Best Recession-Proof Jobs: HVAC & Refrigeration

Even in tough times, people need heat, air conditioning, and refrigeration. That’s one reason why HVAC and Refrigeration service providers are some of the best recession-proof jobs and businesses.

If you’re one of the millions of Americans entering the job market (college grads, high school grads, those exiting military service, and those recently laid off), you may be concerned about your future. The economy is uncertain, and that may be causing you to rethink your career plans.

For many job seekers, it’s time to shift gears and seek out new and more promising opportunities. A career in HVAC and Refrigeration is a great option to consider. 

Why HVACR is a recession-proof business 

During any economic downturn, homes and businesses will continue to need reliable heating and cooling. Even if investments in new systems get put off for a while, that only increases the need to repair and maintain existing air conditioning and heating equipment.

Even during the worst of the pandemic, which caused one of the most severe economic downturns in recent memory, HVACR service businesses continued to operate. In most areas they were declared essential workers because HVAC and Refrigeration service companies needed to support healthcare facilities, supermarkets and other essential businesses that remained open. These businesses relied heavily on refrigeration, heat, and air conditioning to allow them to operate.

In the wake of the pandemic, HVACR service companies saw a new opportunity emerging as homeowners and property managers were looking for air quality solutions to make sure the air in their spaces was safe. Sales of air quality products and services has been further enhanced by local government mandates for enhanced air filtration for certain types of spaces, such as restaurants and schools.

Businesses and homeowners look to save money by cutting costs when the economy dips. HVAC services can have a big impact on energy consumption and expenses. New York City is already mandating improved energy efficiency in buildings, and that trend will continue to drive growth in the HVAC industry.

These facts help to explain why HVAC and Refrigeration are recession-proof businesses, and why job growth continues to outpace other industries.

The long-term outlook for HVAC & Refrigeration industry jobs

Employment of HVACR technicians is projected to grow 13% from 2018 to 2028, according to the latest figures from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS). 

That’s faster than the average growth for all occupations combined. 

Not only are HVAC and Refrigeration service technician jobs recession-proof, but there’s actually a severe shortage of HVACR service workers, to the tune of 70,000 jobs across the country. According to BLS, the shortage of HVACR technicians is expected to grow over the next few years. 

The shortage of HVACR technicians has happened primarily because a large portion of the current workforce is retiring or nearing retirement. Also, high school technical programs that used to promote careers in the trades have all but dried up as schools and parents are steering young people toward college.

Another contributing factor is the advancement of new technology. Automated technology is creating the need for more jobs in HVAC and Refrigeration, rather than taking jobs away as in other industries.

Learn more: NYC HVAC Job Outlook: A Bright Future

The most recession-proof jobs: HVAC & Refrigeration field service

The HVAC and Refrigeration industries employ workers for a variety of jobs, including installation, dispatch, manufacturing, parts distribution, operations management and many others. 

However, HVACR field service technicians positions are among the most secure, recession-proof jobs. 

Many types of employers hire HVACR technicians, including supermarkets, manufacturing plants, industrial and utility facilities, healthcare facilities, and universities, not to mention heating and air conditioning installers and service providers.

And they pay well. Within just 5 years, an HVACR technician can earn $100,000 per year or more.

In addition to the factors mentioned earlier, another important factor that increases job security for HVACR technicians is the highly skilled nature of the work. Doing this work well requires not only years of classroom and on-the-job training, but also a commitment to ongoing learning. 

With the increasing labor shortage in the industry, employers are holding on to the skilled workers they have. Even if work slows temporarily due to an economic recession, employers must do everything possible to keep skilled workers on staff. (During the worst of the pandemic when demand was down, many NYC HVACR companies found ways to keep workers on the payroll and even pay for their benefits.)

When demand for service ramps up during the peak AC season, employers invest in hiring and training new service technicians who will become the skilled workers in years to come.

Learn more: High Paying and Rewarding Careers in HVACR

How to get started working in a recession-proof industry

Here’s the good news for job seekers looking to join the lucrative HVAC and Refrigeration business as service technicians:  

• You don’t need experience, a college degree, or even trade school to get started.
• Employers will hire men and women with the right skills to start as helpers or apprentices.
• Employers train new technicians or send them to the local union training school.
• You get paid to work as you learn, all without taking on college debt.
• If you join a union shop, you get guaranteed pay raises and excellent union benefits.

Learn more: 

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

HVAC Technician Apprenticeship: What to Expect in the First Year

Is a career in HVAC & Refrigeration right for you?

To find out if you are well suited to a career in HVAC & Refrigeration service, take our quiz.

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.