Are you working in the trades but not entirely satisfied with the work, what you’re earning, or the benefits (or lack thereof)? Consider making the switch to HVACR, one of the best skilled trade jobs in terms of job satisfaction, earnings and benefits, as well as job security and growth potential.
Why HVACR offers the best skilled trade jobs
Interesting and rewarding work
For technically-minded people who love to learn new things, HVAC and Refrigeration careers offer a chance to spend your time solving a different problem every day. You’ll never be bored, that’s guaranteed. And if you enjoy helping others, that’s a bonus, because you get to interact with residential and commercial customers and make them happy by solving their heating and cooling issues.
Great pay and benefits
Especially for union members, it’s hard to beat the pay you earn and the benefits you receive as an HVAC and Refrigeration technician. Once you become fully trained and qualified (after about 5 years), you can easily earn over $100,000 per year. Plus you get excellent medical benefits that are FULLY PAID FOR by your employer! That’s just about impossible to find elsewhere. AND you earn a pension that allows you to retire at a relatively young age with a good income.
A growing industry and job security
Consider this… even in an economic downturn, everyone still needs heat, air conditioning, and refrigeration. That’s one reason that HVACR offers long-term job security. Even during pandemic lockdowns, HVACR technicians were deemed essential workers, and many were able to work at tasks like fixing supermarket refrigeration equipment.
What’s more, new technology and building booms in the city are fueling industry growth. Plus the current workforce is shrinking due to retirement and the reduced numbers of young people going into trade careers. All of that adds up to a great opportunity to switch to the best skilled trade jobs!
Get started even without industry experience
If you’ve been working in another trade, or even a different type of job altogether, you might be concerned about starting over when you make the switch to HVACR.
The good news is, you won’t need to invest time and money to get training and experience. You can get hired as a junior technician (or “helper”) with no HVACR experience, provided you can demonstrate the qualities the employer is looking for.
That’s more good news: you have already gained skills and experience from your work in another trade, and HVACR employers want and need your skills. Here’s some advice on how to highlight the desirable skills you bring to the table when you apply for jobs in HVAC and Refrigeration service.
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Career Advice: Jobs in HVAC & Refrigeration Service
Advice for making the transition from another trade
As an HVACR technician, you’ll use many skills from other trades. That’s because working with heating, air conditioning and refrigeration requires expertise with building, plumbing, electrical and more.
That will be a big help to you when you begin to apply for jobs, and it’s one reason why HVACR is one of the best skilled trade jobs for people looking to switch from another trade. The skills you have already gained can help you make the transition to HVACR. Here are some examples.
Plumbing:
- Knowledge about piping systems, including how to install, maintain and repair them.
- Understanding of pumping equipment, which is important for working on chillers, cooling towers, and some types of heating systems.
Electrical:
- Familiarity with electrical theory, including voltage, circuits, and wiring.
- Ability to accurately diagnose and fix electrical problems.
- You’ll need to replace capacitors, wire air conditioning and heating controls, and install circuit breakers.
Construction:
- Experience with hand tools, power tools, and testing equipment.
- Safety training (OSHA) and experience following safety protocols.
- Ability to read blueprints, mechanical drawings, and wiring diagrams.
Auto Repair:
- Diagnostic and repair skills
- Experience doing preventative maintenance
- Experience with tools, especially computerized diagnostics
- Experience handling refrigerant (EPA 608 training is a big plus!)
Other skills you may be able to demonstrate:
- Reliability and work ethic
- Problem solving ability
- Customer service and communication skills
- Computer skills
- Good driving skills (since your employer will need to trust you with a company vehicle)
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Refrigeration and Air Conditioning Jobs: What’s Required to Get Hired
Crafting your resume to make the switch to HVACR
When you’re making a career change, it’s important to sell yourself by highlighting the important skills you have.
Check out our page on HVAC resumes, which can help you put together a resume that gets noticed and gets you interviews with HVAC & Refrigeration employers.
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.
Learn about technical careers in the HVAC & Refrigeration industry, how to get hired and tips to build your career.