Also called: HVAC Technician, Heat Pump Installer
Installs and repairs heating and cooling systems, increasingly energy-saving electric heat pumps.
You replace an old gas furnace with a heat pump, charge the system with refrigerant, and set up the thermostat. In summer, you're the hero when the AC breaks.
Certificate, about 1 year after high school. HVAC trade school or apprenticeship plus EPA refrigerant certification.
Ways in: Trade school, Apprenticeship, Certification. Training cost: Under $15k.
Majors to look at: HVAC/R Technology (trade school).
Growing much faster than average (about 8% over 10 years).
Low risk for 10 years. Smart thermostats help diagnose problems; installing and repairing heat pumps in homes stays hands-on.
Classes: HVAC CTE class, Physics, Algebra.
Official data: O*NET occupation 49-9021.
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