Just got offered an apprenticeship helped the guy out cuz his ice business is by my pops he actually told him n said he'd offer me 12 rn to be his apprentice btw I'm working in a cafeteria at a college really considering it now
There is definately a HUGE emphasis on college in high schools nowadays. I graduated in 2008, and I remember being made to feel like i would be living in abject poverty if I didnt get a college degree. Blue collar jobs and trades were hardly ever mentioned, and when they were, they were understood to be some kind of punishment for not studying enough. I have been a wastewater treatment operator for 4 years now, and when i started I was making $9.00 an hour. I had no experience whatsoever, but I worked hard, learned as much as I could, stayed off drugs, got a couple of state certificates, and now I get $28 an hour. Thats pretty good for alabama, where the average wage is $19. The future is bright, and there is a huge demand for certified wastewater operators, because a huge percentage of operators are about to retire in the next decade, or have already retired. In the next 5 years I hope to be close to a 6 figure annual salary, in a state with average salary of 44k. Pretty good for someone who never went to college.
Yeah it’s pretty awesome when I actually have a job and make better money than all my buddies who wasted four years in school while I fucked off for 15 years before I even thought about looking for a serious career. Haha
in school all they told us was how important a 4 year college was. then one day my counselor brought up a local trade school here because she knew i would like it. after doing research and seeing how much money can be made in these jobs it was a no brainer for me. just enrolled for HVAC and Plumbing at 18 years old today, super excited to see where this takes me.
Thank you for your story about how you made a career change into HVAC at 35. That's how old I am this year and I'm making the change from restaurant work (line cook). I was feeling kind of awkward thinking I'm getting a really late start in the industry, thank you for the encouragement that it's not too late for a worthwhile change into a rewarding career that can actually support a family.
@@luislujan8715 I'm 31 and about to take my EPA 608 exam so I know exactly how you feel, it's a change but it feels like a smart career choice for the average life long grunt worker.
@@rickyneace thanks! How did you prep for it? I dont have a real strategy. I bought a book from a youtuber. I watch service videos and i want to enroll in school in fall but im not sure how to prepare for the actual test. Some employers dont even require schooling as long as you passed the test.
with only an associate degree, I could not advance. I went back to school and got my BS degree at 49. I now am a community college instructor. I teach Mechatronics and use HVAC as an example for a mixed fluid power system. It has everything an instructor could want.
I make $37/hr plus 5% commission as a senior commercial service technician in Milwaukee. Health, dental, 12 days vacation, 6 personal days, 5% full match 401K. Started as a resi tech in 2003 and maxed out at $30/hr in 2012. I'd never go back to resi. In my area most resi companies are ran by a technician that went into business without having any business sense.
@@frankiegunnz8066 With commission and overtime, I usually make 100K and up. In 2019 I made 112K, but 2020 I'm at 92K. COVID screwed things up a little bit. For example, some clients did not want us to do routine maintenance at their companies because of the risk that our techs could unknowingly have the virus and spread it to their employees.
@@johnpatrick3458 , you make about 100 k a year??? I can't belive. In Moscow I make about 900k rubles at almost same job, in dollars it's about 13k ((. ... Exchange rate blows my mind every time. Maybe is it time to go to USA?
I start tomorrow as a installer/helper and I’m starting at $20 an hour! I’m so open minded to learn and soak everything up like a sponge so I can keep going up!!!
Dennis are you still in HVAC...?? Just starting the same, a career change, and am almost done with year 1 of 2 with my associates in HVAC...I’m fixing to turn 48
Hi Dennis. Please elaborate about yourself a little. I'm 46 and getting a little discouraged about another job move. I'm sitting in a tow truck almost 24/7 and I'm loosing the light at the end of the tunnel. LOL !
I pay $500 a year in dues. Take home $52 an hour, and my hourly benefits are $39 an hour. Have made over $170,000 on a crazy year, but don’t work crazy hours like that anymore. Busted my ass for ten years to get in the union, so I don’t take it for granted.
I started at $18 and now 14 months later at $22. I work for a large company at a University under my father. My father has been doing HVAC for 30 years and has owned his own company at one point. He’s now making $50 an hour. Great career, I love it more than anything.
Have my own company opened it three years ago . I’ve been a tech since 2009 , and since I stared as a helper my attitude and honesty led me to where I am today . Work hard Work smart Be honest , those three attributes in my option are the best policy for success.
Cassandra Katona I agree. Work hard and smart, and treat your customers like you would hope someone would treat your family. Word of mouth is the best marketing
I work for union local 447 here in Sac.... 1st year apprentice starts around $19 and Journeymen starting pay is around $50.... Yeah paying dues suck but when you look at our whole package i.e pension, 401K, medical, vacation pay, etc. it's worth it to me... Bay area Journeymen are making $65. I work two hour radius of Sac and when we go to bay area we get bay area pay.
@@foxfamilyhvac The only thing I can say is that I don't agree with the union political affiliation and seeing where our money goes. You here horror stories of corrupt union but the local I'm apart of is one of the good ones. We are 100% funded and keep growing. My shop runs just like any other shop, we're just affiliated with a union. I like work for the company I work for because of the variety of equipment we get exposed to, i.e chillers, boilers, refrigeration, process cooling, ammonia refrigerant plant, building controls, etc.
You are so right. I've been in trade for 15 years. The company I am with now I just had my 9 year anniversary. One year I got a 6$ raise. I had owner from a competitor who went on Facebook and made a video asking me to join his company. I wasn't even looking for another job. Because of that video I got a big raise that I wasn't even looking for. Apparently someone that works at the other company knew me and told him about my work ethic. I did turn him down. I am glad I did because he's only doing electrical now he sold his hvac contracts
I started working in “the shop” of a HVAC company in 99’ Making $6.50. I learned sheet metal from one of the greats. With hard work and a positive attitude I worked my up to lead installer making $27. Now I do HVAC service work for the gas company. $37 per hour, great benefits and way less stress. I should have went with the union years ago. My work ethics haven’t changed but I do see a lot of guys doing the bare minimum. Overall a great field to work in with lots of variety. Knowing that you helped a customer is rewarding and when you can do it several times a day it keeps you positive. Good luck guys
Started at $10 an hour over 17 years ago. Now at $32 an hour in Wisconsin as an hvac service technician. I do mostly Residential (lots of high end homes) and some commercial. $80,000 a year after overtime and bonuses plus insurance and 401. I recently had another company offer me $40 starting doing mostly all commercial. The money is out there if you are motivated and willing to bust you butt at first. Eventually the companies will approach you for the job.
Man I am 36 and about to start my HVAC training. Starting at $15 for an apprenticeship. Wishing a couple months and my EPA cert. I will be making way more. I am excited to see that somebody else did it in their mid 30’s
I fell into the HVAC field as an installer with a friend who was already an installer in the small Arizona mountains town we lived in back in the mid 90's. My background was already electronics and mechanical so it was actually my first boss who suggested that he get another installer to replace me so he could get me into service. So I think I got into service within a year or so and I got a nice crash course starting out in residential area that had mostly gas and oil and all sorts of old mom n pop commercial joints with walk ins, ice machines and gas kitchen equipment. Lots of the stuff was old and obsolete. But I became the tech who would be able to fix the stuff and keep it running. I never did go to HVACR school beforehand but given my aptitude and the fact that I had been a mechanic and such since I was about 13 years old it was a rather EASY field for me to excel in.Although I don't miss the greasy kitchen equipment. I didn't mind fixing it. That was cool. But working in a busy kitchen with nasty greasy equipment is not fun.
That takes some guts to tell the world of how you got to the position you are at this moment in your life god bless you and your work people UK supporter
I seriously wish I knew about the hvac trade when I was younger. I’m 34 and finally be starting hvac/r school this year. I worked maintenance on jets in the Navy and it’s very limited to where and who you can work for as a civilian, at least where I live. Gotta change things up 🤞🏼
I enjoyed your hvac story, being in hvac since 1985 NY/NJ. 2021 am reinventing my self and leaning towards hvac education. There is a shortage and i want to help fill the gaps. Love your videos. Thank you for sharing your truths. God Bless.
I think you can learn a lot in the field but you need classroom time for the science side of it. I prefer a maintenance department (Government, Universities) Steady work ,great pay, good benefits, easy work load, Pension , no sales, ect.
I learned how to fix my own a.c. and Heather because they charged me too much just to do something very little !!! And now i am going to school to get a certificate and work for a good pay company!!!
This definitely motivated me to stay in the HVAC field.. currently serving in the Airforce as an HVAC tech, but going to do this in the civilian world when I get out of my 4 yr enlistment!
I'm teaching my son the hvac installation trade for residential..we make a killing..the up up side of this..we have weekends off..and I rarely work past 5..making 6 figures ..I love it
Dude told my story up the point of getting into service. Went from being a lead at 25 an hour to getting knocked back to 14. Just started a few days ago, company is paying for a Nate that I should have in a month. I’m thinking the only way to move ahead is by starting up my own business. I plan on being self-employed within another three years. I’ve been in the trade for a total of three years now.
