The key to finding a good job and career is to understand the job market's needs and find a job that you love.
If you love working with your hands, troubleshooting issues, and keeping the commercial industry's wheels rolling, consider HVAC technician careers as an option.
Here are five reasons you should consider a career as a commercial HVAC technician.
Related: 4 Issues That Warrant an Emergency Call to a Mechanical Contractor
HVAC technician careers will be in high demand for the next decade and foreseeable future.
According to estimates compiled by the United States Bureau of Labor Statistics, the outlook market for HVAC technicians will increase by 4% through 2029.
You won't want for work anytime soon due to the post-pandemic commercial construction boom. Bidding for commercial construction projects has increased by over 36%, relative to before the pandemic, according to data recently published by Archinect.
And considering the economic chaos caused by the pandemic, the commercial construction business should be booming for the next few years.
So, that means heating, ventilation, and air conditioning experts will be in high demand for the next decade as well.
Look at it another way – according to the BLS, about 15,000 HVAC technician jobs will be created by 2029 at least.
The United States Bureau of Labor Statistics states that the starting salary for an HVAC technician is about $24 per hour or about $50,600 annually.
However, your starting salary as an HVAC technician may be higher depending on your experience, certifications, and skills.
Your salary will be higher if you live in a large, metropolitan city with a bustling commercial construction sector. If you live in New York City, for example, you could make anywhere between $63,000 to $100,000 as an HVAC technician, depending on experience and skill.
HVAC technician careers don't require a formal college or university education or degree. As long as you have a diploma or GED, you can become an HVAC technician.
You will need to enroll in a 6-month to 18-month HVAC training and technical school to attain the certification and skills to start working.
Your training to become an HVAC technician starts when you begin working. Your employer may require you to apprentice under an HVAC technician with years or decades of experience to complete your technical training.
You may begin apprenticing while in HVAC training school or after graduating and starting work. The aim is to become exposed to real-world work situations and learn troubleshooting skills before you begin working on your own.
Many HVAC training schools work in conjunction with HVAC trade organizations like Air Conditioning Contractors of America. Hundreds of HVAC trade workers coordinate in conjunction with HVAC schools to pass on their work skills to new generations of HVAC workers.
Most HVAC apprenticeship programs last from a year or two and up to five years. Take advantage of an HVAC apprenticeship program when you start training school, and you may be qualified to work on your own after graduating.
Over 20 million jobs in the manufacturing sector could be replaced by automation by 2030.
You won't have these worries as an HVAC technician for the foreseeable future. HVAC technicians need to be part of the commercial construction process from beginning to end.
Then, HVAC technician skills are continually required for maintenance and repairs. HVAC technician skills are so specialized that they won't be replaced by automation anytime soon.
If you need help with your HVAC system or are looking for a career in HVAC work, contact Standard Plumbing & Heating today.
Related: 6 Signs Your Building Needs Better Ventilation