TECHNICIANSTATISTICS:Things to KnowHVAC

HVAC (Heating, Ventilation, Air Conditioning) technicians do work that is critical for the installation, maintenance and repair of residential and commercial heating and cooling systems. With the increase in business and decrease in the workforce as baby boomers reach the end of their careers, HVAC is proving to be a lucrative field to enter. Women, in particular, are needed to fill job vacancies and meet the demands of newly created positions.

Take a look at these statistics for HVAC technicians.

HVAC job outlookAccording to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the HVAC job outlook is encouraging. The industry is projected to grow much faster than average between 2018-2028, with 46,300 expected job openings annually. This is an increase of more than 4,000 jobs from last year’s estimation.

HVAC positionsIf you are checking a job listing for HVAC, you may notice a variety of positions or titles, such as:

• Entry-level helper: assists senior technicians with installation and servicing of equipment, performing duties that may include carrying, lifting, cleaning up and making service calls

• Rough-in installer: works on the first phases of installing equipment, including electrical, control and refrigerant lines; thermostat; and ducts

• Start-up technician: continues where the rough-in installer’s work ends and makes sure the equipment works according to the manufacturer’s standards

• Service technician: assesses equipment and troubleshoots problems

HVAC jobs across the United StatesHVAC technicians are needed to meet the demands of new construction, environmental damage and maintenance of older facilities. Construction is booming across the United States – especially in Texas, Florida, California, Arizona and Nevada – which means jobs for HVAC technicians should be more plentiful in those locations.

HVAC technician salariesIn 2018, the median pay for HVAC technicians was $47,610 per year, or nearly $23 per hour. The top 10 percent of workers earned more than $76,240. HVAC technician salaries are likely to rise based on need, but the general salary range is $41,440 to $53,046. Most of the job growth is due to an increase in commercial and residential business construction, along

with an increase in the number of sophisticated climate-control systems and an emphasis on energy efficiency and pollution reduction.

Many opportunities are available for women who have HVAC skills. However, it never hurts to have an advocate. Women of HVAC brings awareness of the need for women in the field, showcases those who are already HVAC professionals and provides women with the necessary tools to begin their careers in HVAC skilled trades.

Contact Women of HVAC for resources, opportunities and support for those in the field or to find schools that offer HVAC programs.