Career path
HVAC Technician
Keep the world comfortable
HVAC techs install and maintain heating, cooling, and ventilation systems. Heat pump rollout and climate change are creating unprecedented demand for skilled technicians.
Median salary
$57,300
Job growth
+8.1%
Training time
6 months–2 year program
Work style
Hands-on skilled work
Next step
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Earning potential
$38,000 – $98,000
Pay can vary by region, experience, certifications, union status, employer, and whether the worker becomes self-employed.
Typical preparation timeline
6 months–2 year program
Day in the life
What the work can look like
Install a new heat pump in the morning, respond to an emergency AC failure in summer, run maintenance checks on commercial systems.
Key skills
- Refrigerant handling
- Ductwork
- Electrical systems
- Heat pump tech
- Customer service
Credentials to research
- EPA 608
- NATE Certification
- OSHA 10
- R-410A certification
Common work settings
- Carrier
- Trane
- ACCO Brands
- ServiceExpert
Why this path can be a good fit
- Recession-resistant
- Faster to certify
- Outdoor + indoor work
- High earning ceiling
- Clean energy growth
Things to consider
- Seasonal demand swings
- On-call requirements
- Confined spaces
Career seeker next step
Compare preparation options before applying.
Once a career path looks promising, compare training programs, build your readiness profile, and then review real jobs or apprenticeships that fit your direction.