Career Pathways in Heating Ventilation Air Conditioning and Refrigeration (HVAC-R)
$15 - $63 per hour
What is HVAC-R?
Heating, Ventilation, Air Conditioning - Refrigeration is the science of keeping large industrial buildings operating in optimal conditions. Companies depend on their facility technicians and managers to monitor every aspect of the workplace, from safety, to air temperature and humidity, to environmental compliance. HVAC-R personnel control gargantuan air conditioning systems, particle-free clean rooms, and even high-voltage electrical systems or sensitive controllers. Technicians are paid well because they have the practical know-how to solve all kinds of problems, especially with air conditioning. These jobs can be found everywhere, from airports, to Intel, to power plants.
How do I get into this career?
- Step 1: Get training. Sign up to take courses in a local community college program. Some organizations also have apprenticeship programs in partnership with the colleges.
GateWay Community College Air Conditioning/Refrigeration/Facilities Technology
- Step 2: Get an entry level job.
- Step 3: Complete your certificate or degree and get promoted into a more high-paying, highly-skilled job. Some example jobs:
Experienced HVAC Installer and Repairer $18-$27 per hour Control and Valve Installer and Repairer $17-$38 per hour
- Step 4: Keep learning and improving throughout your career.
Take courses to improve specific skills. To become a manager
or supervisor, take leadership and management courses.
To become an engineer or technologist, transfer some
credits and continue your education at a four year college
like ASU. Some example jobs:
Supervisor $15-$43 per hour Operations Specialties Manager $19-$63 per hour
