Job Outlook for HVAC/R Technicians

According to the US Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), HVAC/R technician jobs are projected to grow 13% over the next eight years, which equals 46,300 new jobs.

The BLS also states that the average salary for these technicians is just under $49,000 per year with top earners making nearly $78,000.

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Certified HVAC/R Technician FAQs

WHAT DOES AN HVAC/R TECHNICIAN DO?

Heating, ventilation, air conditioning, and refrigeration (HVAC/R) technicians, also called installers or mechanics, work on the systems that control the temperature, humidity, and quality of the air in our homes, workplaces, and all other types of buildings.

HOW DO I BECOME AN HVAC/R TECHNICIAN?

To become an HVAC/R technician, you will first have to work as an apprentice under a licensed technician for up to 2,000 hours. However, apprenticeships are competitive, so having formal training and a “work ready” certificate significantly improve your chances of success.

DOES THIS COURSE PREPARE ME FOR WORK-READY CERTIFICATES?

Yes. This HVAC/R Technician Certification course will prepare you for entry-level, work-ready certificates:

• HVAC Excellence “Employment Ready” Certificate
• NATE “Ready to Work” Certificate

ARE WORK-READY CERTIFICATES WORTH IT?

Yes. For jobseekers just entering the HVAC/R field, work-ready certificates show prospective employers that you have a fundamental understanding of HVAC/R systems, maintenance and troubleshooting.

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Curriculum

• SAFETY, TOOLS AND EQUIPMENT, AND SHOP PRACTICES
  Learn general safety practices as well as how to care for and use all the tools you will come across on the job.
• AUTOMATIC CONTROLS
  Understand automatic control components and applications including troubleshooting for basic through more advanced systems.
• ELECTRIC MOTORS
  Gain a full understanding of electric motors including types, applications, controls, and troubleshooting techniques.
• COMMERCIAL REFRIGERATION
  Learn the ins and outs of commercial refrigeration components including evaporators, condensers, compressors, expansion devices, ice machines, special applications and systems, and more.
• AIR-CONDITIONING (COOLING)
  Understand comfort and psychometrics, air distribution and balance, installation, energy auditing, common conditions, troubleshooting techniques, and more.
• ALL-WEATHER SYSTEMS
  Learn about the heat gains and losses that occur in various structures as well as detailed information on both air source and geothermal heat pumps.
• DOMESTIC APPLIANCES
  Get detailed information on domestic appliances including refrigerators, freezers, and air conditioners.
• COMMERCIAL AIR-CONDITIONING AND CHILLED-WATER SYSTEMS
  Learn the ins and outs of cooling towers, pumps, and chilled-water systems.
• SIMULATION CHALLENGE MODE – I
  Virtual, hands-on simulation of troubleshooting an HVAC/R system.
• SIMULATION CHALLENGE MODE – II
  Hands-on virtual simulation of routing electricity to an HVAC/R system.

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Instructor

Mike Baker
Mike Baker has been an instructor since 2011. He was previously an HVAC program director at both Virginia College and Vista College. Baker was an HVAC technician for several decades and has experience hiring, training, and managing HVAC technicians. He holds numerous HVAC Excellence certifications, several Green Mechanical Council certifications, an EPA 608 Universal certification, and Emerson Climate Technology certifications. He has served as both an HVAC Excellence instructor and exam proctor.