I'm a female tech and installer in upstate NY. I started six years ago, learning on the job, for $15/hr. Now I'm making $27.50/hr. I work on commercial refrigeration, and commercial and residential HVAC. To clarify, I work in a small town. I work mostly side by side with my boss. I'm his only full time employee. I've had no prior schooling or training. Regardless of what the rest of you are making, I am happy. Being in a trade is very rewarding, I've learned so many different things, and worked alongside some other great tradespeople. It's so much more than just fixing coolers and ACs.....

Started 4 years ago for 15 an hr as a helper while I went to trade school within a year I was bumped to 17 and then to 20. Through school i found a better job w a refrigeration company. After going full time i pulled in 58k first year and already made that much this year and we still have 4 months left in the year. Commission based pay, 60% on labor and 20% comission. Comission is where its at. I am buying my first house and Im 26. I love the trade it is a lifestyle. This is in Austin Tx

I live in Texas where we have hot summers I been doing HVAC for 15 years I work on big stuff Chillers and stuff like that 20-30-70 story buildings Hospitals, jails , TV / raido stations etc I make over 175k a year

I started in 1997 with a commercial company. Electronics background, no HVAC experience, lots of motivation. I now own the company and average between $150K-$220K salary a year with 2 techs. North of Detroit.

Residential Service Tech Year 1(9 months) $39k Year 2 $62k Year 3 $83k

I've been in hvac trade for 18 years. Live in the north east. Make 120k a year. I only do commercial/industrial.

I started in this awesome industry 20 years ago making $7 an hour now I’m making $118k a year... it all depends on how much you’re willing to put into this field and make yourself more and more valuable. Learn to be a technician, have good customer service skills, and learn the business side of this trade..... the sky’s the limit..... 👍🏼

New York City here, apprentice often start at 15! I am a journeyman works for a union shop! Makes 42.50 a hour! Mainly doing residential, light commercial, and commercial refrigeration and air conditioning! Never stop learning, everyday there are new things to learn!

Started at $10 an hour at 18yo. I make $37 an hour 13 years later in the southern Illinois area. This includes 100% paid health, dental, and vision, vacation, and I put in 8% and get 10%.

25-30 is pretty much max for residential, Never be afraid to change companies that’s how you can get the highest pay, but never burn any bridges with your old employer, some day they may offer something better

Started at $11 in the South Texas area with a local company while still going to school. Working full time and going to school full time for my AAS in AC was tough, but after 2 years I got up to $16, now after 4 years in the field going on 5, I’m making $23 with full benefits and 401k match. I’m looking forward to hitting $30 in the next couple of years

I just started as a service tech at a local HVAC company. I have no schooling in the trade, but I’m experienced in automotive, and house construction. I started at $20/hr. Owner said at the rate I’m going, I’ll be at $35/40 within three years. I’m working out of Rice and Dakota county, MN.

I’ve been in HVAC 4 years now. And last year I did maintenances half the year and no heats / no cooks the other half. My total yearly gross was around 65-70k. But so far this year I expect that will rise to 70-80k. Depending on the company you can definitely make 6 figures as a senior tech or if your a comfort advisor / design specialist who just sells systems. I work for a very well respected place and none of the guys are crooked and I know 3 techs made it over 6 figures after tax last year. My first company in the east bay, maybe the largest in HVAC was as scummy as a place can be ran and their senior techs were pushing 150-200k a year. That’s what happens when you tell every customer who’s furnace is over 12 years old that they need to replace it. But you can do right by the customer and still push 6 figures with the right company

I’m a hvac technician in Las Vegas. I just newly started in this Industry. I’m currently working in building maintenance for an apartment complex. When I’m not doing hvac calls I do plumbing, carpentry, drywall, electrical, etc. I’m starting pay was $15. After one year my pay is now $17 hour. For anyone starting out I recommend studying, watching videos, reading hvac. Live breath eat sleep and shit hvac. You can never know enough. Keep learning and you will feel more comfortable as time goes on

I'm a sales tech and started in 2001 at 10 bucks an hour, in the last 5 years I've made six figure income every year since then and there is no going back. It gets better every year and I'm not just a service tech, I've also got into comfort advisor (sales). The sky is the limit and just how hard you're willing to work and dedicated you're willing to be.

