As long as people want to be cool and comfortable, they are going to need HVAC techs. It’s a growing industry and it’s growing all over the country.

Employment Projections 2012-2022
Note: All Occupations includes all occupations in the U.S. Economy.
Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Employment Projection program.

By the Numbers

The US Department of Labor projects that the HVAC field will grow 34% from 2010-2020. That massive rate of growth equals a massive need for HVAC technicians. And the techs that are hired won’t have to worry about watching their job get outsourced overseas.

The Bureau of Labor Statistics lumps all heating, air conditioning and refrigeration installers and technicians together. As a group, the mean yearly wage is $46,880. That is more than many teachers who must have a 4 year degree.

Recognizing the Need

This unmet need hasn’t been lost on the likes of people like Mike Rowe of “Dirty Jobs” fame.  Rowe has been an unabashed supporter of the trades. When he testified before the US Senate Commerce Committee in May of 2011 he shocked the members with statements such a “In Alabama, a third of all skilled tradesmen are over 55. They’re retiring fast, and no one is there to replace them.”

Image from TV show Dirty Jobs by Mike Rowe

Mike Rowe host and apprentice of Dirty Jobs introduces hardworking people who overcome fear, danger and sometimes stench and overall discomfort to accomplish their daily tasks

   “In Alabama, a third of all skilled tradesmen are over 55.

They’re retiring fast, and no one is there to replace them.”

 

 

 

 

 

Here’s what Mike Rowe had to say,