@@JC-sc9rx well I wasn’t profitable once I made the switch from tin knocker to apprentice service tech. This was all pre covid now I won’t get out of bed for less then 30h/r and even that isn’t anything special. It’s funny I made this comment about a year and a half ago
@@Dylan-to2ji so things have gotten better for you? Thats good. Im new and I want to know if it will give me a decent life. Thanks. I ve been trying to look a bit into specializations further down the line like maybe stationary engineer after I learn the trade well.
@@JC-sc9rx one thing I’ve realized is you can take this trade in any direction you want, and you are far less expendable then you would be in most other places, even if you don’t have experience. If I quit my job right now I can walk down the street to another company and get another five dollar raise. As a tech I killed it with spiffs and stuff, and after three months they bumped me up to 20 then 25 a few months later. W commissions I was clearing around 1400 on a 45 hour week. Now I should be clearing more like 1800 once I’m in a van ( just started at a new spot) . Hoping to break into the sales end of things and those guys average around 100k-150k a year. No matter what you’ll do alright, it is a great time to be in the trades.
I make $30 hr. I've been working almost 20 years. I started as installer, and worked up to service tec. Now I work in commercial doing crazy jobs. I do anything from installing boilers, to troubleshooting systems. My skillset meant that during covid, I was employed.
It's nice to see someone who started in HVAC a bit later in life. I did theatre production 20 years and about 4 years ago at 35 decided to change over to HVAC. It's been a steep learning curve and sometimes I wish I started sooner but it's a good choice. If/when I have kids I'm going to try to show them the trades first and let them chase academia later.
I started almost 2 years ago with only construction experience at $15 in TX got a raise 7 months in to 17. Then got let go in the winter slow season. Also started going to school for it, 3 months in; through school i met people who have given me subcontract work with the company they work for while i still have classes. Doing subcontracting i ask for a pay rate for a whole day. Right now when i help with an install it is $200 a day that i earn. I am very pleased so far at how independent you can be in this trade. The more you are willing to take on and also demand the more you will get and accomplish. Thank you for making this video
This may sound really corny, I’m 17 in high school and for the longest I couldn’t figure out what I wanted to do after high school. My parents have the college mentality but I don’t. I’m a pretty well rounded student with good grades but I don’t see myself going to college. I see HVAC as my escape not only to show my parents that I can make a living out it but to also quit smoking weed, as you said in the video I want to reinvent myself and escape into a new world. I’m almost 18 in a couple weeks and I graduate in June. The first thing I’m doing after graduation is applying to HVAC school. this video has motivated me to get into the field. Thank you
@@pira707 the pandemic hit and turned my world upside down, since graduating I’ve just been working, got myself into a body shop and I think I found the trade for me, it’ll take some time but it’ll be worth it
I graduated from H.S and got hired at $15 hr. doing service. I was only 17 yrs old. By the time i turned 24 i was making $30 hrs. I joined the Navy and have been in for 12 yrs. I have 8 left and plan on going back to the field. I miss it.
I was a union service mechanic in up state NY. I call it the big 3 great pay, great medical and great retirement. The company I was with did commercial, industrial work only. My journeyman papers for service mechanic. Everyday I would have Wo sent to me to troubleshoot and repair equipment. Great job. There is a huge vacuum for competent service mechanics in our industry. I just left the union 4 months ago and took a great job for the state of NY as a service mechanic doing the same work (building controls, steam boilers, hydronic boilers, RTU’s, MAU’s refrigeration and air conditioning. I love the job 3rd highest paid skilled trade job in the area. The pay is 4,000 dollars a year more than my union wages with a lot less dues. Plus my medical is better state retirement, no on call, 16 holidays with floaters, 12 sick days, 3 personal days. Monday- Friday 7-3:30. My point in saying all this I worked hard at my job became really good at it and landed a top job in the industry.
I did hvac in automotive and some residential. But im loving the hospital Stationary engineer position like the one I have now. No place that lets you work on Hvac, beds, boilers, construction, medical air , etc. I love it. We do about 80% work inhouse with 7 engineers total including a Chief engineer. Of course there are bad engineers like all other places. Im saying its a great field if you're good working with your hands. Great video!
I do software engineering.. did hvac in my undergrad.. now install units on weekends donl service calls after hours. Hundreads of dollars in cash is my friend for a couple hours.
My starting pay in 2004 “age 21” I was $9.65 per hr. I am working for the same company 15 years later and currently make $36. Per hr. I’m Ready for my next move to make myself more valuable to the company $41. 1. Dependability/Reliable/Work Ethic 2. Presentation / Customer Service is key. 3. Knowledge / Skill I will do a video myself to better explain what I mean.
Your story sounds very similar to mine except I'm a plumber. I was laid off from a "good paying" job that I hated and got into plumbing, and grew to love it. I started out at $12 and got up to $20 within 2 years working new construction. I begged to go to service, but my foreman wouldn't let me go I had to ask the service manager directly to get to service. Service was a different animal from new construction plumbing, and I learned a lot. I started out in the union, but have since left and have no regrets. I know work for a great non union company getting paid commission instead of hourly with better benefits and my pay smokes the union.
Here in Arizona there is high demand for HVAC yet they seem to underpay compared to California, etc. Also, in the Phoenix area there is virtually ZERO CODE ENFORCEMENT! They will allow people to install equipment up above a t-grid ceiling with the electrical access panel right up against a wall with maybe 5 inches of clearance, dozens of units like that and the entire job will pass inspection!!! And it's still happening with large commercial buildings right now.
I’m 53 years old. I’ve been doing this right at 30 years on the front lines in the field. I’m what they call a mechanic because I work on just about everything from large refrigeration, ice machines and HVAC including residential, commercial and industrial. I’ve never been laid off and because I’m well rounded I’ve never really slowed down. This is a good consistent field to be in. Also with new technology it’s best to be tech savvy. Never a dull moment. Cheers
I was in the HVAC field for 49 years made crazy money now retired started cleaning oil burners worked my way up went to a better Co. more money,in that time went to 3 different parts of the country got a job in 1 week. For me HVAC field was the way to go!
If the company you work for can afford to pay you $60 an hr its comes from raping his customers. So you are either full is shit or you work for a shitbag company
Bryce Lawmaster in my area, 135 just to come to a house. That’s with 1 hr of diagnosis. Then 90+ an hr for work plus parts. It’s pretty easy to make 60. Not only that, a lot of companies pay chiefs this amount to work at data centers. But hey what do I know right?
Spent my early 20s busting ass for someone else who then sold the business and laid me off..... watch out in the HVAC trade very good experience to have
Thank you.. great video I started out at $9 in 2011 now im at $21 I live in south Florida and we do need techs out here it gets crazy in the summer's and Florida has the longest summers
Marco Torres been thinking about enrolling into a 18 month program for HVAC & refrigeration you get a associate degree . What do you think ?? I’ve always been in construction I’m a flooring contractor wanting to learn something new .
There are three parts of the answer: 1) Where you are. NYC pay is different from that in Anderson, SC 2) Market segment: chillers or residential? Direct bill or service broker 3rd party? 3) What you know, meaning what you have learned from your experience. No experience, dig in at the bottom and become more valuable.
3 yrs ago I started at 16 an hour doing residential now I'm at 29 doing commercials 3 yrs later. Currently going for my refrigeration license to become an engineer
Great video! But You said it yourself, there will be an increase in need of the hvac trade and lack of workers. That means that you have the ability to ask for what you want! So Do It!
Midwest guy here Started at 12/hour at 19 with an associates degree and EPA as res installer moved up to lead within a year and spent 3 years as a lead maxing at 17.50. decided wanted to pursue being a tech and left to work for a national commercial company as tech-1 18/hour within 2 years was a lead tech-3 making 27.50hour (extremely good for my area) had differences with the company and now making 20hour as a seasoned tech locally 8 years in the field now and haven't looked back even the 7hour pay cut. Money ain't everything boys and girls
That's why it's a bad idea to move to California unless you're a movie star or a liberal politician. You will probably make a little less money in Ohio or Texas but the cost of living is much less in Ohio and Texas. Several of my friends moved to high-paying jobs in Silicon Valley but left after a couple years for lower pay in other states. They said Kalifornia is way too expensive, especially housing and taxes.
Been in this business for around 18 yrs, on my own for the last 10 years, my only regret is that I didn't go on my own sooner than that. I do mostly commercial refrigeration, very rewarding field , I enjoy a close relationship with my customers, Love my job and the money it makes me
Wow thats minimum wage there is no way you could live on that in California. My girlfriend makes 25$ an hour as first year receptionist here. And she couldn't make it alone.
I took a leap of faith about 4months ago from hauling propane and doing service work it that field to hvac and love it, 7.00 an hour cut, but my company is paying 100% health insurance for the wife and myself, they are constantly training me, spent two weeks at a intro to electricity and heating tech, so much to Learn, always changing and gotta dig into it, just was scary hopping outta a field to another at 32, but all good just gotta keep grinding
28 an hour in the middle of no where midwest with 8 years in doing light commercial. With 50+ hours a week a man can live pretty well here on the salary.