I started out at $4.5o an hour 30 years ago as a helper putting in duct work. Highest wages was $28 dollars an hour as service tech. Low wages most of my life due to the small market I worked in. Never really got to shine much . Learned a lot on my own. Only worked for one really good company, but had to move due to family issues . (Wife hated the place we lived). If I knew then what I know know I would have taken many different paths and went into chillers and boilers at a younger age. Love the big stuff, but my area has very little of that. Making $20 dollars an hour now at a private school . Very boring work. Planning to retire soon. Guys now days have it a lot easier. Everything is on your phone or on the web. Just Google anything and the info is there. Not so 30 years ago. You just had to beat your head against the wall until you fiqured it out somehow.

Lead installer in Northern Arizona I make 18.25/hour, I do residential mostly lots of remodels and changeouts. Been in the trade for 6 years now, started at 10/hour as a helper/shop helper. Over the past 6 years it's been pretty rough but I've learned alot and I am at the point that I can install and diagnose most issues that are wrong with the current system. I've also learned electrical high volt and low volt, plumbing, drywall, and framing doing the trade over the years Hvac teaches you so much and you can almost go anywhere with the skills you learn. I didnt go to college but I went to the school of hard knocks and learned from the guys that led the way, had def some hard moments along the way but I wouldn't change the experience for nothing 👍👍😎🤘

I do commercial refrigeration with a Union shop. Journeyman pay is 68.00 per hour. 36.50 on your check rest pays for benefits. All expenses paid including van tools etc.

Like any trade you have to work your way up, once you prove yourself you will see your pay increase with the level of skill shown. The guy's who continue to improve in knowledge will always be more valuable to the employer and will get paid well. Being able to troubleshoot complex electrical systems in a timely manner is key to making really good money in this industry.

First things first anybody that’s starting in the field do yourself a favor do install first it will make you a better tech. As far as pay it don’t matter if you make 50 bucks an hour if you only work 3 hours a week It a must to find out about slow times at company’s . I do install and tech it keeps me busy

I am retired after 39 years as a commercial/ industrial tech. I loved my jobs most days. In Alberta Canada the journeyman rate is $48/hr. plus benefits.

I’ve been in this trade since 1993. Started as a tin knocker in Maine then moved to Florida a became an installer, Now I’m in NH on the sea coast as a service tech. It doesn’t matter where you go as long as your in the trades. Any trade. You’ll have work. The trades in general are hurting. We need young people to get excited about the work. It’s not easy but it’s honest good hard work. In the south or in the north. Over Time is where you make your money. I’m $30 an hr. 90 k a year. Lots of OT.

Houston texas. I'm working for Goodman the manufacturer, As a test technician, Starting salary is $23 per hour with full benefits.

Im from Cali going to school for HVAC right now . i was an architecture major but was working odd construction jobs. im trying to get as much info and experience as possible i respect and appreciate the info provided !! Tryna make a positive change in my life

I work for Trane and started out at $17/per hour. I thought it was great at the time. However you get to the point where it feels like you are not getting paid for what you’re worth. I know not everyone can own their own company, but man side jobs are where you make your money. Build your clientele, learn, and don’t cheat yourself but beat the local companies and you’re golden.

I am in New Orleans and I am a complete Green Horn Noob🤣 I think your videos are awesome, between you and Craig M. I have learned so much. I am a student of HVAC/R although I am in the trucking industry. I look forward to moving into the industry within the next couple of years. Thanks for the wealth of knowledge, clear lament instructions, and your time in making this video. I have came across a couple of HVAC techs who seems to not want to help a noob. This is ok, because I do have KZfaq, my fundamentals from online shooling, and my will to learn the trade. I wish I would have done this 15 years ago.

I like how the pay scales with skill set even when being self employed. Great video for someone getting into HVAC.

