HVAC Technician
HVAC technicians install, maintain, and repair heating, ventilation, air conditioning, and refrigeration systems. They work on furnaces, heat pumps, central air systems, and commercial refrigeration units, ensuring systems meet environmental regulations.
What does a HVAC Technician actually do?
HVAC technicians install, maintain, and repair heating, ventilation, air conditioning, and refrigeration systems. They work on furnaces, heat pumps, central air systems, and commercial refrigeration units, ensuring systems meet environmental regulations.
Career category: Mechanical
How much does a HVAC Technician make?
National compensation data provides a baseline benchmark. Actual pay varies by geographic location, experience level, overtime hours, and employer type.
Median wage represents the midpoint of national occupational data where half of workers earned more and half earned less.
* Note: Detailed entry-level and experienced percentile data is pending source verification.
How to Train & Qualify as a HVAC Technician
Explore verified training pathways, state licensing requirements, accredited college programs, and official apprenticeship sources.
Typical pathway: 1 to 2 years for vocational certificate/AAS, or 4 to 5 years for registered apprenticeship.
Community college tuition applies for certificate programs; apprenticeship programs offer paid field wages.
Common Career Entry Route
Dual entry pathways: many students complete a 9-to-24 month technical certificate to obtain EPA 608 and entry tools, while others enter directly through registered union (UA / SMART) or non-union (PHCC / ABC) apprenticeships.
Ready to start training as a HVAC Technician?
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Jobs & Apprenticeship Opportunities
Real employer positions and paid earn-while-you-learn apprenticeships in HVAC Technician.
What is this career really like?
Key physical requirements, work conditions, and environment characteristics for this career.
Active on-site work involving physical coordination, standing, and equipment handling.
Work follows established safety practices and protective equipment standards.
Job outlook & future demand
Projected employment growth published by the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS).
Projected national occupational growth rate. Regional and local hiring demand may vary by market.
Related trade careers to explore
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