Heating & Air Conditioning Technician
WHAT MAKES MY JOB HOT?
Short-term training:
 To get an entry-level job, you usually need
to have a high school diploma or HSE and
a certificate of completion from a training
program. Colleges, community colleges,
technical and trade schools, and the
military offer training, though you can also
get training through a formal apprenticeship
(union or non-union).
Faster than average growth:
 In New York City, this job is expected to
grow 15.4% from 2010-2020.
Good pay & benefits
(New York City Region, 2013 figures):




Typical entry pay: $33,500/yr.
Median pay: $60,240/yr.
Experienced pay: $70,910/yr.
Benefits can include health insurance, sick
leave, paid vacation, and holidays. Some
employers also provide company vehicles,
cell phones, laptops, tools, uniforms, and
commission opportunities.
W H A T I D O : I install, service, or repair heating, air
conditioning, or refrigeration systems in different kinds of
facilities (e.g., office buildings, hospitals, hotels, schools,
factories, residential complexes, and private homes).
My tasks can include:
 Following blueprints or other design specifications to
install or repair heating, ventilation, air conditioning,
and refrigeration (HVACR) systems
 Traveling to worksites
 Connecting systems to fuel and water supply lines,
air ducts, and other components
 Installing electrical wiring and controls and testing for
proper operation
 Inspecting and maintaining customers’ HVACR
systems
 Analyzing systems and repairing and replacing parts
as needed
My job is a good fit for you if you:
 enjoy working with your hands
 have strong communication skills
 can work well independently and as part
of a team
 are persistent and wouldn't mind
occasionally working in less-than-ideal
work spaces and temperatures/weather
For more information:
Go to www.careeronestop.org and search for
"Heating & Air Conditioning Mechanics &
Installers"
Jobs for the Future (www.jff.org) developed this Best Bet Profile with generous funding from the Pinkerton Foundation. Sources: www.careeronestop.org, www.mynextmove.org; www.iseek.org; Bureau of Labor Statistics, U.S.
Department of Labor, Occupational Outlook Handbook, 2012-13 Edition, Heating, Air Conditioning, and Refrigeration Mechanics and Installers, on the Internet at http://www.bls.gov/ooh/installation-maintenance-andrepair/heating-air-conditioning-and-refrigeration-mechanics-and-installers.htm#tab-1 (visited September 27, 2013); www.hubpages.com; www.trade-schools.net; www.careersadvice.org; www.epa.gov; Labor Statistics from the
NY State Department of Labor (http://labor.ny.gov/stats/index.shtm) • Photo Credits: Left photo: Beau-foto (2008). Giving people the gift of HVAC [Online image]. Retrieved November 8, 2013 from
http://www.flickr.com/photos/belkins/2167486124/; Right photo printed with permission from New York City College of Technology.
Getting a Foot in the Door: What Employers are Looking For
Employers may also refer to me as a(n):
 Heating, Ventilation, Air Conditioning Service Technician
(HVAC Service Technician)
 Heating, Ventilation, Air Conditioning, and Refrigeration
Technician (HVACR Technician)
 Service Technician
 Heating, Ventilation, Air Conditioning Installer (HVAC
Installer)
 HVAC Specialist
Employers in the NYC region include:
 HVAC Contractors such as Interstate Air Conditioning &
Heating and Absolute Mechanical
 Hospitals such as Methodist Hospital and NewYorkPresbyterian
 Government Agencies such as: New York City Housing
Authority (NYCHA) and the Metropolitan Transportation
Authority (MTA)
 Universities such as The City University of New York (CUNY)
and Columbia University
Things to Consider When Applying for a Heating & Air Conditioning Technician Job
Academic/training
& other
credentials:
Other employer
requirements/
preferences
may include:
Tips to help you
prepare for, land,
and succeed in an
HVAC career:
 New York City employers prefer entry-level HVAC job applicants with postsecondary education (for example, a
certificate of completion from a college HVAC program) or completed formal apprenticeship training.
 No New York State licensing of HVAC technicians, but the federal government requires that those who will be
working with or handling refrigerants pass an exam to attain Environmental Protection Agency Section 608
Technician Certification.
