If you’re just starting (or planning) a career as an HVAC technician, it’s smart to think ahead to where that job might lead you. Of course, you might be perfectly happy to repair, maintain, and install HVAC equipment until you retire. But as you get older you may want a different challenge that doesn’t require so much physical labor. One great option is becoming an HVAC estimator.
What does an HVAC estimator do?
An HVAC estimator plans and creates cost estimates for HVAC installation and retrofit projects. The scope of the projects can range from small residential heating and/or air conditioning systems to large commercial design-build projects. Responsibilities include:
- Performing site inspections
- Creating detailed installation plans
- Tracking costs for all equipment, supplies, and labor required for installation projects
- Creating bids and quotes for potential customers
- Hiring subcontractors and other vendors
- Depending on the size of your employer, work directly with customers or work closely with sales, engineers, and project management
How your experience as a technician can help get hired as an estimator
Experience in the industry and knowledge of HVAC equipment installation is the most important qualification for becoming an HVAC estimator. If you’ve been working as a technician for at least 5 years, especially if you specialize in installation, you may be a great candidate.
To accurately estimate a job, you need a deep understanding of a variety of different types of HVAC systems. You need to know how they work and what is required to install them. If you have been working on the installation side, you’ll have lots of practical experience to bring to the table.
However, the cost estimation side of the work may be unfamiliar to you. If you’re interested in becoming an HVAC estimator, you may be able to get experience by working as an apprentice under your company’s estimator.
What skills do you need to become an HVAC estimator?
Besides technical knowledge and experience with HVAC installation projects, here are some specific skills that employers look for:
- Ability to meet deadlines and pay attention to details
- Problem solving and analytical skills
- Excellent math skills
- Excellent communication skills, both verbal and written
- Ability to read blueprints and construction drawings (and possibly create them, depending on the employer)
- Familiarity with construction processes and trades, including plumbing, electric, and carpentry
- Knowledge of estimating software
- Some employers look for a degree, license or certification
How much does an HVAC estimator earn?
Because the job responsibilities for an estimator vary so much, depending on the size of the projects and the employer, the salaries also range widely. HVAC estimators in the New York City area typically make between $70,000 and $94,000, but salaries can be $150,000 or more.
Learn more about careers in HVAC & Refrigeration
Check out our Career Spotlights to learn more about career paths in the HVACR industry.
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.