Why HVACR Certification Matters Right Now
From primitive fires to modern air conditioning, climate control has come a long way. While people often take technology for granted, panic ensues when a heating, ventilation, air conditioning, and refrigeration, or simply HVACR, system breaks. Enter certified HVACR technicians — unsung heroes in today’s air conditioned world.
There’s a reason why the HVACR profession has seen, and will keep seeing, some of the fastest job growth outlook this past decade. In addition to keeping people comfortable, HVAC system is to keep people safe. The HVAC system in your home, workplace, grocery store, doctor’s office, eliminates airborne contaminants. So while the job demand is high, additional NATE and HVAC Excellence certifications set you apart in a growing, but crowded field.
Advancements in technology have increased the demand for certified HVACR technicians. If you’re considering HVACR certification, here are some reasons to start online training. Or if you’re set on getting certification, check out our breakdowns of the NATE certification and HVAC Excellence certification.
1. The job outlook for HVACR certified technicians is very good.
The Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) estimates that jobs for certified HVACR technicians will grow by 15 percent through 2026, which is much faster than average. In fact, it’s more than double the rate of growth expected across all jobs! Nearly 49,000 additional technicians will be needed to fill open positions in the next 10 years.
Additional building construction, both commercial and residential, is expected to fuel this growth. There is also additional emphasis on the environment including energy efficiency and reduction in pollution. As a result, many current systems will need an upgrade or replacement to comply with new regulations in the very near future.
2. Your salary potential as a certified HVACR technician is high.
You can make good money when you become an HVACR technician. According to the BLS, the median annual salary for HVACR technicians is $47,080. This is almost $10,000 higher than the average for all occupations in the United States.
Top earners in these positions, those with certification and years of experience, earned more than $75,330 per year. But certification is the key here. While not legally required, gaining NATE or HVAC Excellence certifications prove to employers that you have the drive to upskill yourself to best serve your clients. Simply put, certification says you’re worth every dollar spent.
3. HVACR technicians work full time, and sometimes overtime.
Most HVACR technicians report working full time throughout the year. From full blast A/C during California summers to staying warm in East Coast winters, there’s always an HVAC system that needs repair.
During peak seasons for heating and cooling needs, your services are even more in demand and your fee reflects that. Evening and weekend shifts are the norm during certain months, but who doesn’t like overtime pay? With such high demand, customers and clients alike want to know their HVACR tech is certified and providing the best possible service.
4. You will need special training to become an certified HVACR technician.
You must complete training and get a license to work as an HVACR technician. Beyond that, most veteran HVACR techs agree that you should pursue NATE or HVAC Excellence certification to become a certified HVACR technician. This will show employers and clients that you have the knowledge, experience, and specialized skills to perform the job well.
The question of training comes up often — how does one take a course when they work full-time? Say you haven’t completed the two year minimum to sit for the HVAC Excellence certification exam. Technology is on your side! Increasingly, more HVACR programs are completely online. You can take an online course that allows you to prepare for the exam on your own time as you gain experience in the field.
5. Work environments for HVACR technicians vary.
If you think that HVACR technicians are only found working in private homes, think again. HVACR technicians work anywhere you find a climate controlled environment. Essentially any commercial office building, hospitals and healthcare centers, government organizations, educational institutions. A career as an HVACR technician will allow you to choose from almost limitless options.
An HVACR technician has an enjoyable job — one that brings about gratitude from providing comfort to others. If you’ve been thinking about gaining certification, you owe it to yourself to check out HVACR training. With a little bit of training, you could be on your way to a rewarding career as a certified HVACR technician.
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