There are currently an estimated 332,900 HVAC technicians in the United States. The HVAC technician job market is expected to grow by 14.7% between 2016 and 2026.
How employable are HVAC technicians?
CareerExplorer rates HVAC technicians with a B+ employability rating, meaning this career should provide good employment opportunities for the foreseeable future. Over the next 10 years, it is expected the US will need 55,500 HVAC technicians. That number is based on 48,800 additional HVAC technicians, and the retirement of 6,700 existing HVAC technicians.
Are HVAC technicians in demand?
The foreseeable job outlook and demand for HVAC technicians is projected to be quite favourable. Much of the anticipated growth in the field will occur in large part due to three factors: increased construction, environmental concerns, and the life expectancy of HVAC units. As more homes and commercial structures are built, more qualified technicians will be needed to install increasingly sophisticated climate-control systems. Growing concerns for the environment are expected to prompt both residential and business consumers to retrofit, upgrade, or replace older and less energy-efficient systems with new and ‘greener’ models, which are in the long term less expensive to operate. This environmental impetus will be further supported by regulations prohibiting the discharge and production of older types of refrigerant pollutants. Because most HVAC units have a lifespan of between ten and fifteen years, there will be additional sustained opportunities for trained technicians. Candidates knowledgeable in both installation and maintenance and repair work will enhance their employment stability, since new installations may be curtailed when the economy slows and the level of construction activity declines. Job seekers familiar with computer tablets and electronics and who have developed troubleshooting skills will also be sought after by employers.
What’s the supply of HVAC technicians?
The HVAC technician industry is concentrated in Florida, California, Texas
HVAC Technician job market by state
State Name | Employed HVAC Technicians |
---|---|
Florida | 29,450 |
California | 25,010 |
Texas | 23,520 |
New York | 18,500 |
Pennsylvania | 14,120 |
North Carolina | 13,890 |
Virginia | 11,690 |
Ohio | 11,480 |
New Jersey | 9,680 |
Michigan | 8,970 |
Georgia | 8,350 |
Arizona | 8,020 |
Tennessee | 7,760 |
Illinois | 7,680 |
Massachusetts | 7,230 |
Maryland | 6,510 |
Indiana | 6,430 |
South Carolina | 5,740 |
Missouri | 5,720 |
Colorado | 5,430 |
Alabama | 5,040 |
Wisconsin | 4,830 |
Washington | 4,810 |
Louisiana | 4,130 |
Connecticut | 3,870 |
Kentucky | 3,780 |
Iowa | 3,770 |
Utah | 3,590 |
Oklahoma | 3,580 |
Minnesota | 3,440 |
Arkansas | 2,680 |
Oregon | 2,640 |
Nebraska | 2,420 |
Kansas | 2,290 |
Idaho | 2,010 |
Mississippi | 1,980 |
New Hampshire | 1,970 |
Nevada | 1,860 |
Maine | 1,800 |
Puerto Rico | 1,630 |
Delaware | 1,530 |
West Virginia | 1,520 |
Hawaii | 1,140 |
New Mexico | 1,110 |
Montana | 950 |
Vermont | 930 |
South Dakota | 930 |
North Dakota | 830 |
Wyoming | 610 |
District of Columbia | 350 |
Alaska | 310 |
Guam | 190 |
Virgin Islands, U.S. | 100 |