More students than ever are enrolling in trade schools instead of four-year colleges. Because students only need to pay for two years of school, as opposed to four, going to a trade school makes getting a college degree a much cheaper option. Trade schools also offer hands-on experience, plus classroom sizes are much smaller, which enables students to receive more personalized instruction.
One more reason more students are making the decision to further their higher education at a trade school is that blue-collar jobs are in high demand. This is especially true in the heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) industry. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), the job outlook for HVAC mechanics and installers is expected to grow by 15% through the year 2026. This is considered much faster than other occupations.
High Demand for HVAC Technicians
Why are HVAC technicians in particular in such high demand? Many industry experts say it’s because today’s HVAC systems are more technologically advanced, plus they are more energy efficient.
Due to these reasons, homeowners and business owners are replacing their old systems with new ones at a higher pace than ever. One system in particular that is garnishing excellent HVAC heating and cooling reviews is the mini-split, which is a ductless system that heats and cools the home.
Salary Expectations for HVAC Technicians
As with most types of jobs, there are certain cities where an HVAC technician will earn a higher salary. According to the BLS, the national average yearly salary for an HVAC technician is $47, 080. The highest HVAC salaries are in Boston, which pays about $50, 292. Other above-average paying cities for HVAC technicians include:
- Washington, DC – $49, 412
- Los Angeles, CA – $49, 073
- Alexandria, VA – $48, 680
- Jersey City, NJ $48, 105
- Chicago, IL – $47, 626
Besides location, there are certain types of HVAC technician jobs that pay better. For example, an HVAC manager can earn over $71, 000. Senior HVAC technicians, HVAC supervisors, industrial HVAC technicians, and journeyman HVAC technicians, all earn year salaries that exceed the national average.
In most cases, students graduating from trade school will earn a lower wage when they are just starting out. However, if they want to find work right away, they should go to Florida, California, Texas, New York, or Arizona. These states are expected to have the highest number of new job openings for HVAC technicians through the year 2024.
