
So how can you start honing in on your management skills? You can express your interest in taking on leadership roles, look into any on-the-job management training opportunities your employer offers, or take some classes outside of work. With a few extra qualifications and certifications under your belt, you’ll be well on your way to getting a better salary and job title.
Start Your Own Company
To really make more money as an HVAC technician, your best option is to start your own business. Being your own boss has plenty of perks, including setting your own hours and rates, and having the opportunity to grow your company as big as you’d like.
This isn’t a decision that should be taken lightly though, as starting a business requires a lot of hard work and commitment. You will need to create a business plan, obtain financing, hire employees, and figure out a pricing structure that works for both you and your clients.
Benefits of Becoming an HVAC Technician
Let’s not forget that aside from the money, being an HVAC technician has plenty of benefits. For starters, you get to work in a variety of settings — from small home-based businesses to corporate offices and hotels. Not to mention that since climate change and energy efficiency are increasingly important issues, HVAC technicians will be in high demand for the foreseeable future.
Moreover, many companies offer health insurance benefits and paid holidays for HVAC technicians — a perk not every profession can boast. Depending on your job title, you may also be able to take part in sponsored certification training. You may also get training on the job, which can provide interesting career opportunities further down the line.
Work and Live Almost Anywhere
As an HVAC technician, you can work and live almost anywhere. You might think that working in the HVAC field means you’re stuck in one place, but that’s not the case at all. In fact, many technicians are in high demand all over the country. This is because they’re able to travel to different jobs as needed and keep their skills up to date by taking continuing education courses.
Get Paid While You Learn the Job
HVAC technicians are in high demand in many parts of the country. This means that you can often get a job in this field with little to no experience. While a college degree may help you land a job as an HVAC technician, it’s not always necessary. In fact, many HVAC technicians don’t have a degree. There are labor unions, contractors, and trade associations that pay apprentice wages and offer HVAC paid training while you work on the job.
Great Job Outlook and Compensation
HVAC technicians enjoy a great job outlook, with employment projected to grow 5% from 2021 to 2031. In addition, they enjoy a comfortable median annual salary. About 40,100 job openings on average are projected yearly for heating, AC, and refrigeration installers and mechanics over the next decade.
That’s good news if you’re looking for a career in HVAC. It’s also good news for businesses, which will need more technicians to meet the increasing demand for heating, ventilation, and air conditioning services.
HVAC technician is a great career field to be in right now because of the job growth trend. As buildings get smarter and more complex, the need for technicians who can maintain and repair these systems only grows. That’s why HVAC technician is on the list of top ten jobs with the most future growth.
This is good news if you’re looking to start a career in this field. The demand for HVAC technicians is high, and it’s only going to continue to grow. As more and more homes and businesses require air conditioning, the need for HVAC technicians will continue to grow.
Top Paying HVAC Technicians Jobs
When considering how much HVAC technicians make, it’s important to factor in the field they work in. In general, you should expect the highest pay if you are a thermal engineer followed by project manager and thermal engineer computational fluid dynamics (CFD) engineer.
HVAC engineer, HVAC estimator, and sales representative also pay relatively well compared to other jobs. Typically, wages for HVAC technicians who work in higher-paying industries range from $25-$54/hour on average.
Although it can be tempting to prioritize salary over job satisfaction when figuring out which field to pursue, it’s important to remember that so many other factors come into play: job security, benefits, work environment, and career development opportunities—to name just a few.
Typical Daily Duties of an HVAC Technician
When it comes to the daily duties of an HVAC technician, there’s a lot more to it than just changing air filters. Your technician’s day-to-day will involve inspecting and repairing all sorts of different equipment, from rooftop units to heating and cooling systems. They’ll also be responsible for calibrating and troubleshooting equipment, as well as providing routine maintenance. In some cases, they may also be called on to help with new construction or system upgrades.
Conclusion
HVAC technicians are in high demand across the United States. That’s because more and more people are realizing the importance of maintaining a comfortable environment in their homes and workplace. Not to mention, heating and cooling account for about half of your home energy bill.
So, how much can you earn as an HVAC technician? Well, it varies quite a bit depending on your location, experience, and skills. But, on average, HVAC technicians make around $25 an hour. Of course, there are always opportunities for advancement in this field, and with the right skills and experience, you could make much more than that.
If you’re interested in a career as an HVAC technician, be sure to do your research and see what the job market is like in your area. With the right training and experience, you could have a great career in this field.