A recent survey indicated that approximately 65 percent of individuals are satisfied with their work. If you work a full-time job, you spend most of your adult life at work. And life is too short to not enjoy the work you do.
So how can you fix this problem? How can you find meaningful work?
A career in HVAC will help you earn a sustainable living while you make a difference in the world around you. When you’re an HVAC technician, you’re the silent hero, keeping air conditioners and furnaces running while earning a living at the same time.
As you run a search for “HVAC jobs near me,” you’ll quickly discover that HVAC jobs vary. Not all HVAC technicians do the same thing, and not all receive the same pay.
By the time you’ve finished reading this article, you will understand the factors that play a role in HVAC technician salaries as well as where you can find an HVAC job.
How Much Do HVAC Techs Make in Rhode Island?
HVAC techs make anywhere from $45,000 to over $100,000 depending on where they work and what they do. In Rhode Island, an HVAC tech can expect to make $28.62 an hour with $6,750 worth of overtime every year.
Years of experience matter as well. Here’s a basic breakdown of what an HVAC tech in Rhode Island can expect with their experience:
- Less than a year of experience: $26 an hour
- 1-2 years of experience: $26.25 an hour
- 3-5 years of experience: $26.52 an hour
- 6-9 years of experience: $32.64 an hour
- More than 10 years: $38.77 an hour
Like with any job, the more experience you have, the more you can expect to earn. With time these salaries will go up as well.
Are You Ready to Apply?
Which HVAC Job Pays the Most?
The jobs you land as an HVAC technician also determine your salary. Some jobs come with more responsibility and thus pay even more than average HVAC jobs. Each job also carries a different level of stress, so consider this as well as you think about which job is the best for you.
Here are the highest-paying HVAC jobs.
- Thermal engineer: $94,000 to $130,5000 a year
- HVAC project manager: $67,500 to $100,000 a year
- CFD engineer: $80,500 to $96,500 a year
- Air conditioning engineer: $53,000 to $95,000 a year
- HVAC design engineer: $61,500 to $90,500 a year
- HVAC engineer: $56,000 to $90,000 a year
- HVAC estimator: $50,000 to $83,500 a year
- HVAC sales representative: $44,500 to $81,500 a year
- Air conditioning mechanic: $45,500 to $79,000 a year
- HVAC project engineer: $63,000 to $77,500 a year
- HVAC designer: $52,000 to $76,500 a year
- Commercial HVAC service technician: $50,000 to $71,000 a year
- HVAC field service technician: $49,500 to $70,500 a year
- HVAC controls technician: $52,000 to $70,000 a year
- HVAC residential service tech: $45,500 to $69,500 a year
- Commercial HVAC technician: $49,000 to $66,500 a year
- HVAC technician residential: $44,500 to $66,000 a year
- HVAC service technician: $43,500 to $62,500 a year
- HVAC specialist: $42,000 to $62,500 a year
- HVAC mechanic: $44,000 to $61,500 a year
- HVAC installation technician: $41,500 to $60,500 a year
- HVAC technician: $$41,000 to $59,000 a year
- HVAC maintenance technician: $35,500 to $50,000 a year
- Weatherization technician: $31,000 to $40,000 a year
- Duct cleaner: $27,500 to $36,000 a year
When you choose a career in HVAC, the sky is your limit. You can use your creative skills to do more than just turn a wrench. You can help design, install, and maintain HVAC systems.
What States Have the Highest Demand for HVAC Technicians?
One would expect the hottest states to have the highest demand. Experts estimate that the HVAC field will grow five percent in the coming decade.
In particular, the experts estimate that these states will see the most growth between 2018 and 2028.
- Utah 31.1%
- Colorado 29.7%
- Nevada 27.9%
- Guam 26.3%
- Arizona 21.4%
- Iowa 18.5%
- Oregon 18.5%
- Montana 18.5%
- Arkansas 16.3%
- Florida 16.2%
This list makes sense when you consider the geography of each state. Utah and Colorado, for example, experience copious amounts of sunshine and also have desert areas where HVAC systems are essential.
Climate Matters
Arizona hosts a hot, dry climate. Residents need proper cooling systems for their homes and appropriate refrigerated storage and transportation for their crops.
Population Matters
States that have high agriculture and manufacturing economies need proper climate-controlled systems. Furthermore, the states that host a high aging population, such as Arizona and Florida, have high amounts of construction occurring for their influx of housing needs.
Furthermore, states like Florida have a giant tourism industry. Tourists will only come and stay if they’re comfortable. This means that the warmth of Florida also needs balance with comfortable, climate-control systems for their hotels and convention centers.
Relative economic strength is an essential factor when looking at the HVAC industry and up-and-coming job opportunities. States that have better economies will also have more jobs, including those for HVAC professionals. Officials have ranked Utah as having the healthiest economy in the nation, making it a great place for HVAC technicians to find work as well.
The combination of a healthy economy and climate needs heavily dictates the health of careers in HVAC systems as well. So when you ask the question, “Is HVAC in high demand?” the answer lies in where you’re looking.
Regardless of if you’re in Utah or Rhode Island, careers in HVAC can lead to a good paycheck as well as a fulfilling career.
Are You Ready to Apply?
Where Are HVAC Jobs Near Me?
If you’re thinking about a career in the HVAC field, look into the proper training and certification near you. Then seek out the best HVAC company in your area to see what they require of their employees.
A career in HVAC can be a fulfilling one when you’re working with the right company. You should seek a company that has a positive work culture and plenty of benefits.
Have you begun a search for HVAC jobs near me? If so, contact us.