HVAC tech salaries

HI. I'm planning to go to the Environmental TEchnical Institute in Blue Island, IL. I'm worried because the guy who is supposed to be giving me a tour of the school said I can make 17.50 an hour. That's not going to be enough to pay the loans from my school back and pay my bills and get other things that I need and want. I was just wondering, how much do all you HVAC techs make out there with about 1-3 years experience? Right now I am in court reporting. I know they make way more and it's not like i'm not going to do this, i just want to do court reporting at my own pace. Please help me, i'm so confused. Thanks.

ita all about who you work for and how you get paid...ive been working for about five year and get paid on comm. last year i made 75 change and im thinking closer to 85,000 this year..keep in mind im also in the sales part of it and work an average of 10-12 hrs a day

My experience with ETI who contacts my ofc on a near weekly basis can offer me grads with no real field experience. The candidates I have talked to have been so pumped up by ETI (and IVY Tech) that they are worth so very much to command high dollar amounts,fringe and bennies. It's unrealistic for the average shop to invest 50K+ out of pocket with the addition of paying someone with field experience to babysit them. Union and a few large shops can float this investment but not the majority.

The best guy I ever had did grad from ETI but followed the statis quo and became a shop jumper. While he was here for his short term he became a good earner but that turned into a wash when he jumped shop and I had to start the cycle again.

Jeb16 no doubt has that earning capacity he stated in the area he works. The market varies from area to area. The same system installed 1 hr north from me has a market value of 2K more than here. An hr south and it's 1K less.

I actually had an ETI ofc person call and ask me about one of their grads that applied with me. I told her what he commanded to start(and I mean command) which I told her and she literally laughed. Its not the students fault if you ask me its the schools fault for pumping students up and sending them out with no real experience. One can only get so much hands on with the same old equipment set up in the lab and a few field trips.

I graduated from ETI in 2001. I would not recommend that school unless it has changed. The labs were a joke. We didn't really work on the equipment that much. Like Hvacsvc said they pump you up saying you can make so much money when you get out. I started out at 12.00 an hour & then my boss dropped me down to 10.00 cause I didn't know enough.

Have you thought about an apprenticeship with the pipefitters or sheet metal union? I hear some of the community colleges have decent programs too. I'm doing good now. I landed a job with a union shop & am happy there. It takes a while but you can make a good living once you get experience

Hello Hvacsvc,

I would like to know when your last conversation with ETI occured; we have some new faces in Placement Services and I think you'll find we have a grip on what the current market will bear. ETI does graduate many entry-level techs but we get the occasional experienced person looking for his/her certifications. Due to the economy, we at Placement Services are working with alumni from years ago with experience and would be happy to recommend those qualified to you. Please don't hesitate to give us a call if we can be of assistance. Thanks!

Laura Henry
Placement Services, ETI

Lalura the last personal converstaion I had with ETI was quite a while back. If anyone from ETI does call they would be talking to the secretary who only passes messages she knows that are pertanent to me. Faxes ect. still come through regularly.
Really Lalura its no diss to anyone person or organization but if it isnt productive for me I have to limit calls when ever I can.
Unfortunity these days ss you know one can be on the phone all day and get nothing done.

Thanks for the reply and I hear you! If ever... ;o)

my husband is in prison and is going to gratuate from HVAC soon, he's been studying for 3 years now....they tell him if he looks for a job in houston he will be making around 20 to 25 dollars an hour, is this true??

I been looking into the hvac field for a bit.I'm about to go to a trade school for it (capital city trade and technical school) and was woundering if this school would be worth going to or a wast? I'm 24 and need a serious career and very devoted to whatever I do But not sure if I should go for hvac tech or automotive tech. wich would yall recomend? thanks

kevin in Austin, Texas said: I been looking into the hvac field for a bit.I'm about to go to a trade school for it (capital city trade and technical school) and was woundering if this school would be worth going to or a wast? I'm 24 and need a serious career and very devoted to whatever I do But not sure if I should go for hvac tech or automotive tech. wich would yall recomend? thanks

Kevin, do yourself a favor and click on forums, enter automotive technician and read a few pages of comments. I cannot comment on HVAC techs, but I can tell you that after being an ASE master tech for 30 years, I would NOT even consider this trade. After reading some of the comments on this site, it will become very clear to you why. Good luck to you.

