Considering a career as an HVAC service technician? We know you have questions. Here are the answers to the most common questions we hear about HVAC careers, from young people just starting out and from men and women looking to change careers or transition from the military.
HVAC CAREERS: Your top questions answered
1. Do I need to complete trade school to work as an HVAC technician?
Some service providers may look for new hires coming out of trade school. But the fact is, most don’t require technical school or college for entry level positions in HVAC and Refrigeration service, and will hire people with little to no experience in the field.
That said, service providers are looking for people with the right qualifications to succeed in the job, including technical aptitude, reliability, and good communication skills (see the next question for more details about this).
So, without trade school, how do you learn technical and diagnostic skills? As an entry level technician (also called an apprentice or helper), you work alongside more experienced technicians and learn on the job. New technicians also get trained through their employer’s internal training and mentoring program, the local union’s training school, or a combination of both.
This practice is one reason why HVAC careers are such a promising option for technically-minded young professionals. You can avoid the high cost of college or technical training, and actually get paid to work while you learn.
TIP: There is one bit of education you can get on your own that can give you a leg up on the competition when you apply for entry-level technician positions. It’s called EPA 608 certification, and it qualifies you to work with refrigerants here in the US. Doing this shows employers that you are committed to working in HVACR and now just “trying it out.”
Learn more > HVAC Technician Certification: EPA 608 Certification Explained
2. What skills do I need to succeed in HVAC careers?
Here are the top skills and personal qualities that employers report as important in selecting new service technicians:
- Reliability
- Work ethic
- Interest in learning
- Communication skills
- Technician ability
- Driving skills
- Experience using tools
- Desire to help others
Learn more > Refrigeration and Air Conditioning Jobs: What’s Required to Get Hired
3. How much money can I make as an HVAC technician?
Within 5 years, you could earn $100,000 per year or more as an HVAC and Refrigeration technician!
Want to learn more about wages and benefits for union HVAC technicians in the NYC area, and compare with the wages in other careers that you might be considering? Read this article: HVAC & Refrigeration Technician Salary in NYC: How Does It Measure Up?
4. Is it worth it to join the union?
This is often a big question for prospective HVAC technicians, mostly because people expect it to be very difficult to get into the union. Here in the NYC area, that’s not the case for HVAC service technicians. All you need to do is get hired by a union contractor, who will sign you up within 45 days.
The fact is, union membership has many advantages for technicians, including regular raises and overtime pay, the best medical benefits you’ll get anywhere (completely PAID for), a pension when you retire, and negotiated work hours and working conditions.
Learn more > HVAC Union vs. Non Union Jobs: Which Way Should You Go?
5. Do HVAC careers offer job security for the long term?
HVAC and Refrigeration is a very promising industry to work in. Here are just a few reasons why:
- There’s a shortage of technicians as many are retiring. Both new and experienced technicians are in great demand.
- In any economy, homes and businesses will always need heat, air conditioning, and refrigeration.
- The development of new technology is driving industry growth and the need for highly skilled technical specialists.
Learn more > Best Recession-Proof Jobs: HVAC & Refrigeration
How you can prepare for a successful HVAC career
Ready now? Start with these steps:
- Assess your suitability for the job: Take our quiz
- Watch our training videos to learn more about the industry and working as a service technician.
- Create a resume using our template as a guide.
- Apply for HVAC career positions in NYC!
Preparing to enter the workforce soon?
Learn more > HVAC Professional Careers: How to Prepare Now
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.