Working in the HVAC industry is becoming increasingly more popular and is one of the only industries in recent years that has actually seen an increase in employment opportunities. Although some positions and advancement opportunities require additional certifications or training, there is a multitude of great entry level positions in the field, including technician, service manager, dispatcher, and project manager. Obtaining a position in the HVAC industry can be very rewarding, both professionally and financially.
Salary Factors
Salaries within the HVAC industry can vary based on many factors. Location is one of the most significant factors, because the climate and regional changes have a direct effect on the type of services required by an HVAC tech. The general trends are also showing that urban areas are paying more than rural areas.
As with any job, experience is another key component to wage negotiation. There are many different HVAC certifications out there that you can obtain, and a lot of times having one or more on your resume will help tilt the scales in your favor when competing for a job. Although many HVAC jobs don’t necessarily require degrees, having one is another way to make yourself stand out from your competition.
A final factor for pay within the industry is concentration in a key area. If you become an expert in a specialized skill or with a newer technology, there will be fewer people vying for those positions and higher wages.
Salary Figures
The annual salary for an entry level HVAC contractor can range anywhere from around $27,000 to upward of $68,000, with the average coming in around $45,000. Some of the highest salaries in the country have been found in Illinois, mainly in the Springfield and Chicago areas, as well as Detroit, Mich.; Boston, Mass.; and Seattle, Wash.
When breaking the salaries down by industry, studies have shown the highest pay to be found in management, which can range from overseeing a specific team or project to running entire HVAC offices. The average salary for these positions came in around $52,410. Positions in utilities, which can include working with water treatment, mechanical systems, and engineering roles, was a close second; the average salary here was $52,200, although the highest potential overall salary was found in this sector. Some of the next highest paying HVAC jobs included working in residential or nonresidential construction and becoming a general contractor.
With the growing number of learning programs, certification opportunities, and hands-on training available in the field, working within the HVAC industry is a career choice that has gained a great deal of respect and satisfaction. It not only gets you working in your craft faster than other professional routes, it also offers generous compensation and the ability for advancement. Whether it be electrical engineering, general contracting, or construction that you are interested in, taking the time to research and find your niche will prove to be extremely rewarding.