 Employers typically require drug testing. Some may require a valid and clean state driver's license, a physical
fitness test (not too strenuous for most people who are in decent physical condition), and/or a background check
─ HOWEVER, many employers will hire ex-offenders (it's up to the individual employer).
 Many employers will hire recent graduates for entry-level jobs, but a smaller number require or prefer some work
experience (if you don't have much work experience, see tip in next section).
 Professional certifications (e.g., EPA Section 608 Technician Certification) can help you land a job, get higher
pay, and advance in an HVAC career.
 If you don't have much work experience in the field, you need to do things and create a résumé that will really
stand out to employers. For example, passing the exam to attain Environmental Protection Agency Section 608
Technician Certification and listing it on your résumé adds to your credentials as a job applicant.
 To work in HVAC, it's important that you are in decent physical shape (for example, that you can climb stairs or a
ladder, and move/lift equipment occasionally ─ usually not more than 30 pounds).
 The majority of HVAC technicians work full time for private companies or contractors, with occasional evening or
weekend shifts. Some are assigned to specific job sites at the beginning of each day, while others travel to
several different locations making service calls. During peak heating and cooling seasons, they often work
overtime or irregular hours. Those who are self-employed have the ability to set their own schedules. Roughly 16
percent of HVAC technicians are self-employed, while about 17 percent are union members.
 Technicians generally work indoors, but some may have to work on outdoor equipment, sometimes in bad
weather. They may occasionally work in awkward or cramped spaces or in buildings where the AC or heating
system is broken. Proper safety measures significantly reduce the chance of injury on the job.
Skills & Abilities that Employers Typically Seek:
 Dependability and time management skills (show up on time every day ready to
work, keep a schedule, etc.)
 Good listening skills and open-minded attitude; willingness to learn from
everybody around you
 Neatness and professionalism on the job
 Self-starter with strong problem solving skills
 Customer service skills (Technicians often work in customers’ homes or in offices,
so it is key that they be friendly, polite, patient, and punctual. HVAC repair
technicians must sometimes deal with unhappy customers whose heating or AC is
not working.)
 Computer literacy
Photo Credits: Top left photo printed with permission from ASAP Heat & Air, Florida; Top right photo printed with permission from New York City College of Technology; Bottom photo: © Dmitry Kalinovsky / Shutterstock.
Getting a Credential that Can Help You Land a Job
HEATING EQUIPMENT TECHNICIAN CERTIFICATE PROGRAM
New York City College of Technology (City Tech) of CUNY  300 Jay St., Brooklyn, NY 11201
Anthony Treglia, Chairman, Dept. of Environmental Control Technology  172 Pearl St. (E-206), Brooklyn  718-260-5160
atreglia@citytech.cuny.edu
Note: The program information on this and the following page was collected in Sept. 2013; it is subject to change over time.
STEP 1: Learn about the program and make sure it's a good fit for your interests, goals, needs, and schedule.
 This 16-credit program admits students twice per year in the fall and spring and takes at least 2 semesters to complete. Classes
are typically 3-4 hours per day for 3 days per week. Depending on the semester, classes may be offered in the day and/or evening.
 No prior knowledge of this kind of work is needed. Students start by learning the underlying principles of heat transfer and then
advance to upper-level courses where they learn combustion processes, hydronic systems design, sizing and selection of pumps
and domestic hot water systems, wiring practices, testing, service and adjustment of oil and gas-fired heating systems. Students
entering this program or City Tech's Air Conditioning Equipment Technician Certificate Program will take the same 3 courses in the
first semester.
 The highest level of math used in this program is algebra.
 When you successfully complete the program, you earn a Heating Equipment Technician Certificate of Completion from City Tech.
Graduates typically work as heating equipment technicians, outside contractors, or in-house maintenance technicians, and/or
continue their studies to earn a degree. This certificate program is part of City Tech's Associate in Applied Science (A.A.S.) Degree
Program in Environmental Control Technology, therefore graduates are encouraged to complete the requirements for that degree
to improve their job prospects, pay, and opportunities to advance in the industry.
STEP 2: Find out the cost of the program and make sure it's a good fit for your wallet.
 Tuition, Fees, & Other Costs for part-time students who are New York residents: $245 per credit and fees including a $65.00
non-refundable freshman application fee and $85.20 per semester in other fees (including consolidated services, technology, and
student activity fees). Books/materials cost approximately $250.
