HVAC Technician
01
Keep America comfortable year-round
HVAC technicians install, maintain, and repair the heating, ventilation, air conditioning, and refrigeration systems that keep homes, hospitals, schools, and data centers running. You will wire controls, connect refrigerant lines and ductwork, test system performance, and diagnose breakdowns.
Most technicians train through a postsecondary program or an apprenticeship and keep learning on the job. Anyone who handles refrigerants must hold an EPA Section 608 certification, and some states require a license.
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What it takes to build the trade
- Blueprints and schematics.
- Reading layout drawings to map out electrical circuits and ductwork paths.
- Diagnostic tools.
- Using multimeters and pressure gauges to track down electrical shorts or refrigerant leaks.
- Problem solving.
- Working through a broken system step by step until you find the cause.
- Clear communication.
- Explaining technical issues to customers in simple, respectful terms.
03
The numbers behind the opportunity
National figures from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. Pay varies by state, experience, and employer.
- $61,010
- Median annual wage, May 2025
- 40,600
- Projected openings each year, 2025–35
- 10.9%
- Projected employment growth, 2025–35
See where you stand
Take our skills assessment or upload your resume to see how your strengths map to a career in the trades.
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