About to retire from the military soon. A company is offering 3 months paid training starting out $16/hr....no experience just get trained and start working. Am I better off going to school or union apprenticeship? Or if I can get picked up just start working? I'll be 40 when I retire from the military
mptemplin Im in buffalo, NY. I started five years ago as a service tech making 14/hr I went non union for only one reason, I wanted to start my own company (which I incorporated a little while ago) and I knew I’d have to moonlight to make it happen. If you go non union, you have to fight a lot for the money you deserve and you need to move companies more than twice to get as well as educate yourself and really be able to take criticism. You have to be able to read the people interviewing you and overcome the mind games they play with you to get you to accept less than you should. Im sure union contractors are the same way but they are required to pay you at least the rate negotiated via collective bargaining. If I was forty I would never dream of working for a non union contractor. Non union guys get a lot of overtime and the company atmospheres are often more pleasant (where I live) but they don’t get pensions and it’s not uncommon to shell out 100-150 a week for a health plan that won’t bankrupt you if you ever had to use it. Im only not in the union because I want to be able to moonlight residential work while I work for a commercial contractor. That’s it. If I wanted to work for someone else till I retire, I’d go union without a second thought. I do make about as much as a union guy and I’ve had a lot of fun at work ove traje last few years but I had to fight for it and that wasn’t fun. No regrets though.
Awesome man! Recently just started looking into hvac at 24. Should I go to a tech school or try my luck and apply for a company? When I look at job posts for apprenticeships almost all of them say having a year experience is required. How do you get your foot in the door into the industry? Thanks!
@@PissnDiesel I went to a 11 month trade school program. Graduated on Thursday. Starting an new home installation apprentice position starting at $15/hr next Tuesday. Literally hired out of school inti the field. Getting my foot in the door, and getting the ball rolling is the hardest part. I don't mind starting as an apprentice, actually prefer it. Get moving bc time is short. I'm 24 too.
I was 28 when I went into the hvac trade with a couple years of electrical experience after my hvac school and certifications. I never missed a day of school nor a single day of work. $9hr is what I started out making for a year then $10hr the second year and after a few years $14hr. I do full installs and have all my own tools and I even do chimney liners in the winter time in Cleveland Ohio when nobody wants to. I’ve done a couple dozen new Starbucks stores and a couple where I worked on my own and still was making less than Teenagers landscaping who start out with 50% more pay. I’m currently looking for another career. Maybe one where I make more than $14hr and work 9-5 inside a conditioned area. Or join a union. Btw I never got one free cup of coffee after doing all those Starbucks stores lol. My work was A1 and they always wanted us to do another store. Least they’ll have good heating and cooling bc someone got rich 🏦💰💰💰
@@NEXO_JA_The_Emcee We are both union Service tech's. We do have a call rotation, but we do commercial and industrial hvac so not a lot of calls. Residential guys are always running calls
Commission based pay breeds dishonesty! Don’t agree with it one bit. Most techs at top of residential AC companies are real scumbags! I do commercial industrial and you get paid way more. And have less hassle dealing with homeowners. Good honest hard consistent work.
For real!!! Totally agree, I did some residential work when I started in HVAC, I honestly can say that the companies I worked for were dishonest, up selling customers on nonsense so that they could get more commission.. Hate that pay method
Indeed. I went to work for a company like that. The techs making the $100k per year were just selling snake oil to the home owners while not being able to diagnose something like a restriction or anything major. So after they already milked the customer they would send me in. And that sucked being the actual technician in a place like that. It's hard to collect for repairs after they already wrote a check to the last tech for garbage like Zerol Ice, passive electrostatic air filters (that SUCKED to clean) and Surge Suppressors that didn't address their initial issues whatsoever.
It's no different than the funeral planner try to tell you what coffin to pick or try to upsell you on some other fee or bonus doesn't matter what field to get into if you're selling stuff you going to try to maximize that as much as possible I've never had one of those jobs
Absolutely true all the work I have to come behind and repair is usually commission based or bonus programs. With guys who are underpaid with their base salary when they discover their going to starve unless they’re like their team member who scamming the customer cutting corners taking shortcuts or just plain old Rippin people off it’s a recipe for disaster. I’m owner of my own company last 27 years. And I could tell you for a fact if I underpay guys and put out bonuses and commissions I’m just lying to myself and sticking my head in the sand if I don’t think bad stuff is not going to start to happen so people could get fatter paychecks at the end of the week. Usually the biggest criminals are the owners who’ve never worked out on the field they just read numbers on the spreadsheet. And you have outside salesman who never worked in the field or never good out in the field working on bonus and they over Sally job and promised things to the homeowner that that installation technicians cannot deliver in the short given amount a period of time they’ve been told they had to do a job. The only ones who will make that fatter bonuses in your paycheck is the sleazy salesman and myself as a scumbag owner who could not install or diagnose anything to do with an HVAC system that I’m telling my guys to sell or install.
you seem so honest!!! i am 36 years old and i work as a server... i hate what i do!! im gonna save some money and this year start my hvac career, thansk for your video!!! it inspiring!
I've never worked in the HVAC field nor the Automotive field in any capacity, but I still fix my own stuff. Just finished replacing a leaking evaporator coil in my home. Total out of pocket cost for me, less than $500. It is a good field to get into though, but it is not for me. I have put in my share of working in a hot and humid environment as a boiler tech in the Navy years ago. I also don't like commission based pay. First words out of a techs mouth. "It would be cheaper to replace the unit than to fix it." I don't think so Mr. based on commission guy. And the flat rate pay for automotive techs can be an advantage of disadvantage depending on your skill level.
Gotta say, idk anyone who gets commission on home jobs..... and the work to replace the unit isn’t worth recommending when they work for a company..... 15 an hour changing a condenser coil is the same as 15 an hour crawling in an attic...... if you call someone on a side job then they might say that
@@Zamoramax6.6 I don’t know any of them in the houston area, granted I only communicate with maybe 4 or 5 people from different residential companies and I don’t work for one but every one of them even the smaller companies they get a sales percentage but are not commissions based
Are the fees in the states so reasonable? I live in Canada and I got a guy to change a simple capacitor for me and he charged for $270. The guy said that was the discount because I paid cash. I thought I got scammed but then I looked around and the others charged even more. I also asked the price for changing the furnace blower motor. It was $1500 if I paid cash!! This is almost a better half of a lot of mechanical/electrical engineers' monthly salary, taking the crazy taxation into consideration. I mean, who would go to university again and became an engineer/researcher anymore? If you live in Canada, learn to fix cars, plant grass seeds, and fix HVAC. Then pay off your mortgage easily in a few short years.
Most definitely by location. I'm maybe 60 miles from this shop and we start our guys near his top pay. We are non union and cover medical dental for the whole family, up to 3 weeks vacation, and were a young company. Retirement is coming this year.
S.W. Virginia starts at $15.00, seasoned tech $25.00. My company pays a little more plus health and dental paid vacation & holidays and great people to work with
It depends on where you live! It depends on if you do service or new construction! It depends if you do residential or commercial work! It depends on if you work for a company or yourself! It depends on the amount of benefits you receive for a employer! $15 to $50 a hour + benefits with all the above taken in consideration working for a company. Great trade and stable.
Awesome video! I am currently an aircraft mechanic in the Air Force and am getting out next year and am very interested in pursuing a career in HVAC. Thank you for all the good info!
@Fraastyy I am also n Aircrafy mechanic in the Airforce looking to get into HVAC when I get out in Feb. Did you end up getting out and pursuing HVAC if so how do you like it ?
I feel better watching this video and now knowing others have had a similar "climb to the top" story and a company with a similar business model. I never knew how to base my pay since I came in green. Im a 3 year tech making $17hr and started off at $11hr (most others started at 9 or 10). My boss told me when I got hired that I got paid and raised based off of my value to the company. The more I learn... the more I earn. Now granted we handle more trades than just hvac...but I actually get home on time on a daily basis and our only long days are on call. Our pay ceiling of $25hr is perfectly fine by me if I'm not killing myself to get there and I enjoy what I'm doing. Great video. I appreciate the insight.
25 dollars an hr max, they must have a big turn over rate especially in California, here in ct a 6-10 year exp tech is worth between 33 to 45 an hour based on how much skill they have.
I’m a HVAC TECH I love my job. A couple days ago I fall of a ladder broken my Tibia a Fibula I’m 32 years old. I don’t know when I be back again or if I ever be the same.This job is very dangerous, every day you put your life on the line I been lucky many times no so much this one. So no if you go to hvac school have your EPA license don’t accept a job for no less then 25 $ a hour a get a raise next year you deserve that.
I start HVACR school in the and being Universal EPA certified as well. I get what you’re saying in my area though to adjust for cost of living here in Florida and whatnot I’d expect no less than $18-$20 starting out since I would be green but not entirely wet behind the ears...more like just a little damp behind the ears hahaha
Fox Family Heating and Air Conditioning I when back to work two and haft months after my accident I'm doing physical therapy two times a week, and I put ice on my leg every day my back is also mess up, but hey I love my job 😀
Daniel Paneque thanks for confirming a lot of people set unrealistic expectations for themselves so that was me just taking a stab at where I should be at coming into the field w/ no field experience but trained in a class and epa certified
15 yrs in a lead service guy took me under his wing and made me a beast. I’ve owned my business now 5 yrs a+ 5 star rated on all platforms honest work honest ratings!
