Becoming an HVAC Technician as a Second Career

Many of those who are interested in becoming an HVAC technician are young men and women, in high school or soon after, who are forging their first career path. However, people looking to change careers, either following military service or after being disappointed by their initial career choice, can also find satisfaction and success as an HVAC technician.

In this article, we’ll reveal the many benefits of a career HVAC service, the advantages you may have in becoming an HVAC technician as a second career, and also a few hurdles that you may need to overcome.

Why become an HVAC technician?

Here’s why you should consider HVAC service as your second career:

Interesting and rewarding work. HVAC has changed quite a bit in recent years. It’s a fast-growing industry driven by technological advancements. There’s always something new to learn and a new challenge to figure out. Plus, you get to help your customers be more comfortable in their homes and work spaces. You’ll never be bored and you’ll feel good about what you do.

Great pay and benefits.  Especially as a member of the union, it’s hard to beat the pay and benefits you can earn when you become an HVAC technician. After only 5 years, you can easily earn over $100,000 per year, plus you get PAID medical benefits. And, it’s one of the few careers where you can retire with a pension.

Job security.  Why is HVAC service such a secure job? Even in economic downturns, everyone needs heat and air conditioning. Case in point: even during Covid lockdowns in NYC, HVAC and Refrigeration workers were considered essential workers. If you work hard and become an expert at what you do, you can find work just about anywhere in the country.

Earn while you learn.  One of the most challenging aspects of changing careers is making the transition. Chances are you can’t take years to retrain without earning any money. When you become an HVAC technician, you can get hired as a junior technician even without experience in the industry, and get trained by your employer.

Learn more>  Technical Careers Without College: HVAC & Refrigeration Service

The advantages of becoming an HVAC technician as a second career

The fact is, those looking to become an HVAC technician as a second career actually may have a better chance at success and certain advantages over others entering the field right out of school. 

That’s because you likely have honed important skills and gained valuable experience in your first career, such as:

• Experience working as part of a team
• Customer service skills
• Critical thinking and problem solving skills
• Experience with learning new technologies

For those transitioning from the military, you might have an even bigger advantage. Employers know that military experience just about guarantees that you have sought-after skills, including:

• Reliability
• Work ethic
• Technical aptitude
• Ability to follow processes & procedures

When you apply for jobs, be sure to highlight these relevant skills and experiences on your resume and when you interview.

Learn more> Refrigeration and Air Conditioning Jobs: What’s Required to Get Hired

A couple of challenges

Here are a couple of issues you should be aware of as you make the shift to a new career in HVAC service:

Short term pay difference. Depending on what you were doing previously, you might earn a lower hourly rate initially as an HVAC apprentice. But that won’t last long… wages grow fast as you build expertise. In a few years you’ll be making in the range of $30-$40 per hour. Plus, you’ll get PAID benefits and OVERTIME, which can make up the difference. 

It’s a physical job. Keep in mind that HVAC service can require physically demanding work. That can be more challenging if you’re not 18 year old! The upside is that you can keep in shape and you won’t be stuck sitting at a desk all day.  

Thinking of becoming an HVAC technician as your second career? Take our quick quiz to find out if you’re well suited for this job.

HVACR Career Connect NY was created to promote the exceptional quality-of-life benefits of a career in HVAC and Refrigeration service, and also to provide a clear path for getting started in the profession. In doing so, we serve as a resource for employers in the New York City metro area to find and hire smart and capable new technicians. We also serve as an educational resource to support business growth and to help service technicians succeed in their chosen profession.