My first year as an HVAC Technician in 2018 in San Diego, California I started at $44,000 a year. I was primarily doing maintenance work with commercial equipment. Now I am a government employee working as an HVAC Technician making $60,000 a year.

I just fixed my 95% furnace from watching your video. It turned out to be the induction motor that cost me $250.00. It would have been free but I didn't send in the warranty papers when I installed it....I will never make that mistake again with anything I buy.. Keep up the great videos....

Just started hvac about a week ago making 14 a hr but with help of videos like this tho I’m always actively learning new things and researching things I see on the job daily to get more calcification on it and gain knowledge and make more down the line. My company works in commercial hvac primarily but we also dabble in residential and the state I reside in is Florida

I started out in the field back in 2013 as a helper here in NYC making $16 an hour did that for 2 years and was at $18 an hour at the age of 20. Left to go be a handyman for 4 years in a residential building making $26 an hour plus lots of tips came out making like 65k at the end of the year with tips and OT. Now I got in a commercial building as a Maintenance mechanic making $38 an hour with OT , just did my first year and made 104k with OT and holiday. I am in a union now and doing great next step is to move up to a operating Engineer as they make $43 an hour now. I never really liked the field a house job is more for me.

I work as a state employee doing hvac in a prison in the new england area. I make 26$ which is a bit lower than what I made in the private sector. But its union with excellent benefits top notch health insurance and standard working hours Monday thru friday. Also retirement with full pension after 25 yrs

When I started, they trained me for basic diagnostics and repairs. They started me at $16/hr. I expanded my knowledge from there and keep learning more everyday. My current employer sends me to training classes and teach me new stuff to me like making ductwork, local code, variable speed and communicating systems.

Hey Jay! Mama and I just got back from a holiday in Utah. I saw your post and decided to check it out. When I started in the summer of 93. I received $7.50 an hour. I just retired in December. I was making $51 per hour as a Journeyman Service Mechanic. Now that was just on my paycheck. I am a union member in SoCal. That also included 2 pensions, a 401, and medical plan. I never had to provide my own vehicle, petrol ⛽️, or maintenance on said vehicle. I never had to provide uniforms. Plus most of my companies had a laundry service. I even had one company that I worked for that had a service that picked up our paperwork and laundry from our service trucks at our home. I went to Community college for 2 semesters and received a certificate. My companies sent me to school. And as far as tools. All I had to supply was my hand tools. And that was even very minimal. It’s been a very satisfying trade and I really enjoyed it. I don’t think that I ever went to work one day. Thank you for sharing your experience. Now throw another log on the fire 🔥, have a shot of Jameson, and enjoy Friday evening. God bless.

With 3 years of experience in the Detroit area at a commercial company I was making $22/hr asking aggressively for raises. I went to a residential company because I was going to be a helper for the next 10 years at the commercial company and they started me at $18 with the opportunity for 6% commission on furnace sales. Residential is more in line with my goals.

Got out of school 6 months ago. I would say I consistently make $30 - $ 100 an hour. Jay, thanks for the videos, watched them alot during my school time. Hope Hawaii is treating you well.

I am a subcontractor tech 20yrs in the field an work my way up to 45% with out the overhead of a company. Still my goal is to own my own company one day. So in the Hvac field u can go far as your willing to go with the time an effort. Stay up to date on the newest product an how it works and all the changes in technology that go's with it. This will help you go far in the Hvac world.

I started as an electrician in the US Navy. Worked as a technician for about 20 years (still a tech today) I went back to school for HVAC and graduated with my AAS HVAC. I’m licensed and CFC certified. The HVAC field and trades in general are over looked. That’s why there is a shortage of techs.(this is a plus for us -pay-) I live in northern Virginia and make well over $30 an hour. This field can be hard on the as you age (depends on what you’re doing) Being in the trades helps me not only to earn a living but as a home owner because I fix just about everything. I say get into this field!!!!