I really want to try a union if I get into a trade, the security and amount of money I'm sure has to be greater than the cons of the union dues.....when people talk about union dues it seems like they're just trying to talk you out of unions with the only possible way they could.
I have a boss/owner that just gives me a part of the profits on all installs. Service too. Even shows me the exact bill. I know that must be a rarity. He said that when he was starting out he couldnt believe the profit being made and his bosses never shared a penny extra with him and he vowed to be different. It works for me.
I appreciate your story and how far you´ve come, but the incredibly low starting pay is a direct attributing factor to the shortage of workers in the field. Minimum for construction should be $5hr more than minimum wage and $6-7hr for service. That´s starting pay. There´s already a shortage of workers and combine that with the bad companies that take advantage of guys and ultimately make them leave the field because they thinks its a joke now... And this field is toast.
Your HVAC teacher is a smart man. Where are you from? In upstate NY never take anything less than $16 for construction and $18 for service. $1 less an hr if no education or experience.
@@anthonyformichelli5318 yeah you're right bro. i meant the "fuck you" in a playful way lol. I walked off the job because the boss kept getting high and drunk and verbally abusive. Now im floating around trying to find work.
I’m about to turn out in my sheet metal Union. Hopefully I’m Bout to find out soon that it was worth it since I’m in a low wage state waiting to transfer somewhere that pays the big bucks finally. Going from 23 an hour to potentially 50-60$ is going to be a total life changer.
I’m a32 year veteran of the trade in se MI nw OH area and the base rate for a journeyman is around $42 an hour plus a lot of cushy benefits and we’re always looking for new guys!
I was hired off the street during the oil bust in the 80's. I was so desperate for a job that I was willing to take any job and, trust me, I worked for peanuts at first. I did have HVAC training but I started working for a refrigeration company and stayed there for several years. I learned a ton of stuff about walk in coolers/freezers, ice machines, soda and beer distribution equipment, and some really esoteric refrigeration equipment used in research facilities. I jumped around to a few HVAC companies too. I NEVER made good money but I was able to finally save enough cash to pay for college. I told my boss to kiss my butt when I left and he actually tried to talk me out of going back to college. It was the best decision of my life and I don't miss the hot, dirty work and crawling through those nasty attics with spiders and rats. I really don't miss lifting those heavy ass floor panels used in walk-in freezers. Those panels were so heavy that a couple of my co-workers got hernias.
I’m a sheet metal journeyman in Cleveland, starting pay as an apprentice is $15hr with 5yr apprenticeship, $38hr as journeyman not including pension, annuity medial etc. total package is around $75-78hr. My take home every week is around $900-1100
I'm studying business right now and I can't stand the idea of sitting at a desk all day. I'm interested in going to this field and was wondering if think school matters when it comes to training for HVAC.
I’m from air national guard, almost finished tech school, got about 30 college credits, EPA universal, Nate. I already found positions for me back at home with ~18-20 hourly pay
That's awesome man, I'm currently AD and plan to get out next year and go Air Guard and reclass into HVAC. Makes me feel a lot better about my situation knowing it's working out for other people in a similar position. Leaving AD can be a bit intimidating lol
@@AdventureSeeker88 haha I went to Tech School at Fort. Sam, our job used to complete tech school at shepherd and I've heard stories. I'll also be permanent party so I won't have to deal with the dorms/mandatory PT etc. and hopefully I'll have my car with me so I might have to drive to a better area during the weekends lol
Been doing this since I was 19 years old went to school payed 11k for tuition started at 8.00 first year then changed companies got 11 following year changed companies again became a installer helper for peace pay which is the best way to get payed by the way made 55k to 80k a year as a helper for 5 years became lead then went to service a few years later all comission made 65k first year right now currently making over 100k a year dont listen to the negative guys saying that ac guys that make over 100k a year RIP customers off they just need to change there mind set I'm now at my 14th year and have never ripped anybody off
Thanks for sharing. I started at $10 an hour as well and worked my way up to a lead tech. We both have the same mentality when it comes to work ethic and wanting to reach new horizons every year knowing we can do more.
I retired from H-Vac work after 34 years. The money & respect was great!
Jimmy Berry good for you brother! I’m looking to get into the field
Sir I'm a good technician of H vac field in India. Can I get job in USA
You like it
How's your knees, back, and elbows doing?
I am EPA universal certified can you give me pointers on the career i am looking into going into business for myself
8 years , making $55 hour , pension, full medical and dental , I started at $12, work my way up , school did its part, and God blessed me 👍
Amen man.
Wow
Do you work for an union or a non union company?
@@donnyyou8417 UCSF
Just got offered an apprenticeship helped the guy out cuz his ice business is by my pops he actually told him n said he'd offer me 12 rn to be his apprentice btw I'm working in a cafeteria at a college really considering it now
There is definately a HUGE emphasis on college in high schools nowadays. I graduated in 2008, and I remember being made to feel like i would be living in abject poverty if I didnt get a college degree. Blue collar jobs and trades were hardly ever mentioned, and when they were, they were understood to be some kind of punishment for not studying enough. I have been a wastewater treatment operator for 4 years now, and when i started I was making $9.00 an hour. I had no experience whatsoever, but I worked hard, learned as much as I could, stayed off drugs, got a couple of state certificates, and now I get $28 an hour. Thats pretty good for alabama, where the average wage is $19. The future is bright, and there is a huge demand for certified wastewater operators, because a huge percentage of operators are about to retire in the next decade, or have already retired. In the next 5 years I hope to be close to a 6 figure annual salary, in a state with average salary of 44k. Pretty good for someone who never went to college.
Yeah it’s pretty awesome when I actually have a job and make better money than all my buddies who wasted four years in school while I fucked off for 15 years before I even thought about looking for a serious career. Haha
Brian Village I’m the same as you! Wasted all my years working at Sales making money, now i’ve lost interest selling BS things.
Fellow Alabamian. I’m a school teacher and encourage the trades to my students.
Hi, how commen is for companies to give a chance to new bee's no experiance and willing to work hard? Thank you.
What certificates did u take?
in school all they told us was how important a 4 year college was. then one day my counselor brought up a local trade school here because she knew i would like it. after doing research and seeing how much money can be made in these jobs it was a no brainer for me. just enrolled for HVAC and Plumbing at 18 years old today, super excited to see where this takes me.
How is your career going? And are you doing both HVAC and Plumbing?
Good luck!!!
How is it now? Are you still doing hvac or plumbing?
Update?
How’s it going?
Thank you for your story about how you made a career change into HVAC at 35. That's how old I am this year and I'm making the change from restaurant work (line cook). I was feeling kind of awkward thinking I'm getting a really late start in the industry, thank you for the encouragement that it's not too late for a worthwhile change into a rewarding career that can actually support a family.
Great! It's been a very rewarding career. Good luck.
Glad i found this. I was feeling too old to start again at 32 lol
@@luislujan8715 I'm 31 and about to take my EPA 608 exam so I know exactly how you feel, it's a change but it feels like a smart career choice for the average life long grunt worker.
@@rickyneace thanks! How did you prep for it? I dont have a real strategy. I bought a book from a youtuber. I watch service videos and i want to enroll in school in fall but im not sure how to prepare for the actual test. Some employers dont even require schooling as long as you passed the test.
with only an associate degree, I could not advance.
I went back to school and got my BS degree at 49.
I now am a community college instructor.
I teach Mechatronics and use HVAC as an example for a mixed fluid power system.
It has everything an instructor could want.
I make $37/hr plus 5% commission as a senior commercial service technician in Milwaukee. Health, dental, 12 days vacation, 6 personal days, 5% full match 401K. Started as a resi tech in 2003 and maxed out at $30/hr in 2012. I'd never go back to resi. In my area most resi companies are ran by a technician that went into business without having any business sense.
Im curious, What do you make a year?
Man ain't that the truth!!
@Frankie Gunnz 37hr is around 75,000 a year
@@frankiegunnz8066 With commission and overtime, I usually make 100K and up. In 2019 I made 112K, but 2020 I'm at 92K. COVID screwed things up a little bit. For example, some clients did not want us to do routine maintenance at their companies because of the risk that our techs could unknowingly have the virus and spread it to their employees.
@@johnpatrick3458 , you make about 100 k a year??? I can't belive. In Moscow I make about 900k rubles at almost same job, in dollars it's about 13k ((. ... Exchange rate blows my mind every time. Maybe is it time to go to USA?
I start tomorrow as a installer/helper and I’m starting at $20 an hour! I’m so open minded to learn and soak everything up like a sponge so I can keep going up!!!
I started HVAC as a career change at the age of 52. I like it better than sitting at a desk all day
12 dollars 💵 an hour to start bro
How fast are the pay raises
Dennis are you still in HVAC...?? Just starting the same, a career change, and am almost done with year 1 of 2 with my associates in HVAC...I’m fixing to turn 48
Hi Dennis. Please elaborate about yourself a little. I'm 46 and getting a little discouraged about another job move. I'm sitting in a tow truck almost 24/7 and I'm loosing the light at the end of the tunnel. LOL !
You are an idiot
Started Hvac school this month I graduate SEPTEMBER 2020 can’t wait 💪🏾
good luck to you!
