Whether you’re just starting your career or looking to make a career change, a skilled trades
career is a great option. From high salaries and lower cost of training to incredible job security,
there are many benefits of skilled trades jobs.

Here, we dive into the top advantages of a skilled trades career.

Significantly shorter training

Unlike traditional 4-year universities, skilled trade programs and apprenticeships are typically
only six months to 2-years-long. For example, the Northwestern Tech program is only 10.5
months long. These programs give you the skills, training, and experience you need to start
your career in a fraction of the time.

Excellent Job Security

The demand for skilled tradespeople, like HVAC technicians, is at an all-time high and is
projected to grow even more over the next decade. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics,
employment for HVAC mechanics and installers is projected to grow 6% between 2022 and
2032; this growth rate is faster than the average of all occupations.

Beyond the high employment growth rate, the projected job openings for HVAC technicians are
estimated at nearly 38K job openings each year on average. With this job outlook, the skilled
trades are a solid career choice.

Several reasons are driving this excellent job growth. Older generations make up most of the
skilled trades workforce. As these generations retire, the need for a younger generation of
tradespeople will continue to grow, creating ample opportunities. Additionally, the growing
demand for sophisticated climate-control systems and the emphasis on energy efficiency will
likely increase the demand for HVAC technicians.

High salaries and growth opportunities

Another huge benefit of a skilled trades career is the income and growth opportunities. In May
2022, the median annual wage for heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanics was
$51,390. The highest 10 percent of HVAC mechanics and installers earned more than $82,630.
Depending on your location and level of experience, you can earn a high salary in the HVAC
industry.

The skilled trades industries offer tons of room for advancement. Once you start your HVAC
career, you can advance from installer to service tech to operations manager. While the majority
of HVAC technicians work for large plumbing, heating, and air conditioning companies, skills in
HVAC help provide many people with the opportunity to start businesses.

Note: According to all the employers and Northwestern Tech graduates who reported the
starting hourly wage for those who graduated between November 2021 and October 2022, the
average starting hourly wage was $18.04 per hour, or an average salary of $36,080 per year.

Start your HVAC Career at Northwestern Tech

The skilled trades are a great career option, with benefits including high income, growth
opportunities, a strong projected job outlook, and less expensive education.

If you’re ready to start your HVAC career, enroll at Northwestern Tech. Our 10.5-month program
is designed to get you to work in the HVAC industry in less than a year. Register today.