Is Being an HVAC Technician a Good Career? Here's the Honest Truth

Let's start with what everyone wants to know. The national median salary for hvac technicians is $52,000/yr ($25/hr). That's the midpoint -- half earn more, half earn less.

Entry-level hvac technicians start around $35,400/yr. Once you've got a few years under your belt and a journeyman credential, you're looking at $65,000/yr or higher. The top 10% of earners pull in $80,600/yr.

Union hvac technicians do better -- averaging $32/hr compared to $24.50/hr for non-union workers. When you factor in benefits worth around $16,200/yr, the total compensation gap widens even further.

And don't forget overtime. In the trades, OT is common, especially during busy seasons. Time-and-a-half at journeyman rates adds up fast.

The Bureau of Labor Statistics projects 6.0% growth in hvac technician jobs over the next decade. There are currently about 394,100 hvac technician positions nationwide.

But the real story isn't just growth -- it's replacement. A huge chunk of the existing workforce is aging out and retiring. The trades have been under-promoted for decades, which means fewer people entering the field than leaving it. That's bad for the industry but great for anyone starting out now. Employers are competing for qualified workers, which means better pay, better benefits, and more leverage for you.

And this kind of work isn't going anywhere. You can't outsource a broken pipe or a wiring job to another country, and robots aren't climbing into crawl spaces yet.

HVAC work is all about extremes. You'll be in 130-degree attics in the summer and on rooftops in freezing weather during winter. The equipment is heavy -- condensing units, furnaces, ductwork. You'll climb ladders, squeeze into mechanical rooms, and spend time in crawl spaces. It's demanding, but the seasonal variety keeps things interesting.

Let's be real: this work takes a toll on your body over time. Talk to anyone who's been in the trades for 20+ years and they'll tell you about their knees, their back, or their shoulders. Take care of yourself -- stretch, lift properly, wear your PPE, and take breaks when you need them. The money is good, but it's not worth destroying your body.

Time: 4-5 years for a full apprenticeship, or 6-24 months for a trade school certificate.

Cost: $0 for union apprenticeships, or $5,000-$15,000 for trade school programs. EPA 608 certification is about $150-$200..

Compare that to a four-year degree that costs $40,000-$100,000+ and doesn't guarantee a job. Apprentices start earning from day one and graduate with real skills, real experience, and zero student debt. That's a hard deal to beat.

Summer is the busy season for most HVAC techs. A typical day might include 3-5 service calls for AC repairs, each one a new puzzle to solve. In winter, it's furnace repairs and heating system maintenance. Install techs spend their days putting in new systems -- running ductwork, setting equipment, making connections. Commercial HVAC techs work on larger systems in office buildings, hospitals, and factories.

One thing most tradespeople love about the work: no two days are exactly the same. You're solving problems, working with your hands, and seeing tangible results. At the end of the day, you can point to something and say "I built that" or "I fixed that." There's a real satisfaction in that.

The hvac technician career ladder has more rungs than most people realize. Here's the typical progression:

1. 1Helper/Apprentice (1-2 years) -- basic tasks, learning the fundamentals
2. 2HVAC Technician (2-4 years) -- diagnosing and repairing systems
3. 3Senior Technician / Specialist -- complex diagnostics, controls, or commercial work
4. 4HVAC Contractor -- start your own company
5. 5Building Engineer / Facility Manager -- oversee all building systems

The path from apprentice to business owner is well-trodden in the trades. Starting your own hvac technician business requires way less capital than most other businesses, and the demand for quality work is always there.