 Please note that while financial aid is not available for this certificate program, it is available for City Tech's Associate in Applied
Science (A.A.S.) Degree Program in Environmental Control Technology, which you may want to consider instead. If you enroll in
the A.A.S. degree program, which includes the certificate courses, you'll receive your Heating Equipment Technician and Air
Conditioning Certificates of Completion after you've completed the courses required for each certificate. Entering the A.A.S.
program also allows you to take remedial courses (if needed) as part of your full-time student status.
STEP 3: Apply to the City Tech Office of Admissions and complete all admissions requirements for the college and program,
including:
 Submit proof of a high school diploma or HSE and immunization records.
 Make sure to prepare for the CUNY Skills Assessment Tests in reading, writing, and math, which you are required to take.
CONGRATULATIONS – YOU'VE BEEN ACCEPTED INTO THE PROGRAM!
STEP 4: Successfully complete all courses and other program requirements and take advantage of support services.
This program consists of the following seven courses (16 credits total):
 ENVC 1110: Principles of Air Conditioning I (3 credits)
 ENVC 1111: Air Conditioning Systems Laboratory I (1 credit)
 ENVC 1120: HVAC Systems Graphics (2 credits)
 ENVC 1210: Combustion Processes and Equipment (3 credits)
 ENVC 1211: Heating Systems Laboratory (1 credit)
 ENVC 1220: Hydronic Systems Design (3 credits)
 ENVC 1250: Fire Protection, Plumbing and Electrical Systems for Buildings (3 credits)
Various centers on campus offer student support services such as free tutoring by student tutors, counseling, student wellness classes,
and career & employment support.
CONGRATULATIONS – YOU'VE EARNED A HEATING EQUIPMENT TECHNICIAN CERTIFICATE OF
COMPLETION FROM CITY TECH!
STEP 5: Use your certificate of completion to start working as a heating equipment technician and/or continue your studies.
Land a job as an entry-level technician and/or continue studying to attain higher educational credentials such as the Associate in
Applied Science (A.A.S.) Degree in Environmental Control Technology or the Bachelor of Technology Degree in Facilities Management
at City Tech (see the City Tech website for more information).
Getting a Credential that Can Help You Land a Job
AIR CONDITIONING EQUIPMENT TECHNICIAN CERTIFICATE PROGRAM
New York City College of Technology (City Tech) of CUNY  300 Jay St., Brooklyn, NY 11201
Anthony Treglia, Chairman, Dept. of Environmental Control Technology  172 Pearl St. (E-206), Brooklyn  718-260-5160
atreglia@citytech.cuny.edu
STEP 1: Learn about the program and make sure it's a good fit for your interests, goals, needs, and schedule.
 This 21-credit program admits students twice per year in the fall and spring and takes at least 3 semesters to complete. Classes
are typically 3-4 hours per day for 3 days per week. Depending on the semester, classes may be offered in the day and/or evening.
 No prior knowledge of this kind of work is needed. The curriculum provides the theoretical, design, and practical knowledge
essential to being able to service, design, and install modern industrial, commercial, and residential refrigeration and air
conditioning systems. Students begin the program by learning the underlying fundamentals and progress to the refrigeration and
air conditioning courses. Students entering this program or City Tech's Heating Equipment Technician Certificate Program will take
the same 3 courses in the first semester.
 The highest level of math used in this program is algebra.
 When you successfully complete the program, you earn an Air Conditioning Equipment Technician Certificate of Completion from
City Tech. Graduates typically work as air conditioning technicians, outside contractors, or in-house maintenance technicians,
and/or continue their studies to earn a degree. This certificate program is part of City Tech's Associate in Applied Science (A.A.S.)
Degree Program in Environmental Control Technology, therefore graduates are encouraged to complete the requirements for that
degree to improve their job prospects, pay, and opportunities to advance in the industry.
STEP 2: Find out the cost of the program and make sure it's a good fit for your wallet.
 Tuition, Fees, & Other Costs for part-time students who are New York residents: $245 per credit and fees including a $65.00
non-refundable freshman application fee and $85.20 per semester in other fees (including consolidated services, technology, and
student activity fees). Books/materials cost approximately $250.
