National HVAC Tech Day is in June, so we missed it by a hair, but the continued mid-90s summer heat and high humidity means that this profession is never more appreciated than right now – and we’re all about promoting the trades at RockRoadRecycle.com.
“Heating, ventilation and air conditioning (HVAC) technologies provide environmental comfort through thermal manipulation (heating and air conditioning) and acceptable indoor air quality (ventilation),” noted a February 2025 STATISTA report by research expert Fernando de Querol Cumbrera. He continued:
“Sometimes refrigeration is also included as a supplementary segment of the industry, naming it HVAC-R. The size of the HVAC industry is very different across regions. Asia and North America were said to have one of the largest HVAC market sizes, with the largest demand for air conditioners worldwide. While in many markets, they did not compete yet with air conditioners and traditional heating systems, heat pumps are a type of HVAC equipment that has gained prominence in the past years. In France alone, which was one of the European countries with the largest stock of heat pumps in 2023, there were roughly six million units. France was followed, at a certain distance, by Italy with over four million heat pumps in stock and Sweden with 2.4 heat pumps in stock.”
Demand for HVAC professionals continues – and is expected to grow over the next several years, though not by massive margins. “Employment of heating, air conditioning and refrigeration mechanics and installers is projected to grow 9% from 2023 to 2033, much faster than the average for all occupations,” the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics shared. “About 42,500 openings for heating, air conditioning and refrigeration mechanics and installers are projected each year, on average, over the decade. Many of those openings are expected to result from the need to replace workers who transfer to different occupations or exit the labor force, such as to retire.”
Compensation varies, but “the median annual wage for heating, air conditioning and refrigeration mechanics and installers was $59,810 in May 2024.”
What does an HVAC tech do? “HVAC technicians are skilled in inspecting and diagnosing equipment, troubleshooting issues, performing repairs or replacements of faulty components and ensuring the overall functionality and efficiency of HVAC systems,” said an article from the New England Institute of Technology. “Additionally, they may be involved in routine maintenance, system tests, calibrating controls and advising clients on energy-efficient practices. With their expertise, HVAC technicians are crucial in creating and maintaining comfortable and well-regulated indoor environments.”
Regarding certification or education needed for the job, this article stated: “Heating, air conditioning and refrigeration mechanics and installers (HVAC technicians) typically need a post-secondary non-degree award, although some enter the occupation with less education. Once hired, they typically have a lengthy period of on-the-job training to attain competency. HVAC technicians may need a license or certification.”
What does that specific certification look like?
“The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) requires nearly all HVAC technicians to be certified in proper refrigerant handling. Certification requires passing an exam, which is typically included as part of completing a postsecondary HVAC-R program. In addition, some states and localities require HVAC technicians to be licensed; check with your state and locality for more information.
“Manufacturer or industry certification is available for HVAC technicians. For example, North American Technical Excellence (NATE) and the Refrigerating Engineers & Technicians Association (RETA) offer entry-level and specialist certifications. Many certifications are optional, although some employers prefer or require specific types.”
The on-the-job training aspect of the job can vary, but it is extensive in every application. Many belong to a union and progress through apprenticeship opportunities to journeyman and then master. This article from the New York Department of Labor talks about apprenticeship opportunities and what they look like in RRR’s home state:
“Organizations that want to sponsor Registered Apprenticeships must have their programs approved by the NYS Department of Labor. There is a written contract between an apprentice and the sponsor that acknowledges their shared commitment to the training process. This agreement is approved and registered by the department. Every NYS Registered Apprenticeship program is monitored by a NYS Department of Labor Apprenticeship Training Representative. This representative connects with both the sponsor and apprentices regularly to ensure the program is running well and the apprentices are progressing through the program and completing successfully. Apprenticeship training is usually offered by the sponsor at no cost to you, the apprentice. (There may be some rare instances where you will be asked to pay for the total cost of the related instruction or the sponsor may pay for the related instruction but specify that you must pay back the costs if you leave the program before completion.)
“Apprenticeships are available in a wide variety of trades throughout New York State, in fields such as building and construction, manufacturing, information technology, and healthcare.”
Jason Collins is a 25-year-old HVAC technician based in San Antonio, Texas, who recently branched out on his own after becoming certified. He works in the commercial and residential sectors of the industry, working a variety of different contracts. HVAC isn’t the career he saw himself pursuing. A gifted mechanic, he’d originally envisioned his future in a garage somewhere.
“Regardless of where I ended up, I knew a desk job wasn’t in the cards. This opportunity opened up and I didn’t feel like I could say no. It’s brought a lot of security – the demand is there, so I know I’m not going anywhere anytime soon. It’s good, dependable work that’ll give me a future” – (he and his girlfriend Laura are planning a 2027 wedding and looking forward to starting a family) – “and I get to go all over the place. I’m all over Bexar County every week, moving between job sites. I like meeting new people. Keeps it interesting.”
Looking for a fulfilling career change? Maybe HVAC is right for you.