Me too
Same but in August 2020, good luck
Congratulations man I graduate in April 2020 with the ddc extra knowledge
Damn Goodluck that’s next month! I graduate the end of this month I’m already EPA certified though and got my job same day last week in the bay!
I pay $500 a year in dues. Take home $52 an hour, and my hourly benefits are $39 an hour. Have made over $170,000 on a crazy year, but don’t work crazy hours like that anymore. Busted my ass for ten years to get in the union, so I don’t take it for granted.
NY or Chicago? UA?
Facts!
The union is weak in Florida
Local 66! Sounds like our package is very similar.
Must be up north or in a high cost of living area.
I started at $18 and now 14 months later at $22. I work for a large company at a University under my father. My father has been doing HVAC for 30 years and has owned his own company at one point. He’s now making $50 an hour. Great career, I love it more than anything.
Hey i am from india i am mechanical Engineer and working in hvac field..can you help me to know about job market at your place
Which state and city do u work in???
I've been an hvac mechanic for over 34 years....so far. I have to say that this guy is totaly speaking the truth about this trade. Good job!
Have my own company opened it three years ago . I’ve been a tech since 2009 , and since I stared as a helper my attitude and honesty led me to where I am today . Work hard Work smart Be honest , those three attributes in my option are the best policy for success.
Cassandra Katona I agree. Work hard and smart, and treat your customers like you would hope someone would treat your family. Word of mouth is the best marketing
I'm going for my HVACR certification, I'm also going for CDL right now so I can have that edge against my peers.
Good luck to you! Have a great career!
I hear CDL pays better up front. Less interaction and fewer skills to master
@@geoffwitt4227 ya still need the skills brother.
Went to school for HVAC, working at a university, on my way to taking the stationary engineer exam
I work for union local 447 here in Sac.... 1st year apprentice starts around $19 and Journeymen starting pay is around $50.... Yeah paying dues suck but when you look at our whole package i.e pension, 401K, medical, vacation pay, etc. it's worth it to me... Bay area Journeymen are making $65. I work two hour radius of Sac and when we go to bay area we get bay area pay.
holy cow! that's amazing bro. are there any downsides to Union that you can think of?
@@foxfamilyhvac The only thing I can say is that I don't agree with the union political affiliation and seeing where our money goes. You here horror stories of corrupt union but the local I'm apart of is one of the good ones. We are 100% funded and keep growing. My shop runs just like any other shop, we're just affiliated with a union.
I like work for the company I work for because of the variety of equipment we get exposed to, i.e chillers, boilers, refrigeration, process cooling, ammonia refrigerant plant, building controls, etc.
@@MrRdb916 Yes Im so envious of the different work you see. Have you checked out AK HVAC yet? He works on some big stuff too.
@@foxfamilyhvac yes I like AK HVAC channel 🤙🏽
Baylis HVAC San Jose local 104 is 71$ an hour on the check.
You are so right. I've been in trade for 15 years. The company I am with now I just had my 9 year anniversary. One year I got a 6$ raise. I had owner from a competitor who went on Facebook and made a video asking me to join his company. I wasn't even looking for another job. Because of that video I got a big raise that I wasn't even looking for. Apparently someone that works at the other company knew me and told him about my work ethic. I did turn him down. I am glad I did because he's only doing electrical now he sold his hvac contracts
I started working in “the shop” of a HVAC company in 99’ Making $6.50. I learned sheet metal from one of the greats. With hard work and a positive attitude I worked my up to lead installer making $27. Now I do HVAC service work for the gas company. $37 per hour, great benefits and way less stress. I should have went with the union years ago. My work ethics haven’t changed but I do see a lot of guys doing the bare minimum. Overall a great field to work in with lots of variety. Knowing that you helped a customer is rewarding and when you can do it several times a day it keeps you positive. Good luck guys
Started at $10 an hour over 17 years ago. Now at $32 an hour in Wisconsin as an hvac service technician. I do mostly Residential (lots of high end homes) and some commercial. $80,000 a year after overtime and bonuses plus insurance and 401. I recently had another company offer me $40 starting doing mostly all commercial. The money is out there if you are motivated and willing to bust you butt at first. Eventually the companies will approach you for the job.
That’s great news I live on the north-west side of Milwaukee. I start on Monday, excited to start my new career!
Notice how all these skilled labor positions start at 15 an hour yet fast food workers want 15 an hour that's bs
Nice to find a funny post
If you are just starting the trade you're not skilled just like them
@@inxile88 thats like saying any moron could be a hvac/r tech
@@lopaka79 I'm not saying any Joe blow can be a "tech", but someone just starting is not a technician
@@inxile88 Someone starting buys tools and invest in themselves. Paying minimum wage is not where apprentice should start.
Man I am 36 and about to start my HVAC training. Starting at $15 for an apprenticeship. Wishing a couple months and my EPA cert. I will be making way more. I am excited to see that somebody else did it in their mid 30’s
I’m making $16 right now. Been in installs for a year while also running tune ups. Prepping for service now! Also started off at $10
Marcisdidor ever run into any SNAKES 🐍
Damn that’s pretty bad.
@@Data29th welp now at $20 and commission
What are you at now?
@@RichyRich98 $30 an hour now. Pay your dues and it will come right back to ya.
I fell into the HVAC field as an installer with a friend who was already an installer in the small Arizona mountains town we lived in back in the mid 90's.
My background was already electronics and mechanical so it was actually my first boss who suggested that he get another installer to replace me so he could get me into service.
So I think I got into service within a year or so and I got a nice crash course starting out in residential area that had mostly gas and oil and all sorts of old mom n pop commercial joints with walk ins, ice machines and gas kitchen equipment. Lots of the stuff was old and obsolete. But I became the tech who would be able to fix the stuff and keep it running.
I never did go to HVACR school beforehand but given my aptitude and the fact that I had been a mechanic and such since I was about 13 years old it was a rather EASY field for me to excel in.Although I don't miss the greasy kitchen equipment.
I didn't mind fixing it. That was cool. But working in a busy kitchen with nasty greasy equipment is not fun.
That takes some guts to tell the world of how you got to the position you are at this moment in your life god bless you and your work people UK supporter
I seriously wish I knew about the hvac trade when I was younger. I’m 34 and finally be starting hvac/r school this year. I worked maintenance on jets in the Navy and it’s very limited to where and who you can work for as a civilian, at least where I live. Gotta change things up 🤞🏼
I enjoyed your hvac story, being in hvac since 1985 NY/NJ. 2021 am reinventing my self and leaning towards hvac education. There is a shortage and i want to help fill the gaps. Love your videos. Thank you for sharing your truths. God Bless.
Thx John! And thx to you for teaching in the industry 😊
I think you can learn a lot in the field but you need classroom time for the science side of it.
I prefer a maintenance department
(Government, Universities)
Steady work ,great pay, good benefits, easy work load,
Pension , no sales, ect.
I'm green so I took a $5 pay cut to get my foot in the door two weeks ago!
Nothing wrong with that! Good luck to ya!
I did the same thing. Just got my canadian journeyman and it was totally worth it. You are gonna love it
I'm already loving it I left a dead end temp job for a Career!😁
Jeramie Kirkpatrick how did you get in the field? Do I need to go to a trade school?
I'm still in trade school until May but a small local company was hiring a tech and I applied and my instructor vouched for my ability.
I learned how to fix my own a.c. and Heather because they charged me too much just to do something very little !!! And now i am going to school to get a certificate and work for a good pay company!!!
Wow. Me too. That's fate imo to do HVAC after that.
This might be true for a residential tech, however when you go to commercial/ Industrial HVAC you somewhere between 27 and 35 dollars per hour.
This definitely motivated me to stay in the HVAC field.. currently serving in the Airforce as an HVAC tech, but going to do this in the civilian world when I get out of my 4 yr enlistment!
I like it!
I'm teaching my son the hvac installation trade for residential..we make a killing..the up up side of this..we have weekends off..and I rarely work past 5..making 6 figures ..I love it
Residential get weekends off?
@@rod8764 i do
Dude told my story up the point of getting into service. Went from being a lead at 25 an hour to getting knocked back to 14. Just started a few days ago, company is paying for a Nate that I should have in a month. I’m thinking the only way to move ahead is by starting up my own business. I plan on being self-employed within another three years. I’ve been in the trade for a total of three years now.
Yeah man, just keep working at getting that contractors license. You can do it!
??? Why would they knock you down so low
@@JC-sc9rx well I wasn’t profitable once I made the switch from tin knocker to apprentice service tech. This was all pre covid now I won’t get out of bed for less then 30h/r and even that isn’t anything special. It’s funny I made this comment about a year and a half ago
@@Dylan-to2ji so things have gotten better for you? Thats good. Im new and I want to know if it will give me a decent life. Thanks. I ve been trying to look a bit into specializations further down the line like maybe stationary engineer after I learn the trade well.
@@JC-sc9rx one thing I’ve realized is you can take this trade in any direction you want, and you are far less expendable then you would be in most other places, even if you don’t have experience. If I quit my job right now I can walk down the street to another company and get another five dollar raise. As a tech I killed it with spiffs and stuff, and after three months they bumped me up to 20 then 25 a few months later. W commissions I was clearing around 1400 on a 45 hour week. Now I should be clearing more like 1800 once I’m in a van ( just started at a new spot) . Hoping to break into the sales end of things and those guys average around 100k-150k a year. No matter what you’ll do alright, it is a great time to be in the trades.
