Did you know that New York is the 4th highest state in the nation for HVAC employment? Because of the state’s size, population, and unpredictable weather, HVAC techs always in demand.
Education & Training
The best way to get started in HVAC is take an online certification course, such as the ones below.
Program Benefits
Graduates will be prepared to pass the three main certification exams:
HVAC Excellence Professional Exam
NATE Core and Specialty Test
EPA 608 certification exam
With an online class, you can study on nights or weekends if you have other work or family obligations during the week.
What Do You Study?
Introduction to HVACR Concepts:
- Fundamental principles including heat, temperature, pressure, matter, and energy.
- Detailed exploration of refrigeration processes and refrigerants, including oil chemistry and management.
Operational Safety and Equipment Use:
- Comprehensive safety protocols and practical quizzes.
- Detailed insights into tools, equipment, and shop practices, including handling fasteners, tubing, and piping.
- Procedures for leak detection, system evacuation, and cleanup.
Control Systems and Calibration:
- Basic to advanced concepts in electricity and magnetism.
- Introduction and troubleshooting of automatic control systems, including applications of DDCs and pneumatics.
- Calibration of measuring instruments and system charging techniques.
Electric Motors and Controls:
- Classification and application of various electric motors.
- Motor control systems and methodologies for diagnosing and repairing motor issues.
Commercial Refrigeration Techniques:
- Key components like evaporators, condensers, compressors, and expansion devices.
- Troubleshooting techniques and special focus on commercial ice machines and refrigeration systems.
Heating Systems and Air Quality Management:
- Overview of heating options including electric, gas, oil, and hydronic systems.
- Indoor air quality and air-conditioning specifics, focusing on cooling and comfort dynamics.
Installation and Maintenance Practices:
- Effective air distribution, system installation, and energy auditing.
- Maintenance and troubleshooting of different chilled-water air-conditioning systems.
Advanced Applications and System Integration:
- Comprehensive look at all-weather systems, air source and geothermal heat pumps.
- Coverage of domestic and commercial cooling systems, including detailed operation of high-pressure and absorption chilled-water systems.
Professional Development and Simulation Training:
- Soft skills essential for HVACR technicians including communication, decision-making, and problem-solving.
- Advanced simulation challenges focused on practical application in HVAC and electrical systems.
How Long is It?
You can complete the 330 hour course in 9 to 12 months. Just depends on how frequently you can study.
How Much Does It Cost?
$3100, which can be financed. Materials and textbooks are included in the price.
Other Local Trade School Programs
- Long Island City
- Copiague
- Whitestone, Brooklyn
Apex Technical School
Comprehensive HVAC program that provides 900 hours of training in repairing and maintaining various systems, prepares students for the EPA Type 608 certification exam, and offers flexible class schedules starting every few weeks.
Electrical and HVAC/R Training Center
Lincoln Tech
Lincoln Tech’s HVAC program, available at multiple campuses, prepares students for careers in heating, ventilation, and air conditioning with hands-on training in advanced technologies, including Green and Geothermal Systems. The program features day and evening classes, access to industry-specific tools, and Energy Auditing coursework, with graduates earning eligibility for EPA certification and job placement support. Lincoln’s HVAC schools in New Jersey and Texas hold HVAC Excellence Accreditation, and graduates may pursue further specialized training through the Hussmann TechX Advanced Refrigeration Program.