Joe may I asK your background and yrs in operating a ligitament HVAC operation?

erika brown in Chicago, Illinois said: HI. I'm planning to go to the Environmental TEchnical Institute in Blue Island, IL. I'm worried because the guy who is supposed to be giving me a tour of the school said I can make 17.50 an hour. That's not going to be enough to pay the loans from my school back and pay my bills and get other things that I need and want. I was just wondering, how much do all you HVAC techs make out there with about 1-3 years experience? Right now I am in court reporting. I know they make way more and it's not like i'm not going to do this, i just want to do court reporting at my own pace. Please help me, i'm so confused. Thanks.

I am a grad of eti back in 1992, I started out slow and got abused, but now I am union and making between 75k and 85k only working about 1700 hrs a year. that is the key work the fewest hours to make the most money!

BayouGator in Lake Charles, Louisiana said: LOOKING FOR HVAC TECH willing to relocate
with at least 2 years commercial service experience, good work ethics, be a team player, willing to learn, have a good attitude and people skills.

Requirements EPA certified, have own hand tools, clean DMV record, able to pass a drug test,
TWIC card obtainable ( we will pay for ) and willing to be on a call rotation ( once every 6 to 7 Weeks.

We offer full time work, competitive pay, company truck, a full benefit package and continuing education.
For more information please e-mail ted@airconduit.net

what is twic card?

Hvac Pro in Las Vegas, Nevada said: what is twic card?

it's a fed. back ground check
Transportation Workers Identitication Credential

WE ARE LOOKING FOR A CHILLER / BOILER TECH
100 + tons and 1,000,000+ btu

25 to 30 an hour with a full benifit package
all commerical and industrial work mostly service
check our cost of living and
comapre it to what your making where you live

hvac yechnician

hi its erika again. about 8 months ago i was trying to go into the hvac trade. from what i've seen that it is not a good idea but i was wondering about the trucking industry. I need to make some good money, and i'm running out of options. how much can you make starting off as a local truck driver? what about dump trucks and garbage trucks? do they make good money? do you know of any good school in illinois that actually have financial aid without having to go thru the WIA program? I was thinking about going to Progressive truck driving school, i've found they're less expensive and they actually help you and send you to the places you need to go for the WIA program. is this a good school or should i try somewhere else. please help me i am getting married may 22nd and i need to get something going before then. if anybody knows of anything please let me know asap. thanks guys!

confuseddotcom in Tinley Park, Illinois said: hi its erika again. about 8 months ago i was trying to go into the hvac trade. from what i've seen that it is not a good idea but i was wondering about the trucking industry. I need to make some good money, and i'm running out of options. how much can you make starting off as a local truck driver? what about dump trucks and garbage trucks? do they make good money? do you know of any good school in illinois that actually have financial aid without having to go thru the WIA program? I was thinking about going to Progressive truck driving school, i've found they're less expensive and they actually help you and send you to the places you need to go for the WIA program. is this a good school or should i try somewhere else. please help me i am getting married may 22nd and i need to get something going before then. if anybody knows of anything please let me know asap. thanks guys!

Hi Erika my name is Hank I have been driving trucks for the last five years, and now am giving it up to go to hvac training, I found that in the trucking industry you are not at all appreciated and if you want to make good money you have to have a union job and they are hard to come by. Not to mention that for a halfway decent job you need two years experience and there are so many truckers with experience looking for work you will probably not find one. Im sorry I dont mean to be a downer but you will have to go over the road first for at least a year to get a bad job in the city. If I were not so old and afraid of getting teased by my friends I would do a medical assistant course they make decent money and you dont have to worry about black ice. with an easy job like that you can find time to go to nursing school because thats were the money is, my wife is studying respiratory therapy and will be making 40 right outta school. If you have any especific questions feel free to ask. I'll reply right away. good luck.

