How to become an hvac technician

Per BLS data, the median salary of HVAC technicians as of May 2016 was $45,910. The highest 10 percent of earners in the HVAC field earned upwards of $73,000.

In short: yes! Becoming an HVAC technician is a rewarding process with a rewarding outcome. HVAC technicians love to work out in the field while learning new techniques and procedures all the time!

Greg Kummer, 30+ years factory trained HVAC technician. That stuff is for engineers not techs. Basic math skills are all you need. Add, subtract, multiply, divide, fractions, decimals, square and root.

HVAC technicians need math to calculate the correct load requirements to ensure equipment properly heats or cools. But in addition to the classes you will take, you should also develop these qualities and skills: Customer service – You’ll often work in customers’ homes or business offices.

Algebra and geometry are especially important when it comes to layouts on the job, and basic math also comes in handy when a job calls for measuring. The 45-Degree Formula It is essential that every plumber knows how to connect two pieces of pipe.

There are some more serious risks for HVAC workers that could be potentially fatal. They can be exposed to Carbon Monoxide which can be poisonous. As HVAC technicians frequently come into contact with wiring, they risk being electrocuted. They can also suffer other types of burns and abrasions to the skin.

In 2015, the US Department of Labor received reports of more than 37,000 separate accidents resulting in injuries in the HVAC and plumbing trades. That same year there were a total of 29 fatalities, with most falling into three categories: Transportation incidents – 7 fatalities in 2015.

HVAC Technician

HVAC techs usually go through programs designed specifically for the career. Working for a property management firm or corporate HVAC company usually nets a nice income, but making $100,000 or more a year often requires starting your own company.

Active Work

HVAC technicians’ work can take them indoors and outdoors on a daily basis, as well as to a variety of different job sites. Moving, walking, and spending time outdoors on the job also comes with some attractive health benefits: Reduced risk of heart disease. Reduced risk of cancer.

Yes, a career in HVAC is a worthwhile option because it pays well and offers a wide range of employment opportunities. The profession can also be very fulfilling and might mean little or no student debt. HVAC is worth considering for those who want an occupation that doesn’t require staying at the desk daily.

HVAC technicians are below average when it comes to happiness. At CareerExplorer, we conduct an ongoing survey with millions of people and ask them how satisfied they are with their careers. As it turns out, HVAC technicians rate their career happiness 3.0 out of 5 stars which puts them in the bottom 29% of careers.

Besides being a rewarding and challenging, a career in air conditioning and heater repair means a change of pace. Every day. If you’re not the type to be trapped in a building all day, a career in HVAC makes a lot of sense. Service calls make everyday different.

You might not expect to see the HVAC trade listed as one of the most stressful professions. But the work is physically demanding, and working in tight, dark, and dirty spaces can pose a variety of mental and physical challenges. Once they gain experience, a lot of HVAC mechanics start their own businesses.

HVAC training isn’t difficult. If you have mechanical, electrical, customer service, and attention to detail inclinations, it can be very easy. The difficult part is in the implementation. If you’re considering residential/commercial/industrial service, it gets physically brutal.

The BLS reports that median HVAC technician salaries came in at a healthy $22.64 per hour and $47,080 per year as of 2017. Since HVAC offers better-than-average compensation, it makes a sensible career choice for workers wondering how they’ll pay their bills.

When it comes to income, electricians come out on top. An electrician in the U.S. earns an average of $51,880 each year. A plumber earns just a little less, with a median annual salary of $50,620. HVAC technicians earn the lowest wages of the three, with a median annual income of $45,110.