Job growth in the HVAC industry continues steadily nationwide, as this essential workforce keeps our residential and commercial heating and air conditioning systems operating at optimal levels. With higher customer demand for more energy-efficient HVAC systems and more affordable indoor air quality options, the HVAC job outlook looks very bright, indeed.
The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) projects a 6% growth rate nationwide (faster than average for all occupations) for heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanics and installers over the next nine years. With 415,800 HVAC technician jobs in 2022, the BLS projects 37,700 openings for HVAC professionals each year, on average, through 2032.
In this guide, we explore everything you need to know about the HVAC technician job outlook, including what HVAC techs do, where they work, their average salary, and more. We also take a look at the future of the HVAC technician role, and how HVAC techs use ServiceTitan HVAC software to make their jobs easier, close more sales, and deliver better customer service.
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What Does an HVAC Technician Do?
An HVAC (heating, ventilation, and air conditioning) service technician installs, maintains, and repairs heating systems, cooling systems, air quality control systems, and refrigeration systems in residential homes and commercial businesses.
Beyond mechanical mastery, HVAC technicians also require good communication skills as they work with homeowners or business customers when troubleshooting the problem or repair, offering tips for follow-up maintenance, or presenting options to replace or upgrade to a more energy-efficient HVAC system.
Most HVAC technicians seeking an entry-level position learn on the job as an apprentice or by working for an HVAC contractor through an employer-sponsored training program and taking classes at a trade school or community college. To make job training easier, today’s HVAC companies use field management software like ServiceTitan to automate and streamline operations.
With the user-friendly ServiceTitan mobile app, HVAC technicians can quickly access all of the customer’s information, listen to call recordings, and easily see job histories, prior invoices, photos, voice notes, and more. The mobile app also empowers HVAC techs to create branded estimates, present customers with clear good-better-best options, and close deals right in the field.
What is the Future of HVAC Technicians?
The future of HVAC is upon us, as more consumers embrace the modern ideas of smart thermostats controlled by smartphones, smart HVAC systems with embedded sensors to alert homeowners of predictive maintenance, and even remote troubleshooting to quickly identify the customer’s HVAC problem. In short, the more savvy your HVAC techs are with digital technology, the more productive they tend to be. Here are three main areas to focus your HVAC training on:
More technology usage
Empower your HVAC technicians to perform at a high level by equipping them with ServiceTitan’s field service management app, which automates much of the process and helps them work more efficiently and effectively. HVAC field technicians can use their mobile tablets to access customer data, property details, full job histories, and more—before they arrive to tackle an HVAC job.
Once HVAC technicians conduct a full evaluation of the HVAC system on site, they can use ServiceTitan HVAC proposal software to build tiered estimates for customers with clear photos, manufacturer videos, and product information. They can also offer customer financing options to close the deal.
Possibly new specialties
As renewable green energy and smart home technology continue to take center stage, HVAC technicians who dive into these specialty areas can set themselves up for long-term success.
HVAC techs who specialize in solar energy systems not only need to know how traditional HVAC systems operate, but also understand how photovoltaic (PV) panels, inverters, and batteries integrate with HVAC systems. They may also require electrical, plumbing, and roofing knowledge and experience.
In addition to knowing HVAC fundamentals, those who specialize in smart home technology need to be familiar with smart home devices and platforms, such as thermostats, sensors, voice assistants (e.g., Siri, Alexa, Google Assistant), and smart HVAC controllers. They also need to know how to program, automate, and troubleshoot these devices to keep them functional and secure.
More emphasis on customer service
The majority of today’s HVAC customers prefer self-service; companies that allow customers to book jobs online, chat about their HVAC issues digitally, or call when it’s most convenient are experiencing higher growth than those who don’t. Even so, customers expect to receive an excellent customer service experience, no matter how the process begins.
With ServiceTitan customer experience software, CSRs personalize and customize the appointment for each customer, communicating clearly in whatever mode they prefer, whether it’s by text messages, emails, or on the phone. HVAC techs arrive fully armed with every detail of the customer’s HVAC system, including job histories, photos, voice notes, and more, so they can quickly diagnose the problem and present solutions for repair or replacement.
What is the Work Environment of HVAC Technicians?
HVAC technicians work in a wide range of settings, including residential, commercial, and industrial locations. They often work both indoors and outdoors, such as inside buildings, homes, or industrial facilities to install, repair, or maintain HVAC systems, or outdoors to install or service outdoor units such as air conditioners or heat pumps.
The HVAC technician job can also be physically demanding, requiring workers to climb ladders, access rooftops, or crawl into tight, confined spaces to access HVAC equipment. Techs must also be able to function in extreme temperatures, lift heavy equipment, and follow safety protocols when handling hazardous materials.
What is the Outlook of HVAC Technicians?