 Please note that while financial aid is not available for this certificate program, it is available for City Tech's Associate in Applied
Science (A.A.S.) Degree Program in Environmental Control Technology, which you may want to consider instead. If you enroll in
the A.A.S. degree program, which includes the certificate courses, you'll receive your Heating Equipment Technician and Air
Conditioning Certificates of Completion after you've completed the courses required for each certificate. Entering the A.A.S.
program also allows you to take remedial courses (if needed) as part of your full-time student status.
STEP 3: Apply to the City Tech Office of Admissions and complete all admissions requirements for the college and program,
including:
 Submit proof of a high school diploma or HSE and immunization records.
 Make sure to prepare for the CUNY Skills Assessment Tests in reading, writing, and math, which you are required to take.
CONGRATULATIONS – YOU'VE BEEN ACCEPTED INTO THE PROGRAM!
STEP 4: Successfully complete all courses and other program requirements and take advantage of support services.
Total Credits Required for the Certificate: 21
Take the following required courses in the major:
 ENVC 1110: Principles of Air Conditioning I (3 credits)
 ENVC 1111: Air Conditioning Systems Laboratory I (1 credit)
 ENVC 1120: HVAC Systems Graphics (2 credits)
 ENVC 2311: Refrigeration Laboratory I (1 credit)
 ENVC 2312: Principles of Refrigeration (3 credits)
 ENVC 2321: Air Conditioning Systems Laboratory II (1 credit)
 ENVC 2322: Principles of Air Conditioning II (3 credits)
 ENVC 2340: Air Conditioning Systems Design (3 credits)
 ENVC 2411: Refrigeration Laboratory II (1 credit)
Then you select one of the following six courses for 3 credits:
 ENVC 2401: Renewable and Hybrid Energy Systems
 ENVC 2421: Air Conditioning Systems Laboratory III
 ENVC 2436: HVAC Systems Cost Estimating
 ENVC 2442: Principles of Environmental Protection
 ENVC 2452: Principles of Facility Energy Management
 ENVC 2462: Sustainability, Energy Processes, and
Equipment
Various centers on campus offer student support services such as free tutoring by student tutors, counseling, student wellness classes,
and career & employment support.
CONGRATULATIONS – YOU'VE EARNED AN AIR CONDITIONING EQUIPMENT TECHNICIAN
CERTIFICATE OF COMPLETION FROM CITY TECH!
STEP 5: Use your certificate of completion to start working as an air conditioning technician and/or continue your studies.
Land a job as an entry-level technician and/or continue studying to attain higher educational credentials such as the Associate in
Applied Science (A.A.S.) Degree in Environmental Control Technology or the Bachelor of Technology Degree in Facilities Management
at City Tech (see the City Tech website for more information).
Moving on Up!: Grow Your Career and Your Paycheck
The sample career ladder below shows one way that you can move up in your career as a heating & air
conditioning technician. It illustrates how you can advance from an entry-level position to positions with higher
levels of pay, skill, and responsibility. Regardless of the path you take, it really pays to move up!
Sample Career Ladder for a Heating & Air Conditioning Technician
STEP 4
Owner and/or
President
STEP 3
STEP 2
Supervisor/Foreman or
Office Personnel Position
such as Expeditor, Cost Estimator,
or Project Manager
Lead Installer/Troubleshooter
STEP 1
HVAC Technician/Installer/Mechanic
Occupations Requiring Similar Skills / Job Duties
that You Also May Want to Explore
(Entry pay figures are based on
New York State DOL data):
Title
Automotive
Service
Technician
and
Mechanic
Sheet Metal
Worker
Plumber,
Pipefitter, or
Steamfitter
Electrician
Stationary
Engineer and
Boiler
Operator
Typical
education/training
needed for an
entry-level job
High school
diploma/HSE and
long-term on-thejob training
Typical annual
entry pay in
the NYC
Region (2013)
$21,410
High school
diploma/HSE and
an apprenticeship
High school
diploma/HSE and
an apprenticeship
High school
diploma/HSE and
an apprenticeship
High school
diploma/HSE and
long-term on-thejob training
$37,250
$41,650
$49,550
$56,600