In today’s modern world, a climate-controlled environment is viewed as an indispensable component of commercial and multi-family residential construction. The recent construction surge in the U.S. has grown the heating, ventilation and air conditioning (HVAC) industry along with it. As a result, HVAC jobs are projected to continue to grow by 13 percent by 2028.
SitePro Solutions is currently seeing a spike in demand for HVAC technicians on new construction projects across the Sun Belt, and up the West Coast. Unfortunately for general contractors, there has been a shortage of new HVAC techs entering the field, making good talent harder to come by.
HVAC technicians are currently among the most sought-after skilled workers in construction. The current workforce shortage not only creates job security, it means employers are offering competitive salaries and other incentives to attract and retain employees. The median annual salary for HVAC jobs is $47,610, making HVAC technicians some of the highest paid in the skilled trades.
Experts project that the HVAC industry will continue to thrive, even in a poor economy. And, layoffs in the HVAC industry are rare, considering it’s impossible to outsource the labor to other countries.
Education and Certification
HVAC employers are seeking to attract a highly-skilled, well-educated workforce to the industry. To learn the trade, you’ll need to attend an HVAC trade school, complete an apprenticeship, or combine the two options in a way that works for you.
Many high school graduates are attracted to HVAC jobs because completing a trade school program takes much less time than the traditional four-year college path. The sooner you can finish school, the sooner you can start working and earning a great living. Less time in school also means lower education costs, and graduating with little-to-no student debt.
Arizona is home to a number of reputable HVAC trade schools, such as East Valley Institute of Technology; RSI, The Refrigeration School; and AAI.
Apprenticeships can be done with or without trade school. They are seen as an attractive option because apprentices can earn an hourly wage as they learn. Apprenticeships have affordable fees that can be paid overtime, without requiring student loans. While a trade school may deepen your understanding of the HVAC field, an apprenticeship is a great way to gain valuable hands-on experience.
Technicians can become certified in HVAC after passing state exams that test a technician’s knowledge of the trade. Obtaining a commercial license is not required to work as a technician, but it might be a worthwhile career goal down the road.
HVAC Skills
HVAC technicians are required to have a combination of technical skills and soft skills – such as communication and sales techniques – to be successful. HVAC jobs often require interacting with customers, so you should be able to listen carefully and patiently to help identify clients’ needs.
You’ll need to know how to use the tools of the trade, and have the ability to install electrical wiring and air ducts. A solid understanding of government regulations on proper handling of harmful materials will keep you in compliance, and help you avoid safety hazards.
Diversity of HVAC Jobs
The field of HVAC offers numerous possible career paths, with upward mobility and a wide variety of work environments. When you consider a future in HVAC, think beyond residential “house calls.”
With the growth of the commercial, industrial and multi-family construction industries, skilled HVAC technicians are needed to create and install complete heating and cooling systems in large-scale construction projects. In addition, there’s a demand for experienced technicians to update and repair HVAC systems in existing commercial and industrial buildings, as well as apartments.
After a number of years of experience as an HVAC technician under your belt, you can start to look for ways to climb the ladder into project management, field supervision, estimation, and inspection. Many HVAC technicians eventually start their own businesses, as well. Whatever the HVAC job you have in mind, SitePro Solutions can match you with the right career opportunity. To view our current HVAC job openings, visit www.SiteProSolutions.com.