One bit of advice I would like to add to this. If you're looking at comparing what you make as a technician with what a technician in another area of the country makes, you can get a better idea of apples to apples is by looking up the cost of living comparison for your/their zip code on the internet. This is very important if you're entertaining offers for employment somewhere else. (This applies to any job offer, not just hvac) I remember looking at a job in southern California several years back. I live in Lincoln, Nebraska. To maintain a similar lifestyle there compared to Lincoln I'd have had to make approximately 3 times as much per hour. And then, when I checked the crime rates comparison it was WAY higher for violent crimes/thefts/home break-ins. So the wage that seemed like a huge pay raise for me at first was really no raise at all and came with much worse odds of suffering as a result of crime. So do your research before making a decision about moving and taking a new job elsewhere. Hope this helps someone along the way. We all gotta make the best decisions we can for ourselves and our families. And the companies are in it to make their own profits, not to help you.

I'm a residential HVAC installer in Atlanta. I've been doing it for about 5 years and I make 70-80k per year.

I’m from Minnesota as well. I’m currently in school for HVAC so this video is very encouraging.

That is the best, corniest, joke I have heard in a while! Thank you for this video. I have been thinking about getting into residential HVAC for a couple years. It is really, really, really hard to get anyone to come out for service in our area (near Cincinnati, OH). As a matter of fact, Dad's furnace broke 3 days ago and he was waiting patiently to even get a call back. I went over and fixed his furnace, thanks to you, today. I called around a few years ago, for a new install on a new construction and couldn't even get anyone to come out for a quote. I had to break down and pester a friend with HVAC license to buy me a furnace and he and I installed it. I am within 30 minute drive of at least a dozen HVAC companies. They are so busy, they can cherry pick the closest and easiest jobs and ignore the rest. A few years ago, I had one company tell me they don't go more than 20 minutes from their office.

I start a year ago and I was making $12 as a helper after six month they give me a raise of $18.50 an hour and after another three months now I’m making $20 an hour and I live in South Jersey

I live in south texas Graduated December 14, 2019 and i started working December 16,2019. I got picked up by a nation wide company so starting was decent i only have about 1 1/2 years experience. We do supermarket refrigeration as well as a bit of comercial HVAC. Start pay $17hr but i was offered as low as $9hr with local companies as helper. What helped me out was networking within my instructors they know everyone in the business and thats the best way to get into a good company. If you go off my hourly i should be at around 32k a year but once we start our summer I’ve been told by coworkers who started like me i should really end my year at around 50-60k.

I have a small company in the Houston area my tech (one) he's a sub he averages $50 - $100 per hour. he has his own van I pay none of his expenses. I have two hourly installers that each make $25 per hour. they drive my van. I know two techs with other companies who are good at up-selling things like float switches, hard start kits, air purifiers, these guys are making $120k including commission... if your an out going people person stick with residential. if your not you'll want to get into commercial. I have a close freind who's got 15 years experience and is a commercial tech he makes $40 per hour with time & half over time.. he says he spends more time sitting in the van or waiting for authorization than he spends actually working... your ultimate goal should always be to work for your self..

Im in florida and hvac is huge. I literally went into an apprenticeship with no schooling or experience. Started with no pay first 30days. Then got bumped to 15$ hr after certifications. After 90days in my fresh start career i got company van and paid 25$ hour. Havent made my first year yet but after my first year im lookin and 30 and up. I love hvac. Best in hotter states

I went to hvac school, then immediately went on to ger my chiller license. As a union member Operating Refrigeration Engineer the range is from $38 hr to $50 hr in the nyc area. Your video is spot on various areas in hvac there isn't a ceiling get training in various areas. Cad design is an area with pay potential in the higher 6 figures.

Im in quebec im 19y/o. just finished school this year and make 20,50$/h. I do residential and commercial. It is a little ruff but really love it. Great job for people that hate routine and love always being on the go.