I make $30 hr. I've been working almost 20 years. I started as installer, and worked up to service tec. Now I work in commercial doing crazy jobs. I do anything from installing boilers, to troubleshooting systems. My skillset meant that during covid, I was employed.
It's nice to see someone who started in HVAC a bit later in life. I did theatre production 20 years and about 4 years ago at 35 decided to change over to HVAC. It's been a steep learning curve and sometimes I wish I started sooner but it's a good choice. If/when I have kids I'm going to try to show them the trades first and let them chase academia later.
Way to go!
I started almost 2 years ago with only construction experience at $15 in TX got a raise 7 months in to 17. Then got let go in the winter slow season. Also started going to school for it, 3 months in; through school i met people who have given me subcontract work with the company they work for while i still have classes. Doing subcontracting i ask for a pay rate for a whole day. Right now when i help with an install it is $200 a day that i earn. I am very pleased so far at how independent you can be in this trade. The more you are willing to take on and also demand the more you will get and accomplish. Thank you for making this video
This may sound really corny, I’m 17 in high school and for the longest I couldn’t figure out what I wanted to do after high school. My parents have the college mentality but I don’t. I’m a pretty well rounded student with good grades but I don’t see myself going to college. I see HVAC as my escape not only to show my parents that I can make a living out it but to also quit smoking weed, as you said in the video I want to reinvent myself and escape into a new world. I’m almost 18 in a couple weeks and I graduate in June. The first thing I’m doing after graduation is applying to HVAC school. this video has motivated me to get into the field. Thank you
how is it going?
How’s it going ? I’m 17 and bout to graduate too lol tryna do hvac as well
@@pira707 the pandemic hit and turned my world upside down, since graduating I’ve just been working, got myself into a body shop and I think I found the trade for me, it’ll take some time but it’ll be worth it
@@chrisfosu4619 got into a body shop, slowly making my way up
I graduated from H.S and got hired at $15 hr. doing service. I was only 17 yrs old. By the time i turned 24 i was making $30 hrs. I joined the Navy and have been in for 12 yrs. I have 8 left and plan on going back to the field. I miss it.
Proof you don't need college to be successful
You fucked up going to navy for cheap pay. U could of been a millionaire rn
I was a union service mechanic in up state NY. I call it the big 3 great pay, great medical and great retirement. The company I was with did commercial, industrial work only. My journeyman papers for service mechanic. Everyday I would have Wo sent to me to troubleshoot and repair equipment. Great job. There is a huge vacuum for competent service mechanics in our industry. I just left the union 4 months ago and took a great job for the state of NY as a service mechanic doing the same work (building controls, steam boilers, hydronic boilers, RTU’s, MAU’s refrigeration and air conditioning. I love the job 3rd highest paid skilled trade job in the area. The pay is 4,000 dollars a year more than my union wages with a lot less dues. Plus my medical is better state retirement, no on call, 16 holidays with floaters, 12 sick days, 3 personal days. Monday- Friday 7-3:30. My point in saying all this I worked hard at my job became really good at it and landed a top job in the industry.
I did hvac in automotive and some residential. But im loving the hospital Stationary engineer position like the one I have now. No place that lets you work on Hvac, beds, boilers, construction, medical air , etc. I love it. We do about 80% work inhouse with 7 engineers total including a Chief engineer. Of course there are bad engineers like all other places. Im saying its a great field if you're good working with your hands. Great video!
Love your story. I was a bartender for 7 years and just started hvac school and love it! Subbed and can't wait to watch more vids
Thats awesome man! Cool well, hope you like it bud!
I do software engineering.. did hvac in my undergrad.. now install units on weekends donl service calls after hours. Hundreads of dollars in cash is my friend for a couple hours.
My starting pay in 2004 “age 21” I was $9.65 per hr. I am working for the same company 15 years later and currently make $36. Per hr. I’m Ready for my next move to make myself more valuable to the company $41.
1. Dependability/Reliable/Work Ethic
2. Presentation / Customer Service is key.
3. Knowledge / Skill
I will do a video myself to better explain what I mean.
Ill be lookin for it
Your story sounds very similar to mine except I'm a plumber. I was laid off from a "good paying" job that I hated and got into plumbing, and grew to love it. I started out at $12 and got up to $20 within 2 years working new construction. I begged to go to service, but my foreman wouldn't let me go I had to ask the service manager directly to get to service. Service was a different animal from new construction plumbing, and I learned a lot. I started out in the union, but have since left and have no regrets. I know work for a great non union company getting paid commission instead of hourly with better benefits and my pay smokes the union.
Here in Arizona there is high demand for HVAC yet they seem to underpay compared to California, etc.
Also, in the Phoenix area there is virtually ZERO CODE ENFORCEMENT!
They will allow people to install equipment up above a t-grid ceiling with the electrical access panel right up against a wall with maybe 5 inches of clearance, dozens of units like that and the entire job will pass inspection!!!
And it's still happening with large commercial buildings right now.
I’m 53 years old. I’ve been doing this right at 30 years on the front lines in the field. I’m what they call a mechanic because I work on just about everything from large refrigeration, ice machines and HVAC including residential, commercial and industrial. I’ve never been laid off and because I’m well rounded I’ve never really slowed down. This is a good consistent field to be in. Also with new technology it’s best to be tech savvy. Never a dull moment. Cheers
In 2010 I was 20 years old. I was a lead installer I was making $28hr. 40-60 hours a week
That’s really good. I should’ve done this when I was 20.
I was in the HVAC field for 49 years made crazy money now retired started cleaning oil burners worked my way up went to a better Co. more money,in that time went to 3 different parts of the country got a job in 1 week. For me HVAC field was the way to go!
6.00 an hour in 1997 16 years old. 60.00 an hour in 2019. I’m 38. Life is good.
If the company you work for can afford to pay you $60 an hr its comes from raping his customers. So you are either full is shit or you work for a shitbag company
Where do you live
Bryce Lawmaster in my area, 135 just to come to a house. That’s with 1 hr of diagnosis. Then 90+ an hr for work plus parts. It’s pretty easy to make 60. Not only that, a lot of companies pay chiefs this amount to work at data centers. But hey what do I know right?
I stand by my previous comment. but what do I know I just own an air conditioning business in florida.
American Home Shield Company. Trust me we get raped not the homeowner. Seems like your a negative guy. Glad I don’t work with you. Texas btw
Spent my early 20s busting ass for someone else who then sold the business and laid me off..... watch out in the HVAC trade very good experience to have
Thank you.. great video I started out at $9 in 2011 now im at $21 I live in south Florida and we do need techs out here it gets crazy in the summer's and Florida has the longest summers
Marco Torres Your underpaid.
Marco Torres been thinking about enrolling into a 18 month program for HVAC & refrigeration you get a associate degree . What do you think ?? I’ve always been in construction I’m a flooring contractor wanting to learn something new .
How’s work in Florida?? I think that’s the state with a high demand
There are three parts of the answer:
1) Where you are. NYC pay is different from that in Anderson, SC
2) Market segment: chillers or residential? Direct bill or service broker 3rd party?
3) What you know, meaning what you have learned from your experience. No experience, dig in at the bottom and become more valuable.
3 yrs ago I started at 16 an hour doing residential now I'm at 29 doing commercials 3 yrs later. Currently going for my refrigeration license to become an engineer
U mean EPA 608 609
@@AveryGiavonniReacts42 no I have my EPA 608 already. I'm going for my RMO
Wats rmo .?
@@AveryGiavonniReacts42 refrigeration machine operator license
Thanks for sharing your story. I’m 27 and I thought I was too old to start something else. I’m really looking into this industry.
Learn, review everything everyday. Then you’ll be good. Don’t be scared, always wear you safety gear
Great video! But You said it yourself, there will be an increase in need of the hvac trade and lack of workers. That means that you have the ability to ask for what you want! So Do It!
Midwest guy here Started at 12/hour at 19 with an associates degree and EPA as res installer moved up to lead within a year and spent 3 years as a lead maxing at 17.50. decided wanted to pursue being a tech and left to work for a national commercial company as tech-1 18/hour within 2 years was a lead tech-3 making 27.50hour (extremely good for my area) had differences with the company and now making 20hour as a seasoned tech locally 8 years in the field now and haven't looked back even the 7hour pay cut. Money ain't everything boys and girls
Great video, nice of you to reward your guys for performance by giving them a cut. Don't know why more companies don't do this it is a no brainer.
Minneapolis, Minnesota Local 539 Journeyman total package is 73.00/hr.
Me too!
Good video, I figured for the high cost of living and taxes in California the pay would be higher. Sounds close to Ohio.
I was thinking the same. It's close to Arkansas pay as well.
That's why it's a bad idea to move to California unless you're a movie star or a liberal politician. You will probably make a little less money in Ohio or Texas but the cost of living is much less in Ohio and Texas. Several of my friends moved to high-paying jobs in Silicon Valley but left after a couple years for lower pay in other states. They said Kalifornia is way too expensive, especially housing and taxes.
