HVAC Wages

[blinkbcrbass]

Hello. I am a Sophmore in H.S and I am anticipating on becoming a HVAC technician, and hopefully, becoming self-employed in my later years. I was wondering, exactly how much do HVAC techs make. I am probably going to get a 2 year degree on HVAC from the Pennsylvania College of Technology (Penn State).

Thanks

Justin!

[snewman24]

Originally posted by blinkbcrbass
Hello. I am a Sophmore in H.S and I am anticipating on becoming a HVAC technician, and hopefully, becoming self-employed in my later years. I was wondering, exactly how much do HVAC techs make. I am probably going to get a 2 year degree on HVAC from the Pennsylvania College of Technology (Penn State).

Thanks

Justin!

Check out this thread: http://hvac-talk.com/vbb/showthread.php?threadid=45953

Just be aware that these are not entry-level wages but will give you an idea of what you can look forward to depending on experience and location.

[hb]

In todays market you can make a good living at hvac if you are willing to work hard and learn the trade well. Good luck!

[cape fear]

i graduated from ccac now am living in nc i started out at 8hr within two years ent to 10hr now with six years experience im making 15hr best advice stay away from comanies that do plumbing also you will be digging ditches when it is slow companies with more techs seem to be better for on call purposes.

[hvac45]

Cape, with 6 years experience, if your good, you can easily make 17 to 20 here in SC. cost of living is about the same or less.

[i_got_ideas]

It's nice to see young guys showing intrest in the trade. Good choice and good luck.

[hvacfella]

Like hb said...learn all you can and do good work in this trade and youll be in demand. I did the same thing that you are going to do by going thru a 2 year Vocational Tech School for hvac back in 1974 . HVAC is one of the best decisions ive ever made in my life. There is already a shortage of Service Techs, and youll be in good demand after youve had a few years field experience coupled with your schooling. I went into business for myself in 1986 and am still a one man shop cause thats the way i want to stay ; my labor rate is $XX/hr with no travel/trip charge...and i have calculated my business overhead and expenses to be approx. $XX per hour. Therefore, it is a rewarding business to be in ...and its rewarding in many other ways too.

Good luck and i hope youll keep us informed as to how youre doing in Vocational Tech school.

Dave

>>>edit... no business pricing in the open areas of the site.

http://www.my-smileys.de/smileys2/033102sor_1_prv.gif (No pricing, due to site rules (http://www.hvac-talk.com/vbb/showthread.php?threadid=1241) )


[Edited by Jultzya on 03-16-2006 at 04:46 PM]

[rasmussen6880]

i have 10 yrs experance started at 7.50 p/hr aft 1yr @ traid school. now at 26.00 p/hr on residential jobs 29.50 on comercial/industral work.got to be willing to work on any thing and every thing that comes your way.the more ya know the more ya worth.

[bustawrench1]

A good tech with 10+ years experience can make $50-$60K/yr base pay (befor O.T.) and another $25K/yr paid in benifits on top of that.

BUT... you have to be willing to invest $10K in tools over the first couple of years and like somebody else said, work on anything from hot dog carts to power plants.

Good luck, Busta.

[hvacfella]

If he is going to get into residential, he wont need to spend $10,000 on tools, etc... all he would need is a full set of common hand tools, some specialized hand tools for hvac work, vaccuum pump, electronic leak detector ,etc...if hes going to go to work for someone . Thats one of the great things about someone starting off in this trade...its a pretty minimal expense once youve graduated from Vo-Tech or Trade School.

[ravenx]

Originally posted by blinkbcrbass
Hello. I am a Sophmore in H.S and I am anticipating on becoming a HVAC technician, and hopefully, becoming self-employed in my later years. I was wondering, exactly how much do HVAC techs make. I am probably going to get a 2 year degree on HVAC from the Pennsylvania College of Technology (Penn State).

Thanks

Justin!
From an HVAC business owners stand point, I did as you want to do. Hang in there and work hard at it. You'll do just fine if you do.

