HVAC Apprentice

Learns to install and repair HVAC systems while working under an experienced tech.

A day in the life

You carry equipment onto roofs, help braze copper lines, and earn your EPA 608 certification. Every week you take on more of the diagnosing yourself.

Pay over a career

Starting
$33k
Typical
$42k
High
$55k

Pay rises with each year and certification.

Training

High school diploma, about 0 years after high school. High school; join an apprenticeship or start as an installer's helper. Paid while you train.

Ways in: Apprenticeship, On-the-job training. Training cost: Get paid while you train.

Majors to look at: HVAC Technology (trade school).

Outlook

Growing much faster than average (about 8% over 10 years).

Will it last? Our AI estimate

Low risk for 10 years. Apprentices carry, install and learn on real systems; with techs retiring, demand for trainees stays strong.

Could start right away

Age 18+. One way to start: Apply to HVAC companies for installer helper or apprentice jobs; many train with no experience

Start now, in high school

Classes: Algebra, Physics, HVAC CTE.

Official data: O*NET occupation 49-9021.

More HVAC & Refrigeration careers

Career Universe is an early version. Pay, training and AI-risk figures are estimates to start your own research, not verified facts. The research was written with AI research assistants, checked by validation scripts and spot-checked by hand. Check anything important with schools, employers and official sources. How the numbers work.