@@picklerix6162 yes sir I I'm thinking about going to Texas. One bedroom studio or apt here in Cali can b 1600 or more. Thanks slot Cali
RedtigerRage 624 I’m in va and the pay is close to what you said I was also surprised that in California they didn’t pay more
The pay is better around L.A, but yes cost of living , traffic, etc . is crazy
Been in this business for around 18 yrs, on my own for the last 10 years, my only regret is that I didn't go on my own sooner than that. I do mostly commercial refrigeration, very rewarding field , I enjoy a close relationship with my customers, Love my job and the money it makes me
Roughly how much does it take to get a one man operation off the ground?
Wow thats minimum wage there is no way you could live on that in California. My girlfriend makes 25$ an hour as first year receptionist here. And she couldn't make it alone.
California is shit
@@ohwiseone142 I agree with you
I took a leap of faith about 4months ago from hauling propane and doing service work it that field to hvac and love it, 7.00 an hour cut, but my company is paying 100% health insurance for the wife and myself, they are constantly training me, spent two weeks at a intro to electricity and heating tech, so much to Learn, always changing and gotta dig into it, just was scary hopping outta a field to another at 32, but all good just gotta keep grinding
I'm about to take the leap myself
28 an hour in the middle of no where midwest with 8 years in doing light commercial. With 50+ hours a week a man can live pretty well here on the salary.
About to retire from the military soon. A company is offering 3 months paid training starting out $16/hr....no experience just get trained and start working. Am I better off going to school or union apprenticeship? Or if I can get picked up just start working? I'll be 40 when I retire from the military
mptemplin
Im in buffalo, NY.
I started five years ago as a service tech making 14/hr
I went non union for only one reason, I wanted to start my own company (which I incorporated a little while ago) and I knew I’d have to moonlight to make it happen. If you go non union, you have to fight a lot for the money you deserve and you need to move companies more than twice to get as well as educate yourself and really be able to take criticism. You have to be able to read the people interviewing you and overcome the mind games they play with you to get you to accept less than you should.
Im sure union contractors are the same way but they are required to pay you at least the rate negotiated via collective bargaining.
If I was forty I would never dream of working for a non union contractor. Non union guys get a lot of overtime and the company atmospheres are often more pleasant (where I live) but they don’t get pensions and it’s not uncommon to shell out 100-150 a week for a health plan that won’t bankrupt you if you ever had to use it.
Im only not in the union because I want to be able to moonlight residential work while I work for a commercial contractor. That’s it.
If I wanted to work for someone else till I retire, I’d go union without a second thought.
I do make about as much as a union guy and I’ve had a lot of fun at work ove traje last few years but I had to fight for it and that wasn’t fun.
No regrets though.
I’m 30 yr old. Started Hvac when I was 17. Found it in a pennysaver. Fast forward to now I make 80-90k for a Union. Maryland!
Awesome man! Recently just started looking into hvac at 24. Should I go to a tech school or try my luck and apply for a company? When I look at job posts for apprenticeships almost all of them say having a year experience is required. How do you get your foot in the door into the industry? Thanks!
@@PissnDiesel I went to a 11 month trade school program. Graduated on Thursday. Starting an new home installation apprentice position starting at $15/hr next Tuesday. Literally hired out of school inti the field. Getting my foot in the door, and getting the ball rolling is the hardest part. I don't mind starting as an apprentice, actually prefer it. Get moving bc time is short. I'm 24 too.
I was 28 when I went into the hvac trade with a couple years of electrical experience after my hvac school and certifications. I never missed a day of school nor a single day of work. $9hr is what I started out making for a year then $10hr the second year and after a few years $14hr. I do full installs and have all my own tools and I even do chimney liners in the winter time in Cleveland Ohio when nobody wants to. I’ve done a couple dozen new Starbucks stores and a couple where I worked on my own and still was making less than Teenagers landscaping who start out with 50% more pay. I’m currently looking for another career. Maybe one where I make more than $14hr and work 9-5 inside a conditioned area. Or join a union. Btw I never got one free cup of coffee after doing all those Starbucks stores lol. My work was A1 and they always wanted us to do another store. Least they’ll have good heating and cooling bc someone got rich 🏦💰💰💰
Wages haven't changed in 25 years. Installers were making 10to 12 dollars an hour 25 years ago when I started.
Your getting ripped off buddy ask for more we are in demand
I make 28/hour as a third year apprentice. My brother is at 52/hour as a Journeyman. Love the trade, wish I started when I was younger.
if you aren't in a union, does that mean that most likely you will be on call ?
@@NEXO_JA_The_Emcee We are both union Service tech's. We do have a call rotation, but we do commercial and industrial hvac so not a lot of calls. Residential guys are always running calls
Commission based pay breeds dishonesty! Don’t agree with it one bit. Most techs at top of residential AC companies are real scumbags! I do commercial industrial and you get paid way more. And have less hassle dealing with homeowners. Good honest hard consistent work.
For real!!! Totally agree, I did some residential work when I started in HVAC, I honestly can say that the companies I worked for were dishonest, up selling customers on nonsense so that they could get more commission.. Hate that pay method
Indeed.
I went to work for a company like that.
The techs making the $100k per year were just selling snake oil to the home owners while not being able to diagnose something like a restriction or anything major.
So after they already milked the customer they would send me in. And that sucked being the actual technician in a place like that. It's hard to collect for repairs after they already wrote a check to the last tech for garbage like Zerol Ice, passive electrostatic air filters (that SUCKED to clean) and Surge Suppressors that didn't address their initial issues whatsoever.
It's no different than the funeral planner try to tell you what coffin to pick or try to upsell you on some other fee or bonus doesn't matter what field to get into if you're selling stuff you going to try to maximize that as much as possible I've never had one of those jobs
Agreed
Absolutely true all the work I have to come behind and repair is usually commission based or bonus programs. With guys who are underpaid with their base salary when they discover their going to starve unless they’re like their team member who scamming the customer cutting corners taking shortcuts or just plain old Rippin people off it’s a recipe for disaster. I’m owner of my own company last 27 years. And I could tell you for a fact if I underpay guys and put out bonuses and commissions I’m just lying to myself and sticking my head in the sand if I don’t think bad stuff is not going to start to happen so people could get fatter paychecks at the end of the week. Usually the biggest criminals are the owners who’ve never worked out on the field they just read numbers on the spreadsheet. And you have outside salesman who never worked in the field or never good out in the field working on bonus and they over Sally job and promised things to the homeowner that that installation technicians cannot deliver in the short given amount a period of time they’ve been told they had to do a job. The only ones who will make that fatter bonuses in your paycheck is the sleazy salesman and myself as a scumbag owner who could not install or diagnose anything to do with an HVAC system that I’m telling my guys to sell or install.
you seem so honest!!! i am 36 years old and i work as a server... i hate what i do!! im gonna save some money and this year start my hvac career, thansk for your video!!! it inspiring!
I've never worked in the HVAC field nor the Automotive field in any capacity, but I still fix my own stuff. Just finished replacing a leaking evaporator coil in my home. Total out of pocket cost for me, less than $500. It is a good field to get into though, but it is not for me. I have put in my share of working in a hot and humid environment as a boiler tech in the Navy years ago.
I also don't like commission based pay. First words out of a techs mouth. "It would be cheaper to replace the unit than to fix it." I don't think so Mr. based on commission guy. And the flat rate pay for automotive techs can be an advantage of disadvantage depending on your skill level.
interesting story
Gotta say, idk anyone who gets commission on home jobs..... and the work to replace the unit isn’t worth recommending when they work for a company..... 15 an hour changing a condenser coil is the same as 15 an hour crawling in an attic...... if you call someone on a side job then they might say that
@@slopoke8656 ??? Almost every major resi company is commission based. They pay there techs low wages and give commission off each item they sell.
@@Zamoramax6.6 I don’t know any of them in the houston area, granted I only communicate with maybe 4 or 5 people from different residential companies and I don’t work for one but every one of them even the smaller companies they get a sales percentage but are not commissions based
Are the fees in the states so reasonable? I live in Canada and I got a guy to change a simple capacitor for me and he charged for $270. The guy said that was the discount because I paid cash. I thought I got scammed but then I looked around and the others charged even more.
I also asked the price for changing the furnace blower motor. It was $1500 if I paid cash!! This is almost a better half of a lot of mechanical/electrical engineers' monthly salary, taking the crazy taxation into consideration.
I mean, who would go to university again and became an engineer/researcher anymore? If you live in Canada, learn to fix cars, plant grass seeds, and fix HVAC. Then pay off your mortgage easily in a few short years.
Man, thanks for the info. I'm not surprised but still disappointed with the starting pay being so low. Guess I'll stick with working in IT :(
These starting prices were probably when he started years ago. I think they’ve changed now, or at least depending on the area’s cost of living.
Most definitely by location. I'm maybe 60 miles from this shop and we start our guys near his top pay. We are non union and cover medical dental for the whole family, up to 3 weeks vacation, and were a young company. Retirement is coming this year.
S.W. Virginia starts at $15.00, seasoned tech $25.00. My company pays a little more plus health and dental paid vacation & holidays and great people to work with
Thanks for sharing SW Virginia!
