In the wake of high inflation and failing banks, no one seems sure where the economy is heading next. If you’re trying to decide on a career path, it pays to choose a career that won’t leave you stranded without an income if the economy tanks. In general, skilled trade jobs are in demand in a thriving economy. But HVAC & Refrigeration work is in demand in any economy.
Find out why HVACR is the most secure career path in the skilled trades, and why it may be the best choice for you.
Why are HVACR skilled trade jobs in demand?
If you want the most secure jobs, look at industries that thrive during a recession. HVAC and Refrigeration is one of them. Here’s why.
The work doesn’t depend on the economy
People need heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration, no matter the state of the economy. It’s an essential item. In fact, when the pandemic hit in 2020, HVACR workers were quickly deemed essential workers.
That means HVACR work is not so dependent on the rates of inflation or recession as other types of businesses or even some other trades. If your heating system breaks down and you can’t afford to replace it, you have to repair the old one.So service businesses have work in either case.
Also, HVAC and Refrigeration repair is not something people can figure out themselves by watching a YouTube video. You need an expert. That’s another reason HVACR skilled trade jobs are in demand.
Industry and regulatory changes
Recent changes in regulations have mandated the phase-out of certain refrigerant chemicals that were the industry standards in air conditioning and refrigeration systems for a long time. Many older systems need to be converted to use new refrigerants, or replaced with systems that use new refrigerants. That’s bringing a surge of new work for HVACR service companies.
Also, changing energy efficiency standards (and new laws in some cities and states) are motivating people to upgrade their HVAC systems. Rebates and tax breaks intended to reduce wasted energy are further incentives that are bringing more business to HVACR businesses across the country.
HVACR skilled trade jobs are in demand not only because the work is increasing. There’s also a growing shortage of labor in the industry.
A shrinking workforce
Baby boomers make up a large portion of the current skilled HVACR workforce. And they are retiring. At the same time, fewer young people are entering the trades. Schools and parents are steering everyone toward college. The result: every year, more people leave the HVACR workforce than join it.
The deficit is a big problem for the industry, which desperately needs new skilled talent. That’s why the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics predicts that 50,000 new jobs will be added in the HVACR industry over a 10 year period.
With the increasing labor shortage in the industry, employers highly value their skilled workers and are doing everything possible to keep them on staff. During the pandemic shutdown in NYC, many HVACR companies found ways to keep workers on the payroll and even pay for their benefits.
Yet job security isn’t the only reason to choose a career in HVACR.
More reasons to choose a career in the HVACR industry
Great pay and benefits
HVACR technicians make great money, especially union members. The starting pay for a union entry level helper job in NYC is on the lower side (currently under $16 per hour), but quickly rises to more than $25 per hour after a year. The rate goes up every year until you become a journeyman making nearly $45 per hour. With overtime, many technicians make over $100,000 per year.
You also get great medical benefits for you and your family, FULLY PAID FOR by your employer. That’s unheard of in most industries.
Learn more> Get to Know Your NYC Refrigeration & HVAC Union: UA Local 638
Interesting work
If you’re looking for skilled trade jobs that are in demand now, chances are you’re not the type that wants to sit at a desk all day. Working as an HVAC and Refrigeration technician has you out and about doing interesting work in a variety of commercial and residential settings.
Learn more> What Types of Businesses Hire HVAC Service Technicians?
Free training available
You don’t have to take on college debt to start a rewarding career in the HVACR industry. Men and women with the right skills and qualities can get hired without any industry experience, and get free training through their employer.
Learn more>
HVAC Entry Level Jobs: Tips to Help You Get Hired
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.