Considering a career in the skilled trades, but not sure which one is right for you? There are many factors that may influence your decision. But for smart men and women planning for the future, pay and benefits is one of the most important. The fact is, HVAC & Refrigeration service is one of the highest paid skilled trade jobs. Especially for those who get into the union.
Here’s what you can earn as a union HVACR technician here in New York City.
Union HVAC service is one of the highest paid skilled trades jobs
HVAC & Refrigeration technicians earn great money. Here in the New York City metro area, members of our local union for HVACR workers earn better pay than many college grads.
Hourly rate: $43+/hour with guaranteed raises
Many technicians make over $100,000 per year. Entry level workers with no experience start at a modest rate of $15.55 per hour. But after only 6 months, you’ll make $21.23 per hour. After one year, your pay rate jumps to $25.63. The rate goes up every year until you become a journeyman making $43.85 per hour (after about 5 years).
These wage rates also go up twice a year as per the collective bargaining agreement.
Overtime pay
As a union worker, you get overtime pay at time-and-a-half for every hour you work above regular hours or on Saturdays, and double time for work on Sundays. You even get paid for being on call for emergency work.
Paid time off
Unlike some skilled trades jobs, you get paid holidays, sick time, and vacation time as an union HVACR Technician.
Learn more: Get to Know Your NYC Refrigeration & HVAC Union: UA Local 638
Don’t forget to consider benefits
Pay rate is important. But benefits, especially if you have a family or plan to have one, are worth a lot of money. Factoring in the value of medical and retirement benefits makes HVACR one of the highest paid skilled trade jobs you can find.
Medical benefits
A union HVACR service technician gets medical benefits for their family (including dental, vision and life insurance) that’s FULLY PAID FOR by their employer. That’s just about impossible to find elsewhere. In other trade jobs, medical benefits can cost hundreds of dollars per month for an individual, and thousands for a family. (And benefits might not be offered at all.)
Pension for retirement
Wouldn’t you like to be able to retire at age 62 with a comfortable income as high as $100,000? Few other careers offer pension benefits, but HVACR does.
More reasons HVACR service is one of the best skilled trades careers
It’s not only the pay and benefits that make HVACR service a great career choice. Other benefits include:
- No degree required and no college debt!
- Job security (skilled technicians are in high demand)
- Interesting work
- Chance to work with technology
- Satisfaction of helping others
Learn more: Best Recession-Proof Jobs: HVAC & Refrigeration
Get info about careers in HVAC & Refrigeration service
Sounds great, doesn’t it? It really is. Sign up to get more information about careers in HVAC & Refrigeration service.
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.