Just to add some more perspective from a small business owner. My call out fee is 75 and it beats every company in the area easily, I can do 2-3 service calls an hour if it's small stuff that's wrong. But that doesn't mean I make $150-225/hr. Guys have to remember the lean times too. Off season dies where I'm at so there's a solid 3 months or so with not much going on. This also ignores all the expenses. However, once you're established and have your customer base, its not even close. The struggle is just getting that base. You can expect at least a few years of really lean times as no one knows your name. I don't always make more money from an install. Actually most small businesses I know pay an installer to do their installs because it takes too much time away from service calls. If it's a condenser swap or a coil swap, yeah that's good money, but if I have to spend most of a day ripping out an old furnace and installing a new one I could have made 8+ service calls in that time. Once you add call out fees plus parts / Freon I typically look at service calls as my bread and butter. I much rather sell the install, have an installer come in and do it behind me, and then I keep making calls. Stuff like duct work I don't even touch in our busy season. All of it either the customer waits until our off season or they find someone else. It's just not worth my time. The way I always explain it to people is, the risk is much higher when you start your own business but the reward is much higher too. I don't even mean money wise either. Stuff like being able to control your schedule, being able to just turn down a job or bid it really high if you don't want to mess with it. Being able to have time for your family and not answer to anyone else. The pay can be really nice but it's the other stuff that I find even more valuable.

I’m a technician in Hawai’i. I started installing residential ac at 18hr. Couple years later moved into commercial havcr and now making 29.

I'm an HVAC tech in NYC, been doing it for 8yrs. Lucky to be in the union: 638. Am now making 45hr and still climbing. There is a lot of opportunities in this filed for advancement and promotions. I never stop learning, this is an ever evolving field and I love it!!!

Tennessee. Been a Residential Service Tech for about 3 years. Started at 15, make 20 now.

Gonna start soon as an apprentice in California for HVAC tech super excited

Varies wildly depending on location. In a major metro city in high cost of living areas, six figures is easily attainable. In small towns, it's substantially less, even for highly specialized master techs.

Hvac tech in Canada, started in 2006 at $15/h after 3 months offered 16/h but said no and got $18/h doing service and install oil and gas (no ac license) changed companies after 3 years starting at $23/h and getting up to $28.50/h by 2015 before moving into sales & operations full time. Was able to negotiate $45k salary with 5% commission ($500k in sales first year) company vehicle, gas card, 3 weeks vacation. As of today I'm at 60k all the same benefits and way more sales. 😎

i am an apartment maintenance mechanic just outside boston...i do a little of everything and make 32$ an hour..we are more focused on heating up here and if you do not the at least the basics you will not go far....we do flooring, kitchen and bath remodels, painting etc...you name it we do it...only call outside contractors for major things.

I just got my first hvac job and I’m starting it at $14/ hr. As a maintenance tech. I’m still in my second semester of a two year trade school.

Hvac techs should make more money for all the B.S we put up with!! Facts!!

I live in Central Florida and I've only been in the trade for a little over a year. I do strictly commercial HVAC and refrigeration as well as working on boilers and such when they need me. Went to school and got certified and started at $16 working under a service tech of 50 years (he was 70 years old, no idea how he even stayed on his feet). 4 months later they sent me off on my own and have been at $18/hour since, slowly getting raises. Actually due for another raise in the next few weeks to $20/hour when I transfer to training on VRF. Only moving up👍🏻

I work in West Virginia. We cover the whole state and it has a lot of long days of driving involved. Made the shift from a residential to commercial/industrial about 5 years ago. Much happier, the average wage he spoke of is spot on here. You have to learn what you can, when you can. I’m very happy where I work but I truly work for my family, not the company. Always do what’s best for you. But if you find a good one, like I have, stay there. 🛠

Commercial sheet metal foreman. 15 years exp = 45/hr in Washington DC. The average mechanic is anywhere from 18-34/hr based off experience and speed

In Washington state as a beginner hvac tech I was at about 14 an hour did that for about a year or 2. Switched to refrigeration/commercial and started at twice as much

My fiancé only makes 13 as a appretience he has 3 years of hvac training. He works for a very small company. His boss is only going to pay him 16.35 for a journeyman positions 35000 a year. I told him he needs to leave that he is getting ripped off.

