HVAC careers in Virginia can range from maintaining temperature controls devices such as thermostats and furnaces to installation of rooftop air conditioning units. Most HVAC technicians tend to specialize in either installation or maintenance but are trained in both aspects. Virginia HVAC technicians can expect to work in a variety of fields including residential, business, industrial, and medical applications. Some HVAC technicians also specialize in refrigeration and are known as HVAC-R technicians.
HVAC Salary and Job Outlook in Virginia
HVAC careers are very stable, and in high demand. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the number of HVAC jobs is predicted to grow by about 34% over the next decade; this translates to over 90,000 new positions. Average annual salary for an HVAC technician is approximately $43,430 per year. HVAC technicians commonly work forty hour work weeks, and generally have good benefits.
What Type of Education Does an HVAC Technician in Virginia Need?
HVAC training combines several different disciplines into a single field; workers will need a thorough understanding of electricity, testing equipment, heating and airflow principles, mechanical principles, and a very strong background in mathematics. One of the best aspects of pursuing an HVAC career is the number of options you have for training. Training can range from six months to two years or more, and can be obtained from online schools, technical and community colleges, or a university.
There a three main accreditation organizations that are accepted as the industry standards are known as HVAC Excellence, the Partnership for Air Conditioning, Heating, and Refrigeration Accreditation, and the National Center for Construction Education and Research. In addition to these credentials, technicians will also need to complete an apprenticeship ranging from one to three years before being considered an experienced technician.
Figures courtesy of the U.S. Department of Labor’s Occupational Employment & Wages database.
