HVAC Careers: HVAC Project Manager

If you’re an HVAC technician looking to advance your career, consider becoming an HVAC Project Manager. If you have extensive experience performing equipment installation and a talent for project management, this can be a rewarding career path for you.

What is an HVAC project manager and how much do they earn?

An HVAC project manager is an experienced professional who oversees the installation of heating and air conditioning systems. Projects can include new systems installed in brand new buildings, as well as replacement systems in existing buildings. 

According to Zip Recruiter, the average salary of an HVAC project manager in New York City is approximately $109,000 and the highest salaries top $152,000.

Depending on the company you work for, responsibilities can include:

• Estimating and creating bids on installation projects
• Developing installation designs and specifications
• Installation project planning 
• Scheduling and managing the timeline
• Keeping costs within budget
• Supervising technicians performing the installation
• Supervising and mentoring other project planning team members

Skills & experience needed to become an HVAC project manager

The most important qualification for becoming an HVAC project manager is technical knowledge and experience installing HVAC systems. That’s why it’s a perfect career path for technicians working on installations. Employers look for at least a few years of experience, and up to 10 years experience, completing installs. Some companies may look for a college degree for this position, but it’s definitely not a requirement for all project management positions.

That said, the other important skill you need is the ability to plan projects. That can include planning all the steps, equipment, parts, people, and other resources needed to complete the installation. It also means calculating costs, scheduling, and supervising the work.

Here’s a more comprehensive list of the skills employers may look for in an HVAC project manager:

• Ability to read construction plans and documents
• Computer skills and ability to learn new technology
• Ability to multitask and manage many details of a project
• Strong problem solving ability
• Great leadership and ability to motivate others to complete tasks and meet deadlines
• Excellent communication and customer service skills
• Ethical and results-oriented conduct
• Positive attitude and lots of energy
• EPA 608 certification
• Schedule flexibility to oversee work after hours and on weekends

Learn more about careers in HVAC & Refrigeration

Check out our Career Spotlights to learn more about career paths in the HVACR industry. And sign up for our newsletter below for monthly tips to help you build a successful career.

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.