| Average Salary | Avg. Hourly Wage |
|---|---|
| $49,530 | $23.81 |
When building your dream house, you want it to always be at the perfect temperature.
That’s why one of the important things to consider in construction is climate control systems.
Here’s where an HVAC installer comes in.
They work alongside HVAC engineers to draft and develop vent systems for the house or building.
Right now, the demand for HVAC installers looks good despite the changes in the construction industry.
Read on to find out more about an HVAC installer’s responsibilities and career path.
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Responsibilities of an HVAC Installer
An HVAC installer installs the HVAC systems in residential and commercial buildings.
By doing this, it keeps the premises cool in the summer and warm in the winter.
You can also carry out the duties of HVAC technicians, letting you repair, troubleshoot, and maintain the HVAC system.
Other important tasks include:
- Install HVAC-related equipment following company policies and manufacturer’s specifications
- Carry out the wiring of both low and line voltage to cooling and heating equipment
- Determine the right material needed for installation work by pre-measuring jobs
- Support team members in completing the tasks on time
- Carry out readings on machines
Essential Skills for an HVAC Installer
As a future HVAC installer, you need to possess the following skills and qualifications to work in this field:
- Have work experience in HVAC installation
- Good technical skills
- Able to distinguish between various HVAC equipment
- Problem-solving and customer service skills
- Strong mechanical aptitude
- Good physical strength and stamina
- Strong ability to operate under severe temperature conditions of 120 or more for long periods
Career Outlook and Opportunities
The HVAC installer career has high growth potential.
In fact, as of May 2021, the Bureau of Labor Statistics projected a 5% employment growth for all HVAC jobs.
This is equivalent to an average of 38,500 new job openings annually until 2030.
What’s more, new HVAC systems are advancing and widely use the latest computer technologies.
So, to stand out in the job market, you must…
- Arm yourself with extensive knowledge of the latest development
- Have the ability to adapt to new technologies
Potential Salary of an HVAC Installer
When considering a career, one factor you’ll look at is the salary.
Your salary will depend on several factors, one of which is experience.
After all, you can’t expect a senior HVAC installer to receive a salary similar to that of an entry-level.
The table below shows the average salary you can take home as an HVAC installer based on experience.
| Experience Level | Years of Experience | Hourly Pay |
| Entry-level | Less than 1 year | $13.87 |
| Early career | 1 to 4 years | $16.06 |
| Mid-career | 5 to 9 years | $20.37 |
| Late career | 10 to 19 years | $24.88 |
| Experienced | 20 years and above | $25.43 |
Salary information retrieved from Payscale as of July 2022
Steps to Becoming an HVAC Installer
There are various options available to become an HVAC installer.
One of the most common paths is listed below:
Step 1 – Obtain a High School Diploma or GED Equivalent
At a minimum, an HVAC installer should at least graduate high school with a math and sciences foundation.
At this point, it’s better for you to do part-time work to gain skills and experience.
Step 2 – Get the Appropriate Education and Training
You have two options:
Enroll in a post-secondary education
You can take an HVAC installer course at trade schools and vocational colleges to prepare you for the career.
It can take 6 months to 2 years to complete, depending on the type of program you’ll take.
Apply for an apprenticeship program
If you want to have direct hands-on learning, then an apprenticeship program may be for you.
You’ll receive on-the-job training plus classroom instruction to consolidate your learning.
Most of the time, a private company or union will sponsor the program.
Step 3 – Earn Your Certification and/or License
EPA Section 608 Technician Certification
It’s an obligatory certification for all HVAC professionals that work with refrigerants.
State or local license
Most states and their localities may require you to obtain a state- and local-level license before working in the field.
Sometimes, you’ll even be asked to obtain specialty licenses or related career licenses.
So check with your state and locality for any licensing requirements.
Other certifications
If you need it, you can take certifications from organizations like NATE and HVAC Excellence.
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