I'd say this is comparable to what I see in Charlotte nc. 👍
What city in S.W. Virginia? I am looking to get into the HVAC field and I live in central VA
@@omellym7363 The New River Valley. We serve the area from Roanoke to Rural Retreat including Giles & Floyd County
Goin to UEI right now for hands on HVCA now 9 months
Is uei a good school for hvac because I'm thinking about going to institute of technology
It depends on where you live!
It depends on if you do service or new construction!
It depends if you do residential or commercial work!
It depends on if you work for a company or yourself!
It depends on the amount of benefits you receive for a employer!
$15 to $50 a hour + benefits with all the above taken in consideration working for a company. Great trade and stable.
New Construction subs are ruining the industry.
Awesome video! I am currently an aircraft mechanic in the Air Force and am getting out next year and am very interested in pursuing a career in HVAC. Thank you for all the good info!
Jacob why do you wanna get out of being a aircraft mechanic ?
@Fraastyy I am also n Aircrafy mechanic in the Airforce looking to get into HVAC when I get out in Feb. Did you end up getting out and pursuing HVAC if so how do you like it ?
*an Aircraft
@@donwrestler1994 Never ended up getting out. Wife got pregnant as I was about to start TAPS so I decided to reenlist to ensure security.
I feel better watching this video and now knowing others have had a similar "climb to the top" story and a company with a similar business model. I never knew how to base my pay since I came in green. Im a 3 year tech making $17hr and started off at $11hr (most others started at 9 or 10). My boss told me when I got hired that I got paid and raised based off of my value to the company. The more I learn... the more I earn. Now granted we handle more trades than just hvac...but I actually get home on time on a daily basis and our only long days are on call. Our pay ceiling of $25hr is perfectly fine by me if I'm not killing myself to get there and I enjoy what I'm doing. Great video. I appreciate the insight.
25 dollars an hr max, they must have a big turn over rate especially in California, here in ct a 6-10 year exp tech is worth between 33 to 45 an hour based on how much skill they have.
Here i CA is 25 en hour plus the california weather.
Sounds like a great boss... hard to find boss like you and sound like you take care of your guys... great vid
1 year in.
zero experience
making 6 grand a month
selling parts and pieces and IAQ.
Northern California also
Making my way to selling equipment!
Right on! I'm in NorCal too. Keep it up man 👍👍. So I'm assuming no hot attics either?
@@foxfamilyhvac nope not right now, chilly mornings though!
About half way through the video...
I hit pause, like, subscribe, and resume playback.
Kudos to you for the honest information.
I’m a HVAC TECH I love my job. A couple days ago I fall of a ladder broken my Tibia a Fibula I’m 32 years old. I don’t know when I be back again or if I ever be the same.This job is very dangerous, every day you put your life on the line I been lucky many times no so much this one. So no if you go to hvac school have your EPA license don’t accept a job for no less then 25 $ a hour a get a raise next year you deserve that.
Good info! So sorry about your leg man. That really stinks.
I start HVACR school in the and being Universal EPA certified as well. I get what you’re saying in my area though to adjust for cost of living here in Florida and whatnot I’d expect no less than $18-$20 starting out since I would be green but not entirely wet behind the ears...more like just a little damp behind the ears hahaha
Money Mik to start 18 to 20 if you are green that is fine 👍
Fox Family Heating and Air Conditioning I when back to work two and haft months after my accident I'm doing physical therapy two times a week, and I put ice on my leg every day my back is also mess up, but hey I love my job 😀
Daniel Paneque thanks for confirming a lot of people set unrealistic expectations for themselves so that was me just taking a stab at where I should be at coming into the field w/ no field experience but trained in a class and epa certified
15 yrs in a lead service guy took me under his wing and made me a beast. I’ve owned my business now 5 yrs a+ 5 star rated on all platforms honest work honest ratings!
I really want to try a union if I get into a trade, the security and amount of money I'm sure has to be greater than the cons of the union dues.....when people talk about union dues it seems like they're just trying to talk you out of unions with the only possible way they could.
I have a boss/owner that just gives me a part of the profits on all installs. Service too. Even shows me the exact bill. I know that must be a rarity. He said that when he was starting out he couldnt believe the profit being made and his bosses never shared a penny extra with him and he vowed to be different. It works for me.
I appreciate your story and how far you´ve come, but the incredibly low starting pay is a direct attributing factor to the shortage of workers in the field. Minimum for construction should be $5hr more than minimum wage and $6-7hr for service. That´s starting pay. There´s already a shortage of workers and combine that with the bad companies that take advantage of guys and ultimately make them leave the field because they thinks its a joke now... And this field is toast.
I started out at $14. I've increased $10 an hour in five years. I'm in NC. Cost of living is great here.
awesome story. that's how its supposed to work!
My HVAC teacher told me to never accept a job less than $15
Your HVAC teacher is a smart man. Where are you from? In upstate NY never take anything less than $16 for construction and $18 for service. $1 less an hr if no education or experience.
Anthony Formichelli fuck you guys. My last two hvac jobs paid me 8.75$/hr
My first two jobs were $12 & $13hr
Jeron Stevens Not my prob you took bottom bitch pay. Don’t ever work at company’s like that. They teach you the shitty fast ways to do stuff.
@@anthonyformichelli5318 yeah you're right bro. i meant the "fuck you" in a playful way lol. I walked off the job because the boss kept getting high and drunk and verbally abusive. Now im floating around trying to find work.
I’m about to turn out in my sheet metal Union. Hopefully I’m Bout to find out soon that it was worth it since I’m in a low wage state waiting to transfer somewhere that pays the big bucks finally. Going from 23 an hour to potentially 50-60$ is going to be a total life changer.
I just finish hvac school , got my certification - 🤙🏾universal
DBTC. PRod congrats G 🙏🏽 me next I just started my courses
What programs are you guys going to?
I’m a32 year veteran of the trade in se MI nw OH area and the base rate for a journeyman is around $42 an hour plus a lot of cushy benefits and we’re always looking for new guys!
I was hired off the street during the oil bust in the 80's. I was so desperate for a job that I was willing to take any job and, trust me, I worked for peanuts at first. I did have HVAC training but I started working for a refrigeration company and stayed there for several years. I learned a ton of stuff about walk in coolers/freezers, ice machines, soda and beer distribution equipment, and some really esoteric refrigeration equipment used in research facilities. I jumped around to a few HVAC companies too. I NEVER made good money but I was able to finally save enough cash to pay for college. I told my boss to kiss my butt when I left and he actually tried to talk me out of going back to college. It was the best decision of my life and I don't miss the hot, dirty work and crawling through those nasty attics with spiders and rats. I really don't miss lifting those heavy ass floor panels used in walk-in freezers. Those panels were so heavy that a couple of my co-workers got hernias.
Haha! Good stuff bud. I get it!
Plumber here wishing I had gotten a couple of master's degrees, even a doctorate. The 1980s oil bust set a lot of us back for several years.
lol that's how today's generation is you want good pay for nothing. Hard work is where it's at
I’m a sheet metal journeyman in Cleveland, starting pay as an apprentice is $15hr with 5yr apprenticeship, $38hr as journeyman not including pension, annuity medial etc. total package is around $75-78hr. My take home every week is around $900-1100
Devan Brown that is pretty damned good.
I'm studying business right now and I can't stand the idea of sitting at a desk all day. I'm interested in going to this field and was wondering if think school matters when it comes to training for HVAC.
I’m from air national guard, almost finished tech school, got about 30 college credits, EPA universal, Nate. I already found positions for me back at home with ~18-20 hourly pay
That's awesome man, I'm currently AD and plan to get out next year and go Air Guard and reclass into HVAC. Makes me feel a lot better about my situation knowing it's working out for other people in a similar position. Leaving AD can be a bit intimidating lol
Cameron good luck man! But be ready Sheppard is sucks😂
@@AdventureSeeker88 haha I went to Tech School at Fort. Sam, our job used to complete tech school at shepherd and I've heard stories. I'll also be permanent party so I won't have to deal with the dorms/mandatory PT etc. and hopefully I'll have my car with me so I might have to drive to a better area during the weekends lol
Cameron yeah, you will be fine then. Just tough time because of covid
Hey man!! I'm HVAC technician in UAE I've been working here for 5 years.i want to joint to your company. God's bless man!!..
Been doing this for 28yrs leftvthe Field and now work for Johnstone Supply and I'm salary @70k +
Trade schools for the win!
Been doing this since I was 19 years old went to school payed 11k for tuition started at 8.00 first year then changed companies got 11 following year changed companies again became a installer helper for peace pay which is the best way to get payed by the way made 55k to 80k a year as a helper for 5 years became lead then went to service a few years later all comission made 65k first year right now currently making over 100k a year dont listen to the negative guys saying that ac guys that make over 100k a year RIP customers off they just need to change there mind set I'm now at my 14th year and have never ripped anybody off
Thanks for sharing. I started at $10 an hour as well and worked my way up to a lead tech. We both have the same mentality when it comes to work ethic and wanting to reach new horizons every year knowing we can do more.
PA non union commercial tops out at +40 an hour. I make 25 an hour with 4 years of field experience. All service and a little install.
thanks for letting us know. that's pretty good pay!