Started at 12 while in school as a trim out mechanic. The company i work for does a lot of new construction. My job consisted of setting outdoor unit, braising in line sets inside and out, wiring up low voltage, and hanging grills. If homes had microwaves or hoods for the range i would hang them and hook up gas to appliances too. And really anything else that would fall under trim out. After about a month i was in my own van got bumped to 15. Did that for a year, finished school and started doing start ups and warranty duct mods. Got a raise to 17. After about 6 months they finally put mr in a van running service calls. So i guess now im around 2 and half years, April will be 1 year running service calls and right now im making 19. So this April i will have another review so hoping to get a couple more an hour. That will make 3 years total in the field, only one in service. I live in N.C

Thank you for sharing a good video for those who are interested in HVAC career. You are a good man . God bless you and your family.

Got my associates degree in hvac, got a job with a manufacturer as a service technician making 20 per hour, now after one year I’m up to 30 per hour. But I make most of my money doing side jobs like installing mini-splits and boilers. That’s where the real money is at.

Im a service tech in LA California for industrical and commercial systems, i got my epa 608 about 2 months ago and i still have about 3 months of school left, i got hired by one of my teachers as an apprentice starting at 22$ the hour and so far ive been enjoying it a lot, learning a lot too

I was going to school to be automotive technician I was just about finished but head of department had it out for me so I am thinking about becoming HVAC tech.. before I forget in the automotive field there is a shortage of competent technician. A lot of the younger generation just isn't interested in doing work with there hands. I'm all for doing the work.

I worked for Lake Mechanical Inc, near Orlando, for eight years as their lead commercial service tech. My scope of work was mainly commercial new construction startups/warranty, and installing ductless mini-splits. It was a hostile work environment due to managerial incompetence and micromanagement. 67 years in business doing 30 million annually in business, and lost it all in bankruptcy. The most I ever made with them in a year was about 65k. I'll never forget the day a manager told me I was hogging up all the service work all the while they were running me ragged. Service techs don't get paid enough, or treated well from my experience in Orlando. Your mileage may vary. I held a Florida Class A air conditioning license and a Master HARV license so I was no upstart by any measure.

Shortage of “ Good “ techs in California- jobs are plentiful and you’ll always have a job- 18 to 20 $ to start as a apprentice- I went to HVAC school not to become a technician but to sell HVAC units for a Hvac manufacture. I wanted to know what I was talking about when selling Condensers and furnaces.

Washington, DC-area residential & light commercial tech w/ about 5yrs experience, non-union, $25/hr. Started 6mo Commercial (10-50tons) apprenticeship at $15/hr, 'graduated' at $18/hr. 6month later was at $20, about a year later was at $22. Changed to current company, jump to $25. Going to sit for my Journeyman's license this fall and will be making more with that. I told my boss to sign me up for every training available, and I ask customers to mention me if they leave reviews because it helps me out. Your boss can't deny it if your name is all over the place with happy customers! HVAC is my second career and I'm glad I made the change. The work is hard but even with seasonal swings I'm never hungry and I get recruitment letters from staffing companies almost every day. Show up, work hard, learn everything you can, help everyone you can and you will always have work.

I have 4 years of school training and 20+ years experience. I do residential and commercial installation and service in Massachusetts. Master sheet metal license, refrigeration license and a plumbing license. I dont do much plumbing it more for gas piping and water tanks. I have done chillers, Geo thermal, roof tops, heat pumps, gas fired hi e furnace with heat pump on top, every thing hvac under the sun. I get $60 an hour in Massachusetts. The pay scale for a good tech in Massachusetts is an average of $30 an hour.

I was hired by a company that only does commercial and Industrial HVAC work one week before I graduated how to school oh, they started me off at $19 an hour for 3 months all I was doing at the time was preventive maintenance on commercial unit. I went back to school to become electrician since I didn't have to take the full course because of my HVAC background, now I make $45 an hour with the unit here in California.

I’m in the Army active duty and go to college directly after work for HVAC. I work Army 5am-5pm and college 6pm-10pm. My job in the Army is a generator mechanic and it goes hand and hand with A/C technician. I want to start my company one day.

I’m starting my apprenticeship in 2 weeks and I CANNOT be more excited!!!

