When it comes to advancing yourself in your career, it’s wise to look into what’s trending in trades available in your area. For example, there are many HVAC job opportunities available in both New York and New Jersey, so if you consider yourself a handy person and you’re ready to make a career change, perhaps it’s time to explore whether you should get your HVAC license.
The requirements to get an HVAC license vary from state to state, even when states are close to one another, like New York and New Jersey. So, it’s essential to make sure you look into the credentials required to get an HVAC license where you live in addition to knowing what licensing is like in neighboring areas to where you live. Explore what an HVAC specialist is and why getting an HVAC license is necessary and a beneficial career choice for your financial needs. You’ll also learn how to get an HVAC license in New Jersey or New York so you are best prepared for getting enlisted in training.
What Is An HVAC Specialist?
The term HVAC refers to heating, ventilation, and air conditioning. An HVAC specialist is a professional who works on installing, repairing, upgrading, and servicing heating, ventilation, and air conditioning units. They may also have other specialized areas of interest, such as water heaters, although these areas can require additional focus and training. As you can see, an HVAC specialist works in a variety of areas, so there is much diversity in the field regarding tasks and projects to work on.
Why You Should Consider A Career In HVAC
There are many reasons to consider a career in HVAC services. Here are just a few of them.
Continued Growth And Demand
An HVAC career allows you to work in a diverse and growing industry that remains in high demand. The demand for licensed HVAC workers is expected to grow by 6% from 2022-2032, which is a higher demand than other similar industries may face.
Competitive Wage
There’s also money to be had as an HVAC technician. The median wage for an HVAC technician is nearly $28 an hour, or over $57,000 a year. This is a competitive wage that can grow with on-the-job experience along with the right training. If you want to get into a career that can pay well and not require years of college education (and student loan debt) like other career paths, you can consider working in HVAC. Next, you’ll discover what you need to get an HVAC license in New Jersey or New York.
Work Variety
You can also work in a variety of industries when you have an HVAC license. You can choose to work in the private sector and work in residential homes. You can work for real estate agents and home inspectors, or you can work with an HVAC company and have work assigned to you. Depending on the training you have and the sector you work in, you can choose to work exclusively with residential or commercial clients. You can even niche your services further, choosing to only work in installation or repairs.
What You Need To Get An HVAC License In New Jersey or New York
The requirements are similar to getting an HVAC license in New Jersey and New York. Both states require a set number of hours of training and to take state-certified tests to get fully licensed. If you’re wondering how to get an HVAC license in NJ, it’s wise to look at resources that help you train for your final certification so you can be best prepared. Here are some of the requirements to consider. Prep classes can help you fully understand the expectations of you when you apply for your final HVAC technician license so you pass the first time.
Educational Training
Before applying for your HVACR (heating, ventilation, air conditioning, and refrigeration) license, you can take educational training. This training can include getting a bachelor’s degree in HVAC training followed by a set number of hours or years under a master HVAC technician.
You can also obtain a degree or certificate from a trade school that is approved by the US Department of Labor, followed by an apprenticeship under a master HVAC tech to prepare yourself for getting your HVAC license in New Jersey or New York.
On-The-Job Training
You may work as an apprentice under a licensed HVAC technician for a minimum number of years, followed by a set time of journeyman experience to become eligible for your HVAC license. Keep in mind only certain on-the-job training experiences will have to work under a master HVAC technician to have this experience count.
Conversely, you can apply for an HVAC license in New Jersey if you are already a licensed HVAC technician in another state. For example, if you already have your HVAC license in New York, you can apply for licensing in New Jersey.
Getting Started
If you’re ready to get started on a new career path, start looking into the education you need to get certified as an HVAC technician. If you already have experience working in New York real estate doing HVAC work under a master HVAC technician, you may be able to count some of this experience towards your degree.
It’s wise to explore your options to see if getting an HVAC license in New Jersey or New York is right for you. It can be a great way to introduce yourself to a lucrative career you can enjoy and grow in for years to come.
The New Jersey Digest is a new jersey magazine that has chronicled daily life in the Garden State for over 10 years.