HVAC technicians work on equipment that controls the air environment within a building. Whether it’s industrial HVAC systems or residential split systems, today’s “air conditioner repair man” is a highly skilled, technically adept trades-person.
HVAC Technician Job Responsibilities
As an HVAC technician your day to day job description will include:
- Installing, and repairing different types of HVAC systems
- Install all the wiring and other components
- Inspect, test, and monitor all the equipment
- There is a customer service component where you’ll discuss what’s going on with the customer
- If there are defective parts, you’ll repair or replace them
- Make recommendations for optimal HVAC performance
- You’ll need to keep detailed records of all repairs and conversations you’ve had
Many future HVAC technicians choose HVAC trade school programs to train for their diploma, NATE, and EPA certifications, but there are other options like apprenticeships.
Read Why Hire NATE HVAC Technicians?, written by an HVAC company owner, for more context.
HVAC Tech Salary & Job Outlook
When you first start out as an apprentice, you’ll earn about half of what an entry level HVAC tech earns, but as you gain more experience, your paychecks will get bigger.
The median annual wage for HVAC mechanics and installers was $59,620 in 2023. The bottom 10% earned close to $37,270, and the top 10% earned around $84,250 or more.
Connect with a school offering HVAC technician training near you.
Employment of HVAC technicians is projected to grow 6 percent between now and 2032, which is slightly faster growth than that of the national average of all occupations. HVAC and plumbing contractors are the largest employers of HVAC technicians, but you may also find jobs in the retail industry, as a self employed contractor, and within the educational system.
More:
- HVAC Course Requirements & Objectives
- HVAC Technician on BLS
- HVAC Practice Tests
- How to Become an HVAC Technician
last salary edit: 5/22/23