Looking for
HVAC chiller tech needed due to increased work load
MUST have at least 2 years exp. pay DOE 25 to 30 per hr
Co. truck , Vac, Ins. etc
E-Mail me ted@airconduit.net
Thanks

BayouGator in Lake Charles, Louisiana said: Looking for
HVAC chiller tech needed due to increased work load
MUST have at least 2 years exp. pay DOE 25 to 30 per hr
Co. truck , Vac, Ins. etc
E-Mail me ted@airconduit.net
Thanks

once your workload decreases would you layoff? What kind of compressors are you running your chillers screws or centrifugals?

mrchill_68 in Shreveport, Louisiana said: once your workload decreases would you layoff? What kind of compressors are you running your chillers screws or centrifugals?

We do not lay off , all chillers are screw, scroll or recpt.

we are looking for an all around commerical tech
chiller knowledge is needed but most work is on dx systems

Most places that pay well will want you to attend at least 2 semesters worth of trade college for HVAC if you want good pay. They will also like that you were in an internship if you can be placed into one. If you are new to HVAC or are out of high school and know your way around HVAC then more power to you. Expect to start at the bottom of the totem pole however with no credentials right away. People and HVAC Companies wan't a clean cut, dependable company employee. From years of different issues I can tell you right now not many "HVAC Pros" take pride in thier work. Companies NEED quality workers who care about helping people and fixing ac/Heating issues not just people who are in it for a quick$$ but leave a bigger mess for the next HVAC guy who comes in to fix thier mess. I do NOT like selling any type of products onto people unless I know exactly what I am selling them. I do not like to take part in the sales aspect of HVAC, but I make a good living off of word-of-mouth fixes that I do and the work is always in demand. What HVAC needs are more people that actually want to do thier best to help people stay warm/cool as well as those with health issues that need quality airflow in thier space. Wish more HVAC people were more honest about pricing, but you can't win them all. Do research, but HVAC pays well if you stick to it, believe that you can do a good job and take the effort to fix issues in the best possible manner not cutting corners.

dangerus39c in Gurnee, Illinois said: I am a grad of eti back in 1992, I started out slow and got abused, but now I am union and making between 75k and 85k only working about 1700 hrs a year. that is the key work the fewest hours to make the most money!

are you currently till working for the union

I've been in the HVAC industry since 1993. I started out working for a small shop after a couple of semesters at a city college. My first job only paid $10 per billable hour, which translated to around $5 to $6 per hour worked for a rookie with no benefits. Then I worked in a plant operations department at a hospital making $11/hour with very little benefits. After 5 long years, I was up to $11.66 per hour. At least I was getting paid for each hour worked rather than billed and not on call. Of course I got married when I started the hospital job and had a daughter a year later. My wife and I had to go on welfare even though I was a full time HVAC mechanic to make ends meet because $23,000 a year wasn't enough to pay the rent, buy groceries and pay for the health insurance.

So, I grew tired of being on welfare and working full time so I went looking for the money I needed to live on. I quit my hospital job and took a job with a larger shop making $13 per billable hour which with my experience translated to about $13 per hour give or take. It still wasn't great, but it was a little better.

So, while I was working there, I learned the other techs who were doing the same job as me and billing the customer the same amount as me were making over $20/hr. That made no sense to me, so I started looking for another job. When my boss started getting calls from other companies checking my references my pay went to $17/hr. overnight.

Since I was a good tech and a perfect employee, I guess they wanted to keep me around after all. However, I still continued looking for someone willing to pay me at least as much as my co-workers were making. When I finally found an employer that made me a job offer that seemed fair and I turned in my resignation, my pay suddenly went to $20/hr. and then $22/hr. a week later which was what the other techs were making at that time.

So, I decided to stay there for a while before ultimately leaving and going out on my own.

The biggest problem you are going to have in the HVAC field is getting an entry-level job. Most companies want techs with at least 2-5 years experience, maybe more depending on the company. So, for the first few years you will probably have to work for a small company, making just a little over minimum wage, to gain enough experience to move up in the field. That makes it tough for anyone who has a family or other responsibilities to break into the field... it's great for young guys just starting out, but a lot tougher for us older guys as we have obligations that require more than $8 an hour.