I'm 17 and I'm enrolled in an HVAC career course for my next semester of HS. This seems like a good trade. For me attics will be the biggest challenge, as those are the last places you want to be during the May to October months in Texas. We'll see how it goes.

In Australia, It seems wages vary depending on location mostly. In the city a refrigeration mechanic can usaully expect about 100K AUD a year or more (about 70K USD atm) and in rural areas usaully about 70 - 80K (about 50K USD). I am lucky enough to work in a rural area doing commercial HVAC mostly and will make about 90-100K AUD this year

I started as a HVAC installerfor $15 an hour and have moved up for the last 18 years to HVAC/R at $30 an hour as a insource tech for a large company. Money isn't the whole pie, think about 401k, benifits, bonuses, health coverage and such. $45 to 50 is a rare beast and you will be working your ass off.

In Milwaukee I topped out at 30/hr for resi service in 2012, now you top out at about 32, very few companies 34. I do Commercial now and make 37/hr and the ceiling is about 40. The benefits are VERY important as well. I get 4 weeks vacation a year, up to 6% full match 401K, above average healthcare, profit sharing comes out to $3,000-$5,000/yr and we get spiffs for certain things like service agreements, on-call, etc. that come out to about $10,000/yr. 2019 I made $116,000 including overtime which came out to 228 hours for the year.

Im a HVAC technician from Australia working with precision cooling equipment in data centres. I make $47 per hour / 95k per year base salary.

I started at $15/hour about 3 months ago doing installations and new construction. Basically 50/50 cant say I do one alot more than the other. I enjoy the new construction jobs alot more. I love the job so far.

Residential has turned into a sales market. Atleast that's my experience. I work for a pretty big company in Dallas and they push sales a lot harder than service. My gross income last year was around 88,000. The sales department averaged 200,000.

I'm a manager at a hotel I overlook the mechanical side of the building Refrigeration air handler unit Etc but I never had a job as HVAC Tech for residential so I have no experience in that field but watching this guy has helped me a lot when I've had issues with my own AC at home. keep up the good work keep the videos coming

Personal opinion, for new guys,I’m 20 and am a commercial hvacr tech, so take this as u will, if your in it for the money do refrigeration always guaranteed work with grocery stores and restaurants, if your more of a 9-5 guy I’d do hvac, biggest difference between the 2 is refrigeration is “we have 60 grand worth of food in the walk in get here now” and hvac is “My room is a little too cold can you come sometime this week”

I ve been doing residential service , repairs and about 30-35 installs a year. I started 20 years ago at the age of 31. I worked as a sub the first 10 years and completely on my own the last 10. I make close to 100k a year net with about 25-30 hours on average. If I could go back in time , I would have joined a good company - union preferably- and I would enjoy most weekends off , most evenings off , I would have benefits , pension, and even some vacation time. Now I have nothing other than my savings and investments. I am on call 24/7 .. Lots of stress ..I barely manage to take a one week vacation once a year..If I was in a good union company since the beginning my life would have been much better..Now my oldest son wants to get into the trades. He'll be a union electrician and start at 18 . By the time he's 53 he can retire with a full pension .

I graduated a HVAC trade course 2 years ago and I didn't manage to find a job yet but im getting back out there searching. Your channel is helping me refresh what Ive learned.

I did apartment maintenance for two years and learned the basics before moving into dedicated hvac tech role 21 months ago. First job was $26/hr plus commissions. Currently making 29/hr plus commissions and on track for about 115k total this year. Just got an offer with a rival company for $32/hr plus commissions.