[freezone]

Find something else to do for a living!!! You're still in H.S. study hard which if your already interested in a career I don't think that is a problem with you. There are much better ways to make a living as young as you are. My advice save your money. I mean don't worry about having new cars and all that B.S. that alot of people your age are worried about having. Study hard and find something that is not as hard on your body. I have 6 yrs. in this field and here lately I'm finding what this older guy told me in HVAC school is dead nuts true. My first day in school he asked me how old are you boy?? I replied, I'm 25. Thought I new it all. He said and I quote " You are damn fool if you sit here and take this class. If, I were you I would get up out of that chair. Walk to the admin. office and find out what I had to do to be an investment banker." But, Ive always liked working outside and with my hands. Lately though I keep thinking about he said and thinking if, I had listened to him I could've worked outside doing what I want to do. But, if don't listen to me work hard learn all you can.and like Busta said be able to work on anything from a hot dog cart to a powerplant!! The more you can work on the more valuable you are to company. Work all the O.T. you can while you are young and your body can still recoup quickly. Buy real estate, invest your money in rental properties and retire by the time your 40 and not have to get up and go to work everday. This is just my opinion some may agree and some may disagree. But, as for me I have two boys of my own and I want them to know how to do what I do for a living. But, I don't want them to do it for a living. I think alot of guys here will agree with that. Sorry for the length of the post guys I had a many DDDDDDDDDD's moment.

[hvacfella]

'in this field and here lately I'm finding what this older guy told me in HVAC school is dead nuts true. My first day in school he asked me how old are you boy?? I replied, I'm 25. Thought I new it all. He said and I quote " You are damn fool if you sit here and take this class. If, I were you I would get up out of that chair. Walk to the admin. office and find out what I had to do to be an investment banker."
'

ME: Being a Banker would be boring as h___ and very confining..not to mention increasing your risk of heart attack from sedentary work. The key is to match how your wired to your choice of career.

'and retire by the time your 40 and not have to get up and go to work everday. This is just my opinion some may agree and some may disagree.
'

ME: I totally disagree. Work is very important for a man . Retiring at 40 is rediculous unless your disabled or plain lazy.

'My advice save your money. I mean don't worry about having new cars and all that B.S. that alot of people your age are worried about having. Study hard
'

ME: This is good advice ; get a cheap affordable car and the basic necessities in life for the time being...then, once your financially established , you can enjoy the fruits of your labor. And...dont go and get a girl pregnant nor have run-ins with the Law, otherwise, youll be treading water trying to recover. In fact, go to church and disobey our destructive Culture teachings.

'Work all the O.T. you can while you are young and your body can still recoup quickly.
'

ME: Dont knock yourself silly scrambling for the almighty dollar at ANY age ; find balance in your life and focus on what will really matter after you close your eyes for good in this life : a personal relationship with The Creator thru Christ which will go on for all of eternity ; thats your main purpose in being here at this time in history -- not to be everyones furnace and a/c Saviour.

[dec]

If your asking about the money then I would look at all the other things out there that pay more . Now if your doing it being its something that really interests you then that another thing. Your better off doing what you enjoy then just looking at what it pays.

[Shophound]

Buy real estate, invest your money in rental properties and retire by the time your 40 and not have to get up and go to work everday.

RIght. Two things. One, if you own rental property, you'll get up and go to work everyday just like anyone else. Especially if you manage that rental property. Unless you get terrific tenants who always pay rent on time and are super wonderfully easy-going on your properties...

Two, I'm 43. If I were to retire now I'd be bored silly, the financial unfeasibility notwithstanding. As for this trade beating up one's body, that can be kept in check by taking care of one's health. Good nutrition, keep the weight down, stay on the move, don't be a superhero on the job and push your body beyond anything reasonable God had in mind when he made you. Learn to work smarter, not harder, your body and your mind will thank you many times over. Working smarter won't mean you won't exert yourself or never feel dogged out drop dead tired after some days, but you're more likely to walk away from a job rather than be toted away in an ambulance or wheelchair. And you're likely to get a lot more mileage out of your body than if you let things slide.

As for the dour old soul in the class who said to flee the trade, there's always someone in any trade or occupation who wishes he'd taken a different path. I'd like to know why that guy was even sitting in that class if he was so bitter on the trade. Just so he could discourage younger people from becoming techs? Somebody has to fix this stuff, and if it really lights your sparkler in spite of the pitfalls, it can be very rewarding.

