HVAC stands for heating, ventilation, and air-conditioning. HVAC systems are present in all types of structures, ranging from office buildings to hospitals. The system regulates air quality, temperature, and humidity, among other elements of internal climate control. HVAC systems are essential in ensuring the comfort of building inhabitants as well as the preservation and transportation of food, medicine, and other such cargo. The skilled professionals who install, repair, and maintain these systems are known as HVAC technicians.
HVAC technicians are a combination of engineer and mechanic. They are responsible for all aspects of HVAC systems, which require year-round maintenance to run efficiently. HVAC technicians must have in-depth knowledge of the complex network of mechanical and electrical components that make up the typical HVAC system. They perform a service that cannot be replicated by the general handyman or layman.
Due to their knowledge and unique skill set, the demand for HVAC technicians is expected to increase over the next ten years. In addition, the development of new, more environmentally friendly HVAC systems will create a market for technicians skilled in green technology.
Variables and Determining Factors
The average salary of an HVAC technician depends on a few determining factors. The first is their level of experience. A technician with 25 years of experience installing HVAC systems can demand a higher rate than a technician fresh out of vocational college.
The second factor is specialization. The HVAC industry encompasses many specific forms of climate control, including newcomers such as solar energy and water heating. Technicians who work in newer technology will have less competition and therefore can charge a higher rate.
The final, and most important, factor is the amount of work contracted to the technician. Although all HVAC technicians are able to perform both installations and maintenance, those that specialize in maintenance will usually receive more steady work. The reason for this is because HVAC installation depends on the amount of construction being completed at any given time. Existing HVAC systems will require maintenance year-round, making it more likely that a need for the HVAC technician will arise.
Other variables to consider when looking at the average salary of an HVAC technician are job title and location.
Average Salaries
Keeping all of the above variables in mind, it is now possible to break down the average salary of an HVAC technician. According the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the average HVAC technician makes an annual salary of $44,860 or an hourly wage of $21.57. At the highest level, an HVAC technician can make over $66,000 annually. Entry-level HVAC technicians make an average of $26,490 per year. These numbers vary based on variables such as experience location. As mentioned above, service technicians generally make more than installers due to the frequency of their work.
Finally, it is possible to determine the average salary of an HVAC technician based on their industry and job title. Though many HVAC technicians work independently, common employers include contractors and commercial service centers. HVAC technicians employed by building equipment contractors make an average of $43,600. Those employed by direct selling establishments make an average salary of $46,170, while technicians working for commercial equipment repair and maintenance firms make an average of $45,970 per year. HVAC technicians working for Motor Vehicle Manufacturers make the highest salary, with an average annual profit of $66,180.
(All Figures courtesy of the U.S. Department of Labor’s Occupational Employment & Wages database.)
Top HVAC Schools
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Ashworth College
Ashworth offers respected, affordable online degree programs and expert guidance to help you meet your goals while balancing work and family. Now you can get the precise training you need to become the professional you’ve always wanted to be. And you can go as far as your education takes you.
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Penn Foster Career School
Having the right skills is vitally important in today’s super-competitive job market. With online training from Penn Foster Career School, students are assured of learning up-to-date career skills that will prepare them for the jobs of today and tomorrow. Students at Penn Foster Career School can get the training they need quickly, conveniently, and affordably.
Penn Foster is one of the world’s largest and most respected online education providers. Their programs are job focused, and they offer training for employment in the fastest-growing fields in business, technology, health care, and the trades.
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WyoTech
WyoTech is one of America’s leading post-secondary education schools that can help prepare students for careers in the automotive, collision/refinishing, diesel, electrician, HVAC, motorcycle, marine and plumbing fields. WyoTech takes a very personal, professional approach to career education, offering flexible class schedules, teachers who are seasoned industry professionals, and support systems designed to help students succeed both inside and outside the classroom. Even after students graduate, WyoTech’s Career Services department is there to provide ongoing career coaching assistance and help locating local employment opportunities. Financial aid is available for those who qualify. Programs vary by campus. Not all programs and specialty courses are offered in all locations.
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Everest Institute
Everest Colleges, Institutes and Universities provides postsecondary education programs that prepare students for careers in some of America’s fastest growing industries, including health care, business and technology. Everest takes a very personal approach to career education, offering small classes, intimate work groups and support systems designed to help students succeed both inside and outside the classroom. Even after students graduate, Everest’s Career Services department is there to provide ongoing career coaching and help locating local employment opportunities. Financial aid is available for those who qualify.
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Lincoln College of Technology
Lincoln College of Technology helps students achieve professional success through personalized career support and hands-on, job-specific education. our in-depth training programs are designed to meet the changing needs of today’s tough job market, and cover a variety of fields, including: Health Sciences, Business and Information Technology, Hospitality, Automotive Technology, HVAC Technology and Electrical Systems Technology.
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Kaplan Career Institute
At Kaplan Career Institute, we provide affordable, career-focused programs that not only meet the demands of the market, but also the demands of your busy life. We offer day and evening classes to accommodate your busy schedule. Our accelerated curricula give you the opportunity to earn a diploma in as little as 9 to 15 months or an associate’s degree in less than 2 years. Our instructors have professional experience and provide an inside look into some of today’s hottest careers.
Kaplan Higher Education or its authorized agents and representatives may contact me via email or telephone to discuss these and other educational opportunities in the future.
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Porter and Chester Institute
Get the Career Training you need in as little as 9 Months! Looking for a new career but traditional college isn’t your thing? We understand. That’s why Porter and Chester Institute provides you with the hands-on training to prepare you for the career you deserve.
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Pittsburgh Technical Institute
As the market place continues to become more competitive, rewarding those with the right training for the job, Pittsburgh Technical Institute is ideally positioned to give you the skills you need to compete. In fact, you can choose to get your certificate or associate degree at our convenient North Fayette campus in several emerging industries, including:
- Technology
- Business
- Health Care
- Design
- Building Technology
- Criminal Justice
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Everest College
Everest Colleges, Institutes and Universities provides postsecondary education programs that prepare students for careers in some of America’s fastest growing industries, including health care, business and technology. Everest takes a very personal approach to career education, offering small classes, intimate work groups and support systems designed to help students succeed both inside and outside the classroom. Even after students graduate, Everest’s Career Services department is there to provide ongoing career coaching and help locating local employment opportunities. Financial aid is available for those who qualify.
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Everest University
Everest Colleges, Institutes and Universities provides postsecondary education programs that prepare students for careers in some of America’s fastest growing industries, including health care, business and technology. Everest takes a very personal approach to career education, offering small classes, intimate work groups and support systems designed to help students succeed both inside and outside the classroom. Even after students graduate, Everest’s Career Services department is there to provide ongoing career coaching and help locating local employment opportunities. Financial aid is available for those who qualify.