Also, don't fall into the trap of "starting-out" doing installation... in most cases, when you get into one side of the trade or the other, you're stuck there.

I've been in the field for about 8 yrs now. I love the work but in my situation you must rotate being on call so you can take care of the customers that call at 3 in the morning for no hot water and things of that nature. Know that this is a field that changes almost each year. Lot's of continued education if you really want to succeed. There is money to be made but you have to want it. If your lazy , pick another field and also know that everyone you know either has heat or a/c so be ready for the phone calls from friends and family. I never realized how many friends and family members had junk equipment until I went into this field!!!(they want it done for free...of course).Over all' I think it's a great field because everyone needs heat and/or a/c and with the advancement of these products the future looks very bright if your the one with the knowledge. There are companies hiring in my area because good dependable people are hard to find.(side-note... not to good for your back especially if u will be involved in removing old boilers and heaters)

fob115 in Glenolden, Pennsylvania said: I've been in the field for about 8 yrs now. I love the work but in my situation you must rotate being on call so you can take care of the customers that call at 3 in the morning for no hot water and things of that nature. Know that this is a field that changes almost each year. Lot's of continued education if you really want to succeed. There is money to be made but you have to want it. If your lazy , pick another field and also know that everyone you know either has heat or a/c so be ready for the phone calls from friends and family. I never realized how many friends and family members had junk equipment until I went into this field!!!(they want it done for free...of course).Over all' I think it's a great field because everyone needs heat and/or a/c and with the advancement of these products the future looks very bright if your the one with the knowledge. There are companies hiring in my area because good dependable people are hard to find.(side-note... not to good for your back especially if u will be involved in removing old boilers and heaters)

it will also be a plus if you could get or have a commercial drivers liscense/ you will be very much in demand for a company that delivers propane or heating oil

erika brown in Chicago, Illinois said: HI. I'm planning to go to the Environmental TEchnical Institute in Blue Island, IL. I'm worried because the guy who is supposed to be giving me a tour of the school said I can make 17.50 an hour. That's not going to be enough to pay the loans from my school back and pay my bills and get other things that I need and want. I was just wondering, how much do all you HVAC techs make out there with about 1-3 years experience? Right now I am in court reporting. I know they make way more and it's not like i'm not going to do this, i just want to do court reporting at my own pace. Please help me, i'm so confused. Thanks.

go to fluor.com if can travel...pay amazing...need jam up resume

smith in Brooklet, Georgia said: go to fluor.com if can travel...pay amazing...need jam up resume

The money you can make depends on several different things including location, need of services, and the individual companies. In my area alone the pay scale fluctuates slightly. also, know that upon completion from school you will not automatically get a said amount of pay. You definitley will need hands on experience. I never actually attended a trade school for this field, other than the continued yearly schooling for certifications, but absolutly nothing beats hands on. One thing that i think is really funny about the schools is that the equipment that i have seen in the schools is usually newer models, but when you get in the field you will most definitely run into some units that should have been condemned 50 yrs ago. They are indeed the gems of the field. I do know guys in at my job getting close to 30 per hour but these guys have been doing it for around 20-30 yrs. I will say that there is definitely a good future in it as long as you know that this field requires long hours and most likely weekends(all during winter season). My first two year in the field i was averaging 75 hour per week,mostly due to the fact that 1. I wanted to learn 2.the older guys at my job could care less about the overtime so I had as much "on-call" time as i could take!

i want to 2400

truckgut in Chicago, Illinois said: Hi Erika my name is Hank I have been driving trucks for the last five years, and now am giving it up to go to hvac training, I found that in the trucking industry you are not at all appreciated and if you want to make good money you have to have a union job and they are hard to come by. Not to mention that for a halfway decent job you need two years experience and there are so many truckers with experience looking for work you will probably not find one. Im sorry I dont mean to be a downer but you will have to go over the road first for at least a year to get a bad job in the city. If I were not so old and afraid of getting teased by my friends I would do a medical assistant course they make decent money and you dont have to worry about black ice. with an easy job like that you can find time to go to nursing school because thats were the money is, my wife is studying respiratory therapy and will be making 40 right outta school. If you have any especific questions feel free to ask. I'll reply right away. good luck.