[valdelocc]

I love the hvac trade, but to be honest, I rather be golfing, being totally retired by the age of 40 sounds really f___ing good to me. I'll retired right now at this very moment if I could.

[hvacfella]

'I'll retired right now at this very moment if I could
'

Reply: What ? ... and miss breathing phosgene gas when you solder !?

[hvac35tec]

The best field I ever got into the again its the only thing I know 23 Years in trade and make a good living 6 digit figure a year but alot of hard earned time in trade not affraid to work 16/7 and I still turn wrenches today.

But now I have worked my way up the ladder and watch others coming into this field.

One word of advise never step on anyones toes as you climb the ladder because you never know who will be at the top rung looking down on you.

Good Luck Brother .

[duc dowg]

This is a great field to be in I like my job. It's alot of hard work but if you take pride in your work you will make it. There is alot of hot attic's in the summer time and cold wet work in the winter. I started out @ 7.50 8 years ago and haved moved up into the mid teens. Pay is different and the benefits vary from state to state. At your age you still have alot of options way them out. Good luck.

[Freezeking2000]

Wages in Connecticut go from $18-$35 per hour pluss bennies. If you like to think on your feet, have alot of responsibility and are willing to work hard you will be a success.

[dave82323]

if you are single you will be just fine.. if you are married forget it, I get 50.00 bucks a week whether my check is 900 dollars or 1500. my wife doesnt work but she has more money than I do..just kidding AC work is great..

[hvacfella]

While youre young and single, and once youve acquired the necessary skills with some experience behind you...go off on your own and become self employed. I charge $XX per hour on a service call and my overhead/expenses work out to be $XX per hour being alone. Ill let you do the math. The first 3 years are lean while your building up your business, but, if you do good work , are honest, and advertise....after 3 years things really start turning around. I love this Trade and it has been one of the best decisions i ever since graduating Vo-Tech School in 1976.

>>>edit... no business pricing in the open areas of the site.

http://www.my-smileys.de/smileys2/033102sor_1_prv.gif (No pricing, due to site rules (http://www.hvac-talk.com/vbb/showthread.php?threadid=1241) )


[Edited by Jultzya on 03-16-2006 at 04:56 PM]

[Green Mountain]

Justin I started in this trade when I was 19 years old. I got my initial refrigeration trading in the Army. That was over 40 years ago.

During the past 4 decades I have never collected a nickel in umemployment benefits. I have never been bored with my job. I have met a whole lot of great people who also work in this trade. (You can see by all the reponses that you have gotten to your question that there are great guys on this site who you have never met.) I got married. Had 4 kids. 2 of which have Associates degrees in HVAC/R. Started my own business in 1979. That's the short form.

All I can tell you is that you have a good plan. If you follow it you will never have to worry about money. There are so many avenues that this trade can take you. You are in for a great adventure.

[valdelocc]

Originally posted by hvacfella
'I'll retired right now at this very moment if I could
'

Reply: What ? ... and miss breathing phosgene gas when you solder !?

Reply: What ?....Suck my balls

[hvacfella]

Originally posted by valdelocc

Originally posted by hvacfella
'I'll retired right now at this very moment if I could
'

Reply: What ? ... and miss breathing phosgene gas when you solder !?

Reply: What ?....Suck my balls

This was a totally uncalled for response ; please refrain from posting filth like this. Im sure the Moderator agrees. We need people in this trade who will act and talk professionally , where there is commaraderie with each other , and where the consumer wont continue to get the idea that its filled with uncontrolled lowlifes. Thanks much.

[hvacker]

Follow tour bliss. This is a real cool idea as it allows a person to really acknowledge that they are different. I was once involved in some hi tech military stuff but when I got into this field it just stuck. It wasn't the money or the fact that it was stressfull or nobody said thanks it was just where I needed to be. Go figger. It seems we all end up where we need to be.Maybe not forever but at least for the time were here. Your furture is like a magnet. Don't fight it as it might not be forever just for now. When it's time to leave you will know.

[NormChris]

Never take a job for the money. Take up a career because you LOVE IT. I could have made a great deal more money doing a number of other things. But, there is something about the heating, cooling and refrigeration business that catches some of us to the point that we can't get away from the business.