Salary Range
Annual Salary Survey for NY
- Bureau of Labor: $68,950
- ZipRecruiter: $67,345
- Salary.com: $65,313
- Talent.com: $65,307
- Indeed.com: 55,606
Below is data for areas in the state from the BLS.
| Area | Per Hour | Per Year |
|---|---|---|
| Albany-Schenectady-Troy | $30.48 | $63,400 |
| Binghamton | $29.00 | $60,320 |
| Buffalo-Cheektowaga-Niagara Falls | $28.18 | $58,620 |
| Capital/Northern New York | $27.84 | $57,900 |
| Central East New York | $28.51 | $59,300 |
| Elmira | $28.26 | $58,780 |
| Glens Falls | $28.45 | $59,180 |
| Ithaca | $31.31 | $65,120 |
| Kingston | $29.65 | $61,670 |
| New York-Newark-Jersey City | $34.39 | $71,520 |
| Rochester | $29.31 | $60,960 |
| Southwest New York | $28.47 | $59,220 |
| Syracuse | $28.93 | $60,160 |
| Utica-Rome | $28.20 | $58,650 |
| Watertown-Fort Drum | $28.34 | $58,950 |
Occupation: Heating, Air Conditioning, and Refrigeration Mechanics and Installers (SOC Code499021)
source: data.bls.gov
Techs with additional skills and refrigeration or boiler maintenance certification may earn over $80k per year.
After several years of working in the industry, many technicians decide to open their own private HVAC or building facilities maintenance businesses.
New York HVAC Requirements
Apprenticeship Required
After earning your certificate or degree, you’ll need to begin a Department of Labor-approved apprenticeship and gain industry experience working with a licensed HVAC technician in New York.
Each program has different standards that apprentice HVAC techs must meet.
On the Job-Training Time
However, most apprenticeships require you to complete 1,000 to 2,000 hours of supervised on-the-job training.
How Long Does Apprenticeship Take?
Each city in New York has its own requirements for HVAC apprenticeships. If you decide to begin an internship right after high school, you might finish your training in about five years.
Meanwhile, those who complete a trade school program first usually earn the required hours in roughly three years. At the end of your apprenticeship, you can apply for an official HVAC license.
HVAC Licensing Exam
HVAC license exam requirements vary by city in New York, so you’ll need to check with your local licensing bureau to learn about the application and testing processes in your area.
Some New York residents may need to pass an official exam. Others may only need to present documentation to prove they’ve completed the required industry hours and pay a registration fee to receive their license.
EPA Certification
Aspiring HVAC techs must also apply for the EPA’s Section 608 Technician Certification and take one of four exams based on the types of equipment they plan to service. For example:
- Type 1: Servicing small appliances
- Type 2: Servicing high-pressure appliances
- Type 3: Servicing low-pressure appliances
- Universal: Servicing all types of equipment
Preparation for this exam is part of the course advertised above.
Job Description
What Do They Do?
An HVAC tech is a skilled trades professional like an electrician, plumber, or welder. As the acronym suggests, HVAC technicians work on the heating, ventilation, and air conditioning systems in homes and office buildings.
Additional Duties
HVAC technicians perform a wide range of duties during their workday. For example, an HVAC specialist might conduct routine maintenance checks at the start of their shift to ensure the filters, drains, motors, and other parts of a client’s heating and cooling systems are functioning properly.
After completing that task, the tech may travel to a different location to repair or replace a faulty furnace or air conditioner.
Special Tasks
Those working with construction companies might be able to perform all their duties at a single site. HVAC technicians in these roles consult with architects and builders to determine where the building’s heaters, air conditioners, and vents will go.
Then, they install the necessary units in the new build or renovation and ensure the heating and cooling systems are up to code.
What New York Employers Are Looking for in an HVAC Technician
The demand for skilled HVAC (Heating, Ventilation, and Air Conditioning) technicians in New York is on the rise, with employers seeking individuals who possess a combination of technical proficiency, adaptability, and customer service skills. From entry-level apprentices to experienced technicians, companies across the state are prioritizing candidates with strong work ethics, a willingness to learn, and the versatility to handle crossover responsibilities in plumbing, electrical, and green energy technologies.
Key Skills and Qualifications Employers Seek
- Technical Expertise and Hands-On Skills
- New York HVAC employers expect candidates to be proficient in installing, troubleshooting, repairing, and maintaining heating and cooling systems. Companies such as Zenner & Ritter in Buffalo emphasize the importance of technicians who can diagnose and repair air conditioning units, boilers, and complex residential HVAC systems.
