Exciting Jobs that Pay Well: HVAC Service in NYC

Looking for a career where you’ll never be bored? It’s not easy to find exciting jobs that pay well and don’t require some sort of elite talent or industry connections. Here’s an exception: HVAC service jobs are exciting, lucrative, and in-demand.

You might be familiar with some of the exciting benefits, including great pay, that come with a career in HVAC service. (If not, we’ll reveal some of those here.) But did you know that the job itself can be pretty exciting as well?

HVAC service offers exciting jobs that pay well

You’ve probably heard of “extreme sports” where the high level of risk makes it super exciting. Here in New York City, we like to call our work “extreme HVAC” because we face extreme challenges that don’t happen in other areas. That’s what makes it exciting… and one reason HVAC technicians make great money in New York.

Didn’t think HVAC service was an exciting job? Here’s why it is, especially here in NYC.

What’s so exciting about HVAC service in NYC?

The places you get to see

As an HVAC service technician, you work in a variety of interesting settings. 

Here in NYC, that includes places you would never have the opportunity to see otherwise. Like the homes of the rich and famous. You also get to see the inner workings of sports arenas, Broadway theaters, the hottest restaurants and clubs, media production facilities, government offices, museums, hospitals, universities, research facilities and more.

Getting around NYC: race against the clock

Have you ever seen The Amazing Race? Getting to a job in NYC is kind of like that.

As you may know, traffic conditions in New York City are beyond extreme. When there’s an accident or construction or a visiting dignitary in town (which happens just about every day), the traffic can derail work schedules. HVAC technicians need serious strategic planning skills (not to mention excellent driving skills!) to get where they are going on time.

If they get lucky, service techs might find metered street parking blocks away. They must use constant vigilance to keep their eye on the time during the service call so they can run down 10 stories and over 4 blocks to feed the meter before getting hit with a parking ticket. 

Strength is also a must: NYC technicians need to carry more tools and equipment to minimize trips out to the truck.

Accessing the equipment: not for the faint of heart

The cost of space is also beyond extreme here in NYC. That’s why HVAC equipment gets squeezed into all kinds of crazy places. Nobody wants to waste valuable space for equipment.

That makes HVAC service in NYC even more extreme for technicians who have to climb and crawl into those ceilings, walls, and rooftops to do maintenance, repairs or installations. Techs sometimes need the skills of a contortionist to get at the equipment. They do whatever it takes to complete the job. Never a dull moment!

Solving high-tech problems: thinking outside the box

HVAC & Refrigeration service has changed considerably in recent years with the rise of computer-controlled equipment and tools. Being a successful HVACR technician now requires excellent technical skills. 

It also requires excellent problem-solving skills. HVAC service, especially in NYC where there are so many “creative” installations, can require extreme levels of ingenuity. You’ll need to be able to think outside the box to diagnose problems where others will be left scratching their heads.

Here’s a true story about an NYC service tech working on a problem for a prominent Manhattan restaurant:

The kitchen was not getting enough return air and the cause was a mystery, until the tech decided to get INTO THE AIR DUCT to look for obstructions. He crawled up three stories (to the 66th floor) where he found the problem: a damper that had been closed for years and was concealing a broken fan. 

Who would have guessed? Only those with the extreme smarts to figure it out, and the willingness to take on the challenge.

The money you make! Finance a fun-filled lifestyle

We told you that HVAC service offers exciting jobs that pay well. The excitement doesn’t end when you go home at the end of the day. 

You’ll be thrilled every time you get paid, because the money you make in this career can support you and your family in the lifestyle you have dreamed of. We’re talking over $100,000 per year once you’re fully qualified.

Learn how much HVACR technicians earn:

Highest Paid Skilled Trades Jobs:  Union HVAC Service

More HVAC service benefits to get excited about

Never having to worry about being out of work

If you have spent much time job hunting, you’ll understand the value of job security. Being out of work and failing to find a job can be scary and depressing. 

That won’t happen to you with a career in HVAC & Refrigeration service. In fact, the industry has a serious shortage of qualified labor. So if you’re good at what you do, you can write your ticket and you won’t have trouble finding a job, even in a poor economy.

Learn more: Best Recession-Proof Jobs: HVAC & Refrigeration

Earn the respect of friends and family

If you’re considering a career in the trades, you may have experienced push-back from family or friends who want you to go to college. 

That stigma only exists among people who don’t know anyone in the HVAC business. Once people see how much money you’re making, the benefits you get, and the challenging and rewarding work you do, they will understand what a great career choice you’re making. 

Be set for life with benefits & pension

When you’re just starting out, just getting the first job that allows you to be independent is very exciting. But that excitement can wear off as you start a family and your expenses mount. That’s why it’s so smart to choose a career that leaves you financially set for life with great benefits and a pension. 

Union trade careers are one of the few ways you can get excellent medical benefits that are paid for by your employer. Otherwise it’s a huge out-of-pocket expense for you. And a pension that can allow you to retire comfortably at a relatively young age? That’s rare today and it’s a fantastic benefit that young people tend to overlook.

Learn more: The Best HVAC Companies to Work For Are Union Shops

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.