Types of HVAC Careers and Jobs

Indoor climate control is vital for not only homes and businesses but also numerous industries. This means HVAC technicians can work in an array of settings.

• HVAC Service Company Jobs

  A popular option for men and women fresh out of an HVAC training program can be taking an entry-level position at a company that offers HVAC/R products or services. As the BLS notes, 66% of HVAC technicians found employment with plumbing, heating and air conditioning contractors in 2019.^3*

• Self-Employed HVAC Technicians

  While the majority of HVAC technicians are employees at plumbing, heating and air- conditioning contracting companies, about 7% are independent contractors, according to the BLS. As the title suggests, these technicians work for themselves and have the ability to make their own schedules.³

  With greater freedom, however, can come more responsibility. Self-employed workers are obligated to pay state and federal taxes on their own, unlike employees who usually have the option to have these taxes deducted from their paycheck. Since they may be able to deduct business-related expenses, keeping a record of certain items purchased for work may be necessary. Obtaining and paying for health insurance and saving for retirement are other responsibilities that can accompany self-employment.¹¹

• HVAC Contractors

  For many, starting a business is part of the American Dream. Fortunately, in the HVAC industry, it is possible to start a business with a small investment of time and resources and grow as demand for your services increases. Sometimes independent contractors transition into starting their own HVAC company.¹²

The field of heating, ventilation, air conditioning and refrigeration service and repair offers a wide array of opportunities.

HVAC Service and Repair Career Ladder

HVAC school students, however, are likely most interested in the career ladder they could climb within the fields of installation, maintenance and repair. The HVAC/R field can be diverse in the types of jobs it offers to people who specialize in this profession, depending on their level of training and experience.

HVAC Installation, Maintenance and Repair Jobs

The HVAC/R industry comprises various types of occupational focuses:

• Residential air conditioning and heating.
• Commercial air conditioning and heating.
• Industrial and commercial refrigeration.

While the equipment in these fields operates on the same principles, they have differing capacities and levels of complexity.¹ The technician’s job title and years of experience can determine what types of equipment they operate on a job site.

• Entry-Level Helper
  Entry-level helpers assist senior technicians with the installation and servicing of residential and commercial equipment, taking on tasks like these:
  • Carrying
  • Lifting
  • Placing Parts
  • Cleaning Up after Installation
  • Service Calls¹

  They may also drive to pick up components or complete other errands. Basic safety training and a clean driving record are required. Medium-to-large contracting companies typically employ entry-level helpers.¹

• Rough-In Installer“Rough-in” is another term for the initial phases of installing HVAC/R equipment:
  • Electrical, control and refrigerant Lines
  • Thermostats
  • Placing Parts
  • Duct boots
  • Duct runs

  Requirements for the position include knowing how to read blueprints, lay out ductwork, braze and use basic hand tools.¹

Professional-Level HVAC/R Jobs

• Start-Up TechnicianAfter the rough-in installer’s job is complete, a start-up technician arrives at the site to check that the equipment operates to the manufacturer’s standards. This includes several steps:¹
  • Checking for proper startup
  • Checking that the equipment runs safely and efficiently
  • Recording information necessary for the warranty¹

  These professionals must possess good writing and reading comprehension skills, know how to troubleshoot electrical equipment and be proficient in refrigerant charging.¹

• Service TechnicianHVAC/R service technicians are responsible for regularly assessing equipment and identifying what type of maintenance is required.¹Troubleshooting basic HVAC problems and making repairs is a big part of their job, so they must be good at diagnosing air distribution, electrical and refrigerant problems.¹
• Service ManagerService managers direct the operation of an HVAC/R company or maintenance department, from assigning specific jobs to technicians to overseeing the outcome of each employee’s work.¹These professionals must have excellent communication and management skills, as well as technical expertise.¹
• Systems Designer or EngineerIndividuals with a background in HVAC/R, bachelor’s degrees in mechanical engineering and professional engineering licenses can design components and systems.¹³Their jobs are comprised of the following responsibilities:
  • Design mechanical and thermal sensors and devices.
  • Develop and build such designs into finished products.
  • Test newly constructed thermal sensors and devices.¹³

  In some locations, the law may require systems designers or mechanical engineers to design and specify the HVAC systems for large buildings.¹

• HVAC/R Business Owner or Supervisor. Starting an HVAC business can mean thinking about more than how to service or repair equipment. It can be a good idea to make a plan for how to expand your list of clients and stay profitable over the years. HVAC business owners typically spend time on administrative tasks each week, too.¹²Many contractors choose to specialize in one area, such as residential or commercial heating and cooling. They may also seek certifications from industry organizations to validate the quality of their work to customers.¹²