It’s a tough job market out there, especially at the entry level. If you’re looking for a recession-proof career that doesn’t require taking on a huge debt for a college education, consider a career in HVAC service.
Careers in the trades are a great alternative, and HVAC service is a prime example.
A career as a service technician offers stable, year-round work, job advancement, responsibility and the opportunity to keep building new skills and work at a variety of job sites. Not to mention excellent pay and great benefits. All without the exorbitant price tag of a college degree.
Qualities that make a great service technician
People who enjoy working with their hands and fixing things are great candidates for service technician careers. Time management and problem-solving skills are also needed when troubleshooting complex systems in the field.
But there are also “soft qualities” that are just as important, such as the interpersonal skills needed to effectively communicate with customers, managers, and other technicians. Here at Arista, we want technicians who demonstrate confidence and trustworthiness to clients. We like to see a service mentality. Candidates who enjoy helping people, accepting responsibility and who have a good work ethic tend to do well.
Make money (instead of borrowing) while training for an HVAC service career
Most new apprentices are hired by an HVAC service company like Arista, and complete a 3-year mentoring and trade school program that is jointly sponsored by their employer and a trade union. In New York City, our union is the Metal Trades Division of Pipefitters Local 638B, also known as Service Fitters. This means that instead of coming out of college with tens of thousands of dollars in debt and no guarantee of work, HVAC techs can go to school at no cost to them, while simultaneously working and earning money as a helper.
Because New York has no city or state licensing requirement for HVAC techs, our clientele in this area relies on professional certifications to identify the most qualified people. At Arista, we encourage our technicians to carry certification from MSCA Star. Getting certified involves completing additional training and passing a certification exam, but the time invested pays off with better career opportunities and higher pay.
How much technicians can earn
A helper, who is an assistant working with a more experienced technician, can expect to start at nearly $25 per hour in the NYC area. Within 5 years, that rate can grow to over $60 per hour for a fully qualified journeyman. And it’s no secret that union benefits packages are often much better than most business people receive. With overtime, many techs at Arista easily make $80,000 per year, and we have a large group making over $100,000 per year.
How HVAC techs can advance in the business
Helpers start out working alongside other technicians on service calls. As they progress in their training, they may get their own truck. As a full journeyman with certification, they will be responsible for performing maintenance, repairs and/or installations, and possibly mentoring other new techs.
In this business, there are a number of paths and there are always new things to learn. There are a variety of types of equipment to work on, including heating systems, air conditioning systems, refrigeration and ventilation equipment. Some companies specialize in residential work while others primarily handle commercial systems. Arista does both. Technicians can work on all of these but many choose to become specialists in a specific area, including the environmental impact of HVAC and energy efficiency.
Those with the right aptitude and skill set can advance to service management roles, and some may even take on sales and marketing positions.
Why HVAC service is a recession-proof career
The future of the HVAC service industry is very promising. The US Bureau of Labor Statistics predicts that HVAC service jobs will grow by 8% from 2024-2034, which is much higher than the average, with approximately 40,100 openings projected.
As a professional who has been in this business for quite a few years, I can tell you that there are a number of reasons to expect job growth in HVAC service.
Consistent work. The demand for HVAC services is consistent regardless of the status of the economy. Ours is not a business of home runs or of shut-outs. Buildings need heat and air conditioning no matter what the economic climate. It’s a consistent business and a stable career. Here’s the proof: during the recent recession, Arista did not need to make any layoffs.
Supply and demand. A large portion of the field work force is expected to retire in the coming decade. People entering the field now can expect many opportunities for work and for advancement as skilled technicians will be in high demand.
NYC’s commitment to the work force. Trade jobs are highly valued in New York City. Agencies such as the NYC Workforce Development Board and Department of Youth and Community Development (DYCD) are actively working to promote job growth and upward mobility in the trades. The role of these boards is to influence how dollars are spent to promote employment opportunities in New York City.
Get started now
There’s never been a better time to begin a career as a service technician. If you’re in the NYC metro area, take a look HVAC Careers at Arista.
To explore the many opportunities for careers in the HVAC industry, the following professional organizations can provide a wealth of information:
