The HVAC industry is projected for an above-average 13 percent job growth by 2028, according to the Bureau of Labor. This means available HVAC jobs are steadily increasing by almost half a million. Are you interested in high-demand HVAC careers? Are you unsure what career options the industry has to offer? Keep reading for five top career positions you can have working in HVAC fields.
Five Top HVAC Careers
HVAC stands for Heating Ventilation and Air Conditioning. But this industry is more diverse than the name implies. Career fields include:
- Residential
- Commercial
- Marketing and Sales
- Automation
- Engineering
- Green energy
HVAC careers have many opportunities for upward mobility. HVAC technicians can become managers, analysts, and instructors. They can also work as contractors, corporate employees, or open their own local businesses.
HVAC jobs are hands-on trades. They can’t be outsourced overseas or replaced by simple automation. And as new technology emerges, new HVAC businesses emerge with it.
1. Residential Installer HVAC Technician
HVAC technicians can choose residential installers as a career starting point. This job includes installing and servicing home HVAC systems.
Installers use their mechanical and electrical know-how to keep homes environmentally controlled and energy-efficient. They’re very important to the health and comfort of their customers.
This entry-level position averages over $45,000 a year, according to ZipRecruiter. Top earners average as high as $64,000-$71,000.
By contrast, the highest state average for entry-level work is Washington at $35,793. Over 30 states don’t even average above the $30,000 mark.
2. Commercial HVAC Service Technician
These HVAC jobs are mid-level positions. Commercial service technicians work on larger and more complex systems for buildings with demanding or specialized needs. Examples include:
- Industrial factories
- Healthcare facilities
- Restaurants
- Retail shopping centers
- Multi-story office buildings
- Hotels and resorts
HVAC technicians are key contributors to commercial industries. For example, it’s crucial for hospitals and restaurants to have working refrigeration. And hotels and retail centers need environmental controls to keep their customers and workers happy.
3. HVAC Sales And Marketing Manager
You may not be interested in mechanical, electrical, or engineering specialties. But that still doesn’t mean HVAC careers aren’t for you.
Working in HVAC includes sales and marketing strategies about HVAC products and services. Without leadership in these fields, HVAC businesses struggle with their overall goals, growth, and profits.
This advanced position averages over $73,000 a year nationwide, according to ZipRecruiter. This is even higher than the national Sales Manager average of around $69,000. High-end salaries reach over six figures.
4. Building Automation Systems HVAC Technician
Building automated systems is a technology everyone uses, but few people are familiar with. This mid-level HVAC technician position specializes in multiple fields, including:
- Electrical
- Mechanics
- Information Technology
- Telecommunications
These HVAC technicians install and service the automated systems for buildings that run HVAC equipment. This includes connecting mechanical equipment, software, and electrical wiring into one working control and communication system.
5. HVAC Energy Engineer
HVAC energy engineer is an advanced position for leaders at the forefront of green energy and energy efficiency. This HVAC career focuses on working with industry professionals to design and implement energy-efficient systems.
Working in HVAC energy engineering also means pioneering new green and energy-efficient technology as it emerges and evolves.
Energy engineers are also analysts and consultants. They use customer service and sales skills to successfully market their energy solutions to industry professionals and clients.
Like other HVAC-related fields, this position averages higher than non-HVAC positions. The nationwide average for engineers is a little over $73,500, according to ZipRecruiter. For HVAC engineers, however, the average is around $82,700.
Get Started On Your Rewarding HVAC Career
No matter what your skills and interests, there are HVAC careers for you. From mechanical installer to sales manager to engineering consultant, you can enjoy a stable and well-paid career everyone relies on.
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