HVAC technician career

What HVAC technicians do

• Discuss heating or cooling system malfunctions with users to isolate problems or to verify that repairs corrected malfunctions.
• Test electrical circuits or components for continuity, using electrical test equipment.
• Repair or replace defective equipment, components, or wiring.
• Lay out and connect electrical wiring between controls and equipment, according to wiring diagrams, using electrician's hand tools.
• Schedule work with customers and initiate work orders, house requisitions, and orders from stock.
• Estimate, order, pick up, deliver, and install materials and supplies needed to maintain equipment in good working condition.
• Install, connect, or adjust thermostats, humidistats, or timers.
• Comply with all applicable standards, policies, or procedures, such as safety procedures or the maintenance of a clean work area.

The most important tasks, as rated by workers in the occupation. This page includes information from the O*NET 31.0 Database by the U.S. Department of Labor, Employment and Training Administration (USDOL/ETA). Used under the CC BY 4.0 license. O*NET® is a trademark of USDOL/ETA.

Job outlook

BLS projects HVAC technician jobs will grow 10.9% from 2025 to 2035, faster than the 3.5% for all U.S. jobs, with about 40,600 openings a year as people join, retire, and change careers.

Jobs in 2025

440,900

Projected for 2035

489,100

Openings a year

40,600

Self-employed

6.3%

Source: BLS Employment Projections, 2025–2035. Job counts include self-employed workers.

Training

Typical education to start

Postsecondary nondegree award

Experience in a related job

None

Typical on-the-job training

Long-term on-the-job training

Source: BLS Employment Projections. Licensing rules vary by state; confirm with your state's licensing board.

Top-paying states

All 50 states and DC, ranked by HVAC technician pay

Top-paying metro areas

The top 20 metro areas for HVAC technician pay

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