New York is a great place for HVAC technicians. Why? Here, we have variable weather year-round, which means our customers rely on us to help them stay safe and comfortable all year long. According to the ACHR News, the Bureau of Labor Statistics predicted a growth of 21 percent in the field between 2012 and 2022, and it is only expected to continue rising through 2026. A growing concern throughout the industry is that there are not enough new HVAC technicians to replace those who are retiring, so for anyone interested in the field, there will be many jobs – and competitive wages – available now and well into the future.
What is an HVAC technician’s role?
The HVAC (heating, ventilation, and air conditioning) system in a home or business is responsible for keeping the structure at a comfortable temperature and regulating air quality. HVAC technicians service these systems, offering installation, repair, and maintenance. While many HVAC technicians are trained across the board on all sorts of structures and types of equipment, some specialize in areas such as residential or commercial, heating or air conditioning. Some technicians have additional certifications that allow them to repair, maintain, and install refrigeration systems.
About how much does an HVAC technician make in New York?
While the amount varies from region to region, according to HVACSchool.org, salaries range from around $45-$72K annually. The website also indicates that technicians in New York generally earn a higher wage than the national average, particularly in Nassau, Ithaca, Syracuse, and Albany.
Additionally, there are usually a number of benefits offered to technicians by most reputable HVAC contractors. For instance, at Family Danz, we’re pleased to offer our employees the following comprehensive benefit package:
- Company Health & Dental Plan
- Supplemental Health Plan
- Family Danz 401k Program
- Personal Time
- Vacation Time
- 6 Paid Holidays/Yr.
- Vision Plan
- Family Danz Uniform & Cell Phone
Any technicians working with common refrigerants will need federal EPA certification, regardless of local licensing and certification requirements. Fortunately, most trad schools and technical colleges include test prep and the exam as part of their curriculum. They want to make sure you have everything you need to get started in the HVAC field once you graduate.
Where can I go to school for an HVAC degree?
In New York, many BOCES programs, including the Capital Region BOCES in Albany and the WSWHE BOCES in Saratoga Springs, offer an HVAC/R curriculum for both high school students and those interested in continuing adult education. Additionally, many technical schools and colleges offer an HVAC program as well. Here are a few:
- Hudson Valley Community College
- Mohawk Valley Community College
- Suffolk County Community College
- Erie Community College
- Apex Technical School
How can I learn more about working in the HVAC industry?
At Family Danz, we’re always looking for people to join our team. If you’re already a certified and licensed HVAC technician, we currently have openings and urge you to apply. If you’re interested in a career in HVAC but aren’t quite sure where to start, we’d love to chat with you and tell you more about the business. Just give us a call at 518.427.8685 and we’ll be happy to help.