Every career has its pros and cons, and the HVAC career is no exception.
On this page, you’ll learn what the pros and cons of this career are.
Pros of the HVAC Career
Good Base Salary
As an HVAC technician, you can earn a decent salary every year plus benefits.
As of May 2021, the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) reported that an HVAC technician can earn…
- Average hourly pay – $23.38
- Average annual pay – $48,630
Positive Job Outlook
For this decade 2020 to 2030, BLS projected a 5% increase in employment levels for this career.
This is equivalent to an average of 38,500 new job openings every year, so there’s plenty of work for everyone.
This growth is thanks to the following factors:
- Constant changes, updates, and new technologies for climate-control systems
- Increase demands for indoor air quality
- Construction of new residential and commercial buildings
Plenty of Job Options
HVAC technicians are always in demand and employed by clients belonging in:
- Homes
- Schools
- Stores
- Hospitals
- Office buildings
- Factories
What’s more, you can apply and get hired for a variety of job positions, such as:
- Residential HVAC technician
- Commercial HVAC technician
- HVAC project manager
- HVAC engineer
- HVAC installer
- AC engineer
- Thermal engineer
Early Career Start
Unlike other technical careers, enrolling at a vocational school for the HVAC program isn’t mandatory.
So if you want, you can start as an apprentice for a journeyman HVAC technician as soon as you finish high school.
This apprenticeship will allow you to earn a salary and be given a raise at regular intervals, just like a regular employee.
No Threat of Automation or Outsourcing
Because the HVAC system needs special handling and skills, labor will always come from humans to…
- Keep the HVAC system running safely
- Make recommendations and solutions
- Manage the entire service process – installation, repair, and maintenance
As such, you don’t have to worry about your work getting robbed by an AI or outsourced overseas.
Cons of the HVAC Career
Require Ample Experience
Because it’s a technical career, employers will need you to have ample experience in the HVAC system.
The more experience you have, the more responsibilities are entrusted to you.
If you’re a newbie, you can enroll in an HVAC program or apply for an HVAC apprenticeship to gain the required experience.
Physically Demanding
The HVAC job can be physically demanding.
You will…
- Work on your feet for over 40 hours a week
- Get exposed to hazardous equipment and work environment
These are the reasons why good physical stamina and strength are vital qualifications for an HVAC technician.
Seasonal Job Demands
There are seasons where you’re in demand more than others.
Usually, you’ll get more work assignments during the summer months to help maintain the clients’ HVAC systems.
At this time, expect to deal with last-minute service calls and working overtime and during holidays.
Evolving HVAC System Technology
The industry constantly produces innovations to match the needs and demands of consumers.
Right now, these innovations have led to more sophisticated climate-control systems to help alleviate climate change.
So you can’t relax about your current knowledge and skills and think that these are enough.
You should always be updated about the changes in the industry to make up for any upskilling you need to do.
This page is also available in Spanish.