- Companies like A. Johnson Plumbing and Heating, Inc. in Gloversville require techs with at least three years of hands-on experience, knowledge of local HVAC codes, and the ability to read schematics and blueprints.
- GMAK Industrial Burner Services Inc. in Brooklyn values candidates who can assist in field fittings, learn tool usage, and support senior mechanics during installations and repairs.
- Mechanical and Crossover Skills
- Many HVAC roles in New York involve crossover into related fields. Mirabito Energy Products Energy Division in Castleton-on-Hudson, for example, seeks candidates with basic plumbing, ductwork, and electrical skills alongside HVAC installation proficiency.
- Interstate Air Conditioning & Heating highlights the need for techs who can handle both commercial HVAC repairs and preventive maintenance, demonstrating flexibility across multiple building systems.
- Billy G’s HVAC in Oakdale specifically mentions the need for HVAC mechanics with five years of experience in both service and installation, reflecting the industry’s desire for versatile technicians.
- Customer Service and Professionalism
- Customer interaction is a significant component of the job. Companies such as JSP Home Services in Kingston emphasize the importance of professionalism, communication, and customer rapport. Their goal is to exceed client expectations through courteous service and technical precision.
- Zenner & Ritter specifically mentions that their techs are expected to leave job sites clean, provide clear explanations of services, and ensure customer satisfaction, showcasing the importance of soft skills in the role.
Certifications and Licenses
Employers in New York frequently require specific certifications, including:
- EPA Certification: Many companies, including A. Johnson Plumbing and Heating, Inc., seek technicians with EPA certification, which is necessary for handling refrigerants safely.
- Driver’s License: Since most HVAC roles involve traveling to service locations, a valid and clean driver’s license is a common prerequisite.
- Boiler Experience & Schematics Reading: While not always mandatory, companies like Zenner & Ritter consider boiler repair experience and the ability to read schematics as preferred qualifications, which can give candidates a competitive edge.
Salary Expectations and Growth Opportunities
HVAC technicians in New York can expect competitive pay, with entry-level apprentices earning around $40,000 per year and experienced technicians earning between $55,000 and $100,000+, depending on skills and certifications.
- Zenner & Ritter offers pay ranging from $22 to $29 per hour, plus commission opportunities.
- A. Johnson Plumbing and Heating, Inc. advertises potential annual earnings of $80,000 to $150,000 with bonuses and spiffs.
- Benefits such as health insurance, PTO, 401(k) plans, and company-provided uniforms and vehicles are commonly offered, making these roles attractive career opportunities.
Crossover into Green Energy and Other Disciplines
New York employers increasingly value HVAC technicians with skills that cross into green energy and building management systems. For example:
- Zenner & Ritter highlights its expansion into energy-efficient solutions and green technology, indicating a growing preference for techs with sustainability-related expertise.
- Some companies seek individuals with electrical and plumbing skills, making multi-skilled candidates highly desirable in a market where building systems are becoming more interconnected.
The Ideal HVAC Technician Profile
Based on current hiring trends, New York employers are seeking HVAC technicians who:
- Have a solid foundation in HVAC systems and associated disciplines (plumbing, electrical).
- Are certified (EPA certification preferred).
- Demonstrate excellent customer service and communication skills.
- Are adaptable and willing to work flexible hours, including weekends and holidays.
- Exhibit professionalism, reliability, and a team-oriented attitude.
Conclusion
The HVAC industry in New York offers substantial opportunities for individuals with technical expertise, adaptability, and strong customer service skills. With the increasing demand for energy-efficient solutions and crossover capabilities in plumbing and electrical work, multi-skilled technicians are especially attractive to employers. Companies such as Zenner & Ritter, A. Johnson Plumbing and Heating, Inc., and Interstate Air Conditioning & Heating exemplify the types of firms leading the charge in offering competitive pay, comprehensive benefits, and career growth opportunities.