Technicians usually specialize in either the maintenance and repair or the installation of the units, but are normally trained to do work on all of these areas. Some technicians specialize in water-based heating systems, commercial refrigeration and solar panel units. You will often see technicians when you are under a service contract to perform routine maintenance and repairs to your HVAC units.
When studying HVAC degree programs you will begin learning often from hands on training through an employer-offered training or at a technical school. Most employers prefer to hire employees who have completed technical school training and/or apprenticeships. Experience in the field grows over time, as do the job offers and associated pay rates.
Community and junior colleges, as well as trade and technical schools offer HVAC 6-month to 2-year programs. Also the U.S. Armed Forces offer the same length of programs through their service. Several organizations now offer self-study and classroom training as well as Internet courses for employees with little experience in HVAC.
Online Education Options for HVAC
Online HVAC degree programs teach information about traditional training for the career, but these courses are limited. Here is some information about the online degree in HVAC programs that are available right now:
- Online Certifications degree in HVAC:
- Online Associates degree in HVAC:
- Online Bachelors degree in HVAC:
There may also be certain courses for the field available both online and in person through your local vocational schools and universities. Online opportunities may be limited to studies of theory as the career is very hands-on, but that does not suggest that the options aren't out there. Check your local education centers for potential courses in the study of HVAC systems.
HVAC Career and Salary Information
The national median wages for HVAC Mechanics and Installers in 2008 were $19.08 an hour and $39,680 per year. Those numbers may be slightly adjusted based on location and experience, but they remain fairly static across the board. The most noticeable change probably extends from the type of company that the HVAC specialists worked for.
HVAC mechanics and installers held about 292,000 jobs in the U.S. in 2006. Among them, 55 percent worked for heating and air-conditioning contractors or plumbing companies. Others are employed in industries throughout the country where climate-control systems are needed. Local governments and the Federal Government, as well as hospitals and office buildings have HVAC mechanics on their staff as well.
With job growth because of retirements and new equipment changes HVAC mechanics and installers have excellent employment capabilities. It is projected to increase by 9 percent through 2016, which is as fast as the average for all occupations in the U.S.