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HVAC

HVAC technicians install, maintain, and repair heating, ventilation, and air conditioning systems in residential, commercial, and industrial settings. They ensure indoor comfort and air quality. Employment can be found with HVAC contractors, maintenance departments, and manufacturing companies.

With additional training, technicians can advance to roles like HVAC engineer, project manager, or energy consultant, and specialize in areas like geothermal systems or green HVAC technologies.

Two people in hard hats talking

  1. HVAC Technician
  • Installs, repairs, and maintains heating, cooling, and ventilation systems
  1. Refrigeration Technician (HVACR Technician)
  • Specializes in refrigeration systems like walk-in coolers and ice machines
  1. Controls Technician (Building automation Technician)
  • Works with smart HVAC systems and automated climate controls

     4. HVAC Installer

  • Focuses on installing HVAC systems in new construction and retrofits

     5. HVAC Service Technician

  • Diagnoses and repairs heating and cooling system.

Explore Career Tracks

  1. Energy Auditor
  • Evaluates HVAC efficiency and recommends upgrades for energy savings
  1. Ductwork specialist
  • Designs, fabricates, and installs air duct specifically for HVAC airflow efficiency
  1. Sheet Metal Worker
  • Fabricates and installs metal components for HVAC, roofing, and ventilation systems
  1. Steamfitter
  • Installs, maintains, and repairs piping systems that carry steam, hot water, and other high-pressure fluids in industrial and commercial settings
  1. Boiler technician
  • Specializes in installing and maintaining boiler and large heating systems
  1. Chiller technician
  • Focuses on servicing and repairing larger commercial/industrial cooling systems
  1. Indoor Air quality (IAQ) Specialist
  • Works with filtration, humidity control, and ventilation to improve air quality
  1. HVAC Engineer (Mechanical Engineer – HVAC Focus)
  • Designs HVAC systems for buildings and ensures energy efficiency

Career at a Glance

Starting Requirements:

- High school diploma or GED

- Basic math and reading skills

Requirements to Enter Apprenticeship:

- High school diploma or GED

- Basic math, 1 year of Algebra, (both math courses you must have a ‘C’ or better, science, and reading/comprehension skills) (Accuplacer test may be required)

- 18 years of age

- A valid driver’s license

- A vehicle to get to and from work/school

- OSHA 10 in Construction

Length of Training/Apprenticeship:

- Typically 4-5 years for full apprenticeship

Training Providers:

  1. Milwaukee Area Sheet Metal Joint Apprenticeship & Training Committee (JATC) (Paid)
  2. Milwaukee Area Technical College (MATC)
  3. Wisconsin Technical College System (WTCS)
  4. Barack Obama School of Career and Technical Education (Adult Night School)
  5. Various employer led trainings (Paid)

Example Employers:

  1. TOTAL Mechanical
  2. Grant Park Heating & Cooling
  3. NASH Mechanical
  4. South Shore Heating, Air Conditioning and Hydronic INC

Wage Progression:

Entry Level:

  • After 1 year: $41,200 - $48,000 per year

Mid-level:

  • Average overall: $56,000 - $65,000 per year

Experienced level:

  • Average overall: $75,000 - $90,000 per year

Note: These figures reflect base pay only. Union and private sector careers may include additional benefits such as healthcare, retirement, and paid training that significantly increase total compensation.