I have fun at work every day! My family claims I am married to the business. I think they are correct.

Find what you love to do and stick with it!

[valdelocc]

Originally posted by hvacfella

Originally posted by valdelocc

Originally posted by hvacfella
'I'll retired right now at this very moment if I could
'

Reply: What ? ... and miss breathing phosgene gas when you solder !?

Reply: What ?....Suck my balls

This was a totally uncalled for response ; please refrain from posting filth like this. Im sure the Moderator agrees. We need people in this trade who will act and talk professionally , where there is commaraderie with each other , and where the consumer wont continue to get the idea that its filled with uncontrolled lowlifes. Thanks much.
Relax, dont take yourself so seriously,just kidding OK! I apologized

[hvacfella]

Reply: Suck my balls.

ME: This was a totally uncalled for response ; please refrain from posting filth like this. Im sure the Moderator agrees. We need people in this trade who will act and talk professionally , where there is commaraderie with each other , and where the consumer wont continue to get the idea that its filled with uncontrolled lowlifes. Thanks much.

Reply: Relax, dont take yourself so seriously,just kidding OK! I apologized

ME: I accept your apology ;its not that 'i take myself so seriously
' Friend...,its that its wrong, improper , and indecent to use filthy language . I know youre interested in doing whats right . Thanks.

[sline-dawg]

Please do not go into this feild thinking you will become RICH. Yes, if you go to work every day and do quality work, you can make a decent living.

Very few people in any trade become RICH... that is such a relative term.

I, personally, have done this for almost 30 yrs. and have met lots of nice folks( and a few a..holes).This trade has allowed me to feed and house my family, send a kid to college, a few cars and my harley too boot..... And no bro, I aint rich.Good luck in life.

[D SHANNON]

Im sorry to chime in on this discussion so late, but I usually dont reply to stuff I just read. See people have a problem with levity here on this site at times. Therefore my user name becomes an issue. Here is the reason I use it.
I did not grow up with wealth of any sort. My father was a construction equip sales man, a hard man. So when it came to college I had to take the military route. I say that my father made me a man but the 82nd Airborne made me a true man. Some of the things I've done in my life, I should have died several times but for some reason I am still here. Aftreward I became a cop. I was 24, soon I learned I could not deal with the politics, and how mean- hatefull it made me. I meet an old man at a bar fixing a cooler one night in my struggle to drink away the memories of things Ive done. He told me of the HVAC proffesion, the working out side, the constant learning (because nomatter how long youve been doing this trade you always have to reasherch the new stuff out)he told me it was like being a jack of all trades. Plumbing, welding, maintenance, ect. No one really looks over your shoulder and you work mostly by yourself. The Out side thing was really my gig I cant stand to be indoors. Now my body is failing and once again Im re-evailuating what type of work I want to do. So Ive got into controls a year ago now. Which is basicly computers now. And I find it very satisfing. Im comstantly in some type of learnig enviornment. I have to study on my off time. (Its the only way to get ahead.)

So I'll close by saying. Learn everything you can, this is a good honest trade. When its time for you to settle down with a family you will be able to support them, but sleep easy knowing youve made an honest living.
Just keep in mind its not what you do in life, but if you can live with the things you do in life.

[D SHANNON]

Im sorry to chime in on this discussion so late, but I usually dont reply to stuff I just read. See people have a problem with levity here on this site at times. Therefore my user name becomes an issue. Here is the reason I use it.
I did not grow up with wealth of any sort. My father was a construction equip sales man, a hard man. So when it came to college I had to take the military route. I say that my father made me a man but the 82nd Airborne made me a true man. Some of the things I've done in my life, I should have died several times but for some reason I am still here. Aftreward I became a cop. I was 24, soon I learned I could not deal with the politics, and how mean- hatefull it made me. I meet an old man at a bar fixing a cooler one night in my struggle to drink away the memories of things Ive done. He told me of the HVAC proffesion, the working out side, the constant learning (because nomatter how long youve been doing this trade you always have to reasherch the new stuff out)he told me it was like being a jack of all trades. Plumbing, welding, maintenance, ect. No one really looks over your shoulder and you work mostly by yourself. The Out side thing was really my gig I cant stand to be indoors. Now my body is failing and once again Im re-evailuating what type of work I want to do. So Ive got into controls a year ago now. Which is basicly computers now. And I find it very satisfing. Im comstantly in some type of learnig enviornment. I have to study on my off time. (Its the only way to get ahead.)

