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Anyone who is looking for a career with plenty of job opportunities and growing salaries may want to consider working as an HVAC technician. Arizona specifically is a great place to look for work in this field, as there are plenty of job opportunities.
Current and Future Job Possibilities
Working in HVAC has the potential to be lucrative, especially after one gains experience through vocational training in the field. Statistics show that entry-level federally contracted HVAC technicians earn a higher median annual wage than their counterparts who are employed by private companies. Other top paying industries include wired telecommunications carriers, electric companies that generate, transmit and distribute electricity, auto parts manufacturers and companies specializing in designing computer systems.
Those who are just starting out in this industry will naturally want to look for a city where employers tend to offer a reasonably high starting salary1. Phoenix, Prescott and Flagstaff are all good options, as these cities offer a median annual wage of over $30,000. Lake Havasu, Phoenix and Prescott offer the highest possible wage increase, with some HVAC technicians in these cities earning well over $70,000 a year.
Training Requirements
A person who is interested in working as an HVAC technician will either need to learn the trade via an apprenticeship or study at an HVAC school. The latter option is fast becoming a popular course of action as more HVAC techs receive some sort of postsecondary instruction from technical or trade schools. Taking HVAC classes is preferred by some as companies are looking for folks who have had some technical training. An apprenticeship generally takes three to five years to complete, while HVAC technical courses take anywhere from six months to two years to complete.
It is also important to note that there are some specific HVAC fields that require specialized training. These include refrigeration, solar energy, air powered controls and direct electronics. Solar energy courses in particular have much to offer, as technicians who have training in this field are highly desired.
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Licensing and Certification Requirements
Unlike many other states, Arizona does not require that one must obtain a license before finding work as an HVAC technician. However, HVAC journeymen and technicians that work with refrigerants have to get licensed. The cost of the work to be done will also have a bearing on what type of license is needed.
The requirements for obtaining a license will depend on what type of license the technician is interested in. Those who are applying for a journeyman license need to not only take a test, but also show proof of having worked in HVAC for at least four years. However, other types of licenses only require that one take a comprehensive examination.
In Summary
Working as an HVAC technician in Arizona can be both personally fulfilling and profitable. With the right training and licensing, aspiring professionals should not have a problem finding work in this state. There are plenty of employment opportunities to choose from, making it accessible for a person to work in the HVAC field that he or she is most interested in.
If you are interested in pursuing a career in HVAC, contact The Refrigeration School today.
Additional Sources
1 – http://www.rileyguide.com/careers/hvac-technicians.shtml
