The demand for HVAC technicians is expected to remain strong and will grow faster than average over the next decade.  Technicians who specialize in new installations only may face a cyclical dip as record new housing construction may dip over the next few years.

Since most HVAC technicians work over 40 hours per week and many have "on call" positions, the US Department of Labor measures salaries on an hourly basis.  The median hourly pay rate is $16.78 and the high and low range of the scale is $10.34 at the low end and $26.40 at the high end.

Advancement in this career usually takes the form of increased compensation.  Apprentice HVAC technicians normally receive half the compensation of their experienced counterparts.  Tenured HVAC technicians may become crew managers, service managers or move into sales or marketing.