So I'll close by saying. Learn everything you can, this is a good honest trade. When its time for you to settle down with a family you will be able to support them, but sleep easy knowing youve made an honest living.
Just keep in mind its not what you do in life, but if you can live with the things you do in life.

[greg o]

Originally posted by freezone
" You are damn fool if you sit here and take this class. If, I were you I would get up out of that chair. Walk to the admin. office and find out what I had to do to be an investment banker."

I drove a desk for a while. Three months to be exact, then they fired me! I thanked them and never looked back, hated every minute of it!

Sure you can make more money driving a desk, but some of us could run a desk if we had too!
I am 46 and enjoy this job! I have done many things including owning my own bussiness, driving the desk, on the road sales. I like this the best. If you can not enjoy doing your job it is time to find something else. Some days while doing service it is nice to take a break, lay down on the roof and just watch the clouds and the birds for a while!

Money is great, but your sanity is more important!

[secorp]

Originally posted by hvacfella
Reply: Suck my balls.

ME: This was a totally uncalled for response ; please refrain from posting filth like this. Im sure the Moderator agrees. We need people in this trade who will act and talk professionally , where there is commaraderie with each other , and where the consumer wont continue to get the idea that its filled with uncontrolled lowlifes. Thanks much.

Reply: Relax, dont take yourself so seriously,just kidding OK! I apologized

ME: I accept your apology ;its not that 'i take myself so seriously
' Friend...,its that its wrong, improper , and indecent to use filthy language . I know youre interested in doing whats right . Thanks.


This still cracks me up to this day...old thread.
Hvacfella and balls should never go togethor.

[The Penguin]

I think it was funny but to be more politicly correcet he should have said "apply moisture to my sweaty sack using a light vaccum with your orifice "

[square2round]

I started skimming through this thread. While doing so, I'm thinking...why does this dude have one post, but registered two years ago, and he's just asking about wages now. Plus, he must've been in eight grade when he registered since he is a Sophmore in HS. Could happen, but highly unlikely. Then I read this...


Originally posted by secorp
This still cracks me up to this day...


and said, oh. http://hvac-talk.com/vbb/images/icons/icon15.gif

[outside rep]

Originally posted by The Penguin
I think it was funny but to be more politicly correcet he should have said "apply moisture to my sweaty sack using a light vaccum with your orifice "

hey can I stick that in my sig line :D

[oroy54]

Lets not get the Mods involved in this. No personal attacks. OK? Back when I was a boy my Dad told me that if I wasn't making at least $5 an hour, I wasn't making any money. That was 1970. Roy

[refrtech]

I was your age when I started in this trade . I am now 30 and make more $$ than I ever thought I would . I passed making more than either of my parents did @ 26 .
You can make a great life for yourself if YOU so chose to do so. You are the biggest factor in your own succes.Most of the guys here will tell you that the do not struggle finacially in life. Most make an average to well above average income . Don't get me wrong though ,it is not a pretty line of work to get into . You WILL be a biach boy for the first few years but you will look back on it in 10 years and say to yourself " Damn , it was well worth it." Like I said though you can and will get out of the HVAC/R biz only what you are willing to put into it.

Is there a Vo Tech program offered @ your school ? That is how I got started . Started my sophmore year as a way to get out of class for 1/2 the day and still earn most of my credits . I ended up taking a liken to it and by the middle of my junior year I was working on an internship with a Hyatt Hotel maintnance staff . I worked there doing my internship for 3 hours then worked 5 more getting paid . It was a great after school job , and it beat the hell out of working @ McD's . I ended up getting a schollarship from my Vo Tech school that paid for 1/2 my trade school after I graduated . Like I said , it is all on what YOU are willing to put into it.

[oroy54]

For me 3:30 am comes quick. If you drink and like to play all night. Then your man enough to go to work.