How has your wife been doing with respiratory therapy? I've been considering going back to school for 2 years to earn an associates and the community college near me has that for a major. I feel medical is the best thing to get into but even these people are having a hard time finding work after they graduate.

I live in va and have been doing hvac for 4 years. I started out at 9.00 an hour. It's hard work but I love my job I am now a service tech. And make 17 an hour, plus com. I do side work and make alot more. I recommend hvac it great! Work hard move foward and there are always going to be jobs some where for this trade.

Looking to re-locate south, curentlly own my own plumbing/hvac company, works real slow here now, down about 60 percent over 3 years <not good> anyhow, anyone have a line how work is in florida? Hows the pay,etc. Not looking to jump into buisness again, possible "working" supervisor position would be in the cards, i cannot put down the tools and don't have a desire to any time soon. Thanks

opps in Miami, Florida said: not AS an ex con

you can be an hvac with a felony ?

tommy in Paramus, New Jersey said: Looking to re-locate south, curentlly own my own plumbing/hvac company, works real slow here now, down about 60 percent over 3 years <not good> anyhow, anyone have a line how work is in florida? Hows the pay,etc. Not looking to jump into buisness again, possible "working" supervisor position would be in the cards, i cannot put down the tools and don't have a desire to any time soon. Thanks

I have just the position for you. Our company is in central louisiana.

daninaz in Kingman, Arizona said: you can be an hvac with a felony ?

Possible but could be very limiting depending on the felony conviction. Big difference between felony tax evasion and felony armed robbery or sex offender. The latter would X someone out for being sent by an average svc company to many places.

can anyone tell me the right time to look for hvac job? i have an associate degree in industrial technology and planning to go into hvac due to the passion and partially 2 yrs experience i have in air conditioning and home appliances. But right now, im finding it seriously hard to get a job.

confuseddotcom in Tinley Park, Illinois said: hi its erika again. about 8 months ago i was trying to go into the hvac trade. from what i've seen that it is not a good idea but i was wondering about the trucking industry. I need to make some good money, and i'm running out of options. how much can you make starting off as a local truck driver? what about dump trucks and garbage trucks? do they make good money? do you know of any good school in illinois that actually have financial aid without having to go thru the WIA program? I was thinking about going to Progressive truck driving school, i've found they're less expensive and they actually help you and send you to the places you need to go for the WIA program. is this a good school or should i try somewhere else. please help me i am getting married may 22nd and i need to get something going before then. if anybody knows of anything please let me know asap. thanks guys!

did you say that you are getting married? well trying to start a trucking career is the begging to the end of that. When get into trucking most of the time you will have to start out 6mths or even longer over the road before you get a local job. And your intire career are under conditions of your driving record and health. For one you dont want to leave your wife at home for weeks worried about who is holding her at night. Im a driver for 6 yrs and i think ive wasted 6yrs. HVAC is slow getting started but once you get the skills I believe its the most universal career you can get into. I just got my EPA. My brother got me into HVAC. he has only been into HVAC for 3 going on 4yrs and he just bought a $250.000 home and makes 100k a yr.

SEGMIX2011 in Lafayette, Louisiana said: can anyone tell me the right time to look for hvac job? i have an associate degree in industrial technology and planning to go into hvac due to the passion and partially 2 yrs experience i have in air conditioning and home appliances. But right now, im finding it seriously hard to get a job.

I have to speak from being up north. Very little hiring done the first quarter of the year or more when new construction and the AC season hasnt started up. Thats the time I am more interested at looking at new people.