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the job prospects for HVAC technicians nationwide is projected faster than the average for all occupations through 2032. In some states, such as California, New York, and Texas, HVAC technicians are in even higher demand, with the job market expected to grow by 21% in Texas, 20% in New York, and 14% in California over the next decade, according to the BLS.
As more HVAC customers seek sophisticated climate-control systems and place more emphasis on energy efficiency and pollution reduction, more HVAC and HVACR technicians will be needed for retrofitting, upgrading, or replacing HVAC systems entirely. In fact, the BLS projects about 37,700 openings for heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanics and installers each year, on average, over the decade.
What is the Average Salary of HVAC Technicians?
The median annual wage for heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanics and installers was $51,390 in May 2022, according to the BLS. The lowest 10% of HVAC technicians earned less than $36,170, and the highest 10% earned more than $82,630. Job opportunities and the HVAC technician salary vary by state and geographic region.
The BLS breaks down the median annual wages for HVAC techs and the top industries where they work as:
Wholesale trade: $57,760
Educational services; state, local, and private: $54,950
Retail trade: $54,760
Plumbing, heating, and air-conditioning contractors: $49,630
HVAC apprentices typically earn about half of what an experienced HVAC technician makes, but as they gain more HVAC training, their pay increases.
What are Some Key HVAC Certifications?
As HVAC systems technology continues to advance, HVAC technicians can grow their skills and marketable work experience by obtaining some key HVAC certifications, such as:
Section 608 Technician Certification
Federal regulations require any HVAC technician who maintains, services, repairs, or disposes of equipment that could release refrigerants into the atmosphere to hold a Section 608 Technician Certification from the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). There are four categories for Section 608 certification:
EPA Type I: repair small appliances
EPA Type II: repair high-pressure system equipment
EPA Type III: repair low-pressure system equipment
Universal EPA Certificate: includes all three certifications
North American Technician Excellence (NATE) Certification
HVAC technicians can earn HVAC certification through North American Technician Excellence (NATE), which requires rigorous testing of HVAC skills, knowledge, and experience, as well as compliance with continuing education standards. NATE-certified technicians can service or install the following equipment:
Air conditioners
Commercial refrigerators
Gas heating systems
Heat pumps
Oil heating systems
HVAC technicians who earn the national HVAC Excellence certification demonstrate technical knowledge of heating and cooling systems, and receive continuous training on emerging technological changes. HVAC Excellence offers two levels of certification:
Senior-level certification: HVAC techs must pass four certification tests.
Master-level certification: HVAC techs must pass 11 tests.
HVAC workers who obtain these certifications often earn higher wages in the HVAC industry.
What are Some Common HVAC Specialties?
Pursuing an HVAC career offers a variety of job opportunities, including areas that HVAC techs can specialize in to pursue greater knowledge and earn higher pay. Some common HVAC specialties include:
Solar Technician—HVAC technicians interested in green energy can specialize as a solar photovoltaic installer, one of the fastest-growing jobs in the U.S., according to the BLS.
HVAC Engineer—An HVAC engineer specializes in the entire planning process of installing a new HVAC system, typically in commercial settings. They may work at HVAC companies, or on behalf of equipment manufacturers, design firms, or governmental agencies.
HVAC Design Engineer—Design engineers calculate the exact heating and cooling needs for a specific home or building, then work with architects, contractors, and others to create, coordinate, and implement an HVAC system design.
Wind Turbine Engineer—As consumers increase demand for renewable green energy sources like wind turbines and wind farms, this HVAC specialty will continue to grow.
HVAC Auto Technician—This service technician specializes in automobile air conditioning maintenance and repair. Beyond auto repair shops, an HVAC auto technician may work in automotive assembly, manufacturing, and research and development.
Energy Auditor—To ensure HVAC systems work efficiently and safely, auditors evaluate every component to determine its energy use and performance, then make recommendations for upgrades, retrofits, or replacements.
Indoor Air Quality Inspector—An HVAC technician specializing in IAQ searches for mold, allergens, indoor pollutants, and other issues that affect the air quality in buildings.
Refrigeration Technician—Often working in businesses like restaurants and grocery stores, this technician specializes in installing, repairing, or replacing refrigeration and cooling systems.
What is the Outlook of the HVAC Industry?
According to a 2022 Statista Research Department report, the global HVAC market is projected to reach about $367.5 billion by 2030, based on a compound annual growth rate of 3.9% between 2020 and 2030. The research shows growth in the HVAC market may be correlated to a continued rise in construction revenue.
Overview
HVAC technicians serve as part of an essential workforce. As HVAC technology continues to evolve with smarter and more energy-efficient features and tools, these workers will remain in high demand for the foreseeable future, and beyond.
ServiceTitan is a comprehensive HVAC business software solution built specifically to help service companies streamline their operations, boost revenue, and achieve growth. Our award-winning, cloud-based platform is trusted by more than 100,000+ contractors across the country.
