HVAC technicians are in demand right now. With the shortage of new workers entering skilled trades, there has never been a better time to join the HVAC industry. But what is an HVAC technician? This article will answer all your questions, including:
HVAC technician job description
HVAC technician salary
The daily routine of an HVAC tech
Pro's and cons of being an HVAC tech
HVAC Technician Job Description
HVAC technicians are usually entry-level positions and it will be your first job in the industry. It can be a fun, dynamic, and challenging role for anyone who enjoys solving mechanical problems and working with customers. One of the best parts of becoming an HVAC technician is that it doesn't require a college education. Here is a job description for an HVAC technician position from indeed.com. You can find the full description here.
Troubleshoot, diagnose, and repair HVAC systems. * Install, fabricate and/or connect compressors, condensers, evaporators, motors, expansion/discharge valves, temperature/humidity controls, fans, control panels, switches, fuses, filters, gauges, ducts, piping, tubing, environmental controls, and related components. Complete power connections.
Complete work in a SAFE, timely, neat, and professional manner.
Maintain and be accountable for inventories, requisitions, materials, and supplies needed for each job.
Must be professional, courteous, and respectful to customers as well as fellow employees.
Communicate effectively with customers, management, and dispatchers.
That is a pretty standard job posting for an HVAC technician. Your primary responsibilities will be to install, maintain, and repair HVAC systems. You will also be interacting with the customer to understand the problem and find a solution.
Your primary responsibilities will be to install, maintain, and repair HVAC systems.
Salary of HVAC Technicians In 5 States:
HVAC technicians are paid very well, with a national average of $48,000 per year. Each state has its licensing requirements and average pay based on the demand and cost of living. Here are the average salaries for five states in America:
HVAC Technician Salary In California: $58,130
HVAC Technician Salary In Florida: $42,630
HVAC Technician Salary In Texas: $46,070
HVAC Technician Salary In Pennsylvania: $51,870
HVAC Technician Salary In New York: $59,780
These salaries are from 2018 and found on the Department Of Labors website.
HVAC technicians are paid very well, with a national average of $48,000 per year.
The Daily Routine Of An HVAC Tech
A day as an HVAC technician tends to follow a similar pattern:
Get a call from the dispatcher
Drive to location of the customer
Speak with the homeowner to understand the problem
Find the problem
Repair/Install HVAC system
Write a report on work performed
There can also be a lot of time waiting in the truck, or it can be incredibly busy depending on how many jobs the dispatcher has. It is not uncommon to see HVAC technicians set up hammocks in their van for that reason.
Pro's Of Being An HVAC Technician
Great Pay
HVAC technicians get great pay and can continue to earn more as their career in HVAC continues.
Job Security
The United States has a massive shortage of HVAC workers right now. The lack of workers is caused by a significant skill gap, and lack of interest in skilled trades. For workers, more demand means more job security and room for advancement.
For workers, more demand means more job security and room for advancement.
Freedom
When you are not on-site, you will have a lot of freedom. You can wait in the van, clean up your tools, or rest as long as you are ready for a call from the dispatcher. If you don't like being micromanaged, an HVAC technician can be an excellent career.
No College Degree
Becoming an HVAC technician does not require a college degree. There are plenty of free online HVAC programs and community college classes. No college education is one of the reasons HVAC is so popular. Without a college degree, you can earn a high paying job in an exciting field.
Fulfilling
Most HVAC technicians find their jobs very fulfilling. It feels good to help people who have no clue how to fix their HVAC system, and there are always new problems to solve.
Con's Of Being An HVAC Technician
Labor Intensive
An HVAC technician does hard work. It can mean installing or removing an HVAC system in very hot or cold temperatures. You will have to squat, kneel, hunch, and stand for most of the job.
HVAC technicians warn that it can be hard while your body adapts to the new demands. Eventually, your body will get used to hard work. I recommend for HVAC technicians to eat well and stretch to recover from their work.
An HVAC technician does hard work. It can mean installing or removing an HVAC system in very hot or cold temperatures.
On-Call
As an HVAC technician, you will almost always be on call. Being on-call can lead to working late at night or on the weekend, depending on how busy the company is. It can also lead to long days if there is a flood of new work, or a short day if there isn't much going on.
Safety
HVAC technicians go through extensive safety training and are almost always away from danger. However, HVAC technicians do work with electricity and other dangerous elements which can be hazardous if you are not careful.
Summary
HVAC technicians are an in-demand job with high pay and a low barrier to entry. Technicians work hard but are rewarded with more freedom and a satisfying job. Ready to start? You can begin your HVAC career in as little as four weeks with free online HVAC training programs like SkillCat's.
P.S. If you wanted to learn more about HVAC training, check out our full guide, which includes apprenticeships, certifications, school options, and more. You can find the guide here.