I just want to comment that when you are union,your wages can range high up to 65.00 and hour. This money comes when you have some years in. After the union takes out insurance and investments and others, you may be left with about 35.00. The economy is not good to our people right now. There are alot of us out on unemployment now. If you want to get in and stay,do an apprenticeship. Just be prepared for layoffs seasonally. It can hit you real hard financially. So look for something on the side in the mean time. Jersey is bad right now.

erika brown in Chicago, Illinois said: HI. I'm planning to go to the Environmental TEchnical Institute in Blue Island, IL. I'm worried because the guy who is supposed to be giving me a tour of the school said I can make 17.50 an hour. That's not going to be enough to pay the loans from my school back and pay my bills and get other things that I need and want. I was just wondering, how much do all you HVAC techs make out there with about 1-3 years experience? Right now I am in court reporting. I know they make way more and it's not like i'm not going to do this, i just want to do court reporting at my own pace. Please help me, i'm so confused. Thanks.

It took me 23 years but now I make 22hr plus sales com.and company truck. Indiana

In order to make the type of money you wantto make you have to get into a local Union. You can become an apprentice making the amt. you said you would make, but as you put in your time our pay goes up scale. Hope this helps.

There is a very respected HVAC business owner among his piers and respected by a major Indiana equipment supplier in Frankfort. I'd suggest talking with Mr. Myers concerning what your area market ACTUALLY does pay in your area for non-union. Not intended to be disparaging, Its true as already stated, you want that kind of money to start it will have to be a union situation. Tech schools are so famed for pumping students about expected income yet Ive never known them as eager to explain why the line is endless long of their graduates that cant get a position.

Indy market if you look in classifieds are offering that type of starting pay for EXPERIENCED techs.

I Heard The Best Bet To Land A Job In A Union HVAC Is To Enlist In The Air Force They Have A MOS There Nd Get Trained Well Earning A Degree Too (:

HI, TO ALL PEOPLE LOOKING FOR A CAREER IN HVAC AND TRAINING FROM A LOCAL SCHOOL IN CHICAGO, COYNE COLLEGE IS YOUR BEST BET HANDS DOWN!!!!!!!!

erika brown in Chicago, Illinois said: HI. I'm planning to go to the Environmental TEchnical Institute in Blue Island, IL. I'm worried because the guy who is supposed to be giving me a tour of the school said I can make 17.50 an hour. That's not going to be enough to pay the loans from my school back and pay my bills and get other things that I need and want. I was just wondering, how much do all you HVAC techs make out there with about 1-3 years experience? Right now I am in court reporting. I know they make way more and it's not like i'm not going to do this, i just want to do court reporting at my own pace. Please help me, i'm so confused. Thanks.

you dont make money in hvac working for anyone else develope your own side work if you get 2-4 jobs a month that will pay for your loas then work for someone to get health insurance thats it, theres to much money to be made and everyone needs heat and a/c do side work

Brian Schmigel in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania said: you dont make money in hvac working for anyone else develope your own side work if you get 2-4 jobs a month that will pay for your loas then work for someone to get health insurance thats it, theres to much money to be made and everyone needs heat and a/c do side work

Yes Brian is right there is money in side work.
If your not paying for liability Ins or being under insured and nothing goes wrong or your blamed for something your not actually responsible for.

No overhead in a Equipped Svc Truck, tools and test equipment past a tool bag and a flashlight.

Get in over your head you can just walk away spending little to no time in research or work to solve the issue

Not pulling permits, no business license and someone doesn't turn you in after a legitimate company gets called and cleans up after your inability or mistake in a repair or improper install.

The repair you previously did has failed and the customer deserves warranty, you dont have to ever show up to redo it for free.

You actually charge your mother, brother and friends who is your only customers to start with before the friend of a friend who doesnt call a legitimate company looking to get something for nothing.

thats why you do things right in hvac theres two ways of doing things the right way and the lazy way theres many lazy tech out there who are sloppy and arent carefull just rush through the jobs and ones who take pride in their work my dad has had a bussinesss to the side for over 15 yrs he has done almost every fireman in the city of pittsburghs heating and cooling system if you know what your doing you can make it on your own if you choose to do things right

you dont have overhead if your part time in bussiness the way to do it is get a job with insurance pension etc and do side jobs part time

I'm getting ready to go to school for hvac training.. what union is the best to get into? Should I even go union? What side of hvac is the best to go off.. sales, install., maintenance...etc.? Please any feed back will help