Multifamily housing for 35yrs (now retired), not just HVAC, also plumbing, all supply and drains, all appliance repairs, carpentry, roofing, cement & foundations, electrical, snow removal & pool maintenance. Missouri area starting pay (35 yrs ago) Tech 5.50 hr, ending pay for being Supervisor of six men on 80 acres 400 townhouse unit complex 38.00 hr. full family health insurance and uniforms, company trucks supplied/paid by Management Co. for all employees for 25 yrs then had to pay a % due to healthcare cost skyrocketed, many HUD/health certifications mandatory. I thought about going out on my own years back but couldn't pass up the paid full family health care (wife and 4 kids). Retired now for ten yrs. and yes I wore out my body, elbows, knees, shoulders, feet, and back. But wouldn't have changed a thing, met many great people and friendships and a few not so great. Owner of mgt company died and kids sold it, went to crap real fast by the new owner but only had four yrs left to retirement, back in the day, believe it or not, most companies cared about their employees, not so much now, sad really. Anyway, that's my career 2ct worth

Commercial/Industrial installer and pipe insulator. Just got in the field with a starting pay of $14/hr but in Pennsylvania, prevailing wage for state jobs has been around $40/hr.

I’m self employed making 55.00 to 85.00 per hour depending on the job. I do HVAC Plumbing and boiler work , Also Geothermal.

I’m a mostly a refrigeration technician but do some commercial ac. Started off as a PM tech and started at $14. After 3 months got to $15. After the first year became a service tech and got raised to $17. On my second year got raised at $25. Now I’m almost into my third year and jumping to $30. I’m work in Northern VA, Washington DC and southern MD

22 year old Florida Tech here, service, maintenance and install, good week $1,500.

i live in california im 17 getting 17 an hour, with just about 2 years of experience, working as an installer

Awesome video Jay... that’s what I call a true “word of advice” 👍👍👍

I worked for small company in Charlotte, NC they have 3 service techs, 2 install trucks with a Mechanic and helper for each install truck. Owner lets you pick if you are a great Mechanic can teach, talk to customers, start equipment, wire high and low voltage, keep a clean truck $28.00 hour helper $10- $15 hr. Tech he pays $30.00 a hour or $18.00 a hour with 10% commission on parts and 5% on sales of new equipment. He hates smoking in trucks or on jobs. Goes crazy on butts. I sale very well. I sold 105 systems last year, our avg change out is $8,100.00, i did $40,000 in repairs and the avg repair is 600.00. So of course i went the $18.00 a hour. I made 76,000.00 . I plan on starting my own business. The boss man teaches us to sale, read, watch KZfaq , go to seminars, I know of 6 company's in Charlotte that got there h-3's and Electrical licences. He will just laugh and say go get yourself broke..

I have worked in Hvac for about 20 years. Had my own business for about 10 years and never worried about work. Quit due to never home and 24 hour on call. Now do industrial ammonia refrigeration with 65k lbs of ammonia on site making 30 an hour. Probably on the low end of payscale for industrial but it's for a very large retailer so go figure, only benefit is only work 4 days and no on call. Get to actually see my family now.

Good info. Trades are so often overlooked as a good career choice. I started at $7h in 1996 (Michigan) used my experience to grow in the field and currently serve as the Director of Engineering of a large real estate developer in Detroit. When I started in the trade, I never thought that this is where I would end up, but my trades experience opened doors that I never thought possible. On a side note, Jay needs to take that ring off his finger while at work. Too easy for it to short out on something electrical or get hung up on a ladder etc.

Great video. 👍 In Denmark it takes 4 years for the crafts education. We mostly do ventilation. Building, service and commisioning. I belive Our salery is between 30 and 45 dollars in hour. Hello from Denmark. Capital area

I’ve been in the HVAC Commercial/ Industrial business for 35 years. I’m a master technician on commercial / industrial equipment, high and low pressure centrifugal and air cooled chillers. I work for one of the largest HVAC manufacturers in the world. I also have a State contractors license in my State and have a Master pipe fitters/ gas fitters license in my State. Universal EPA card also.... I also perform troubleshooting on three of the largest HVAC manufacturers building control systems out there....and teach commercial HVAC at my local trade school at night. Some of the people on here are stretching the truth some about pay. Bottom line... bring home pay is what pays the bills. Some employers will bait you in with a (sounds to good to be true pay rate) just to drop the bomb on you as far as deductions go... For example: How much is your Health/ Dental and vision insurance? How much goes into your retirement plan each week? How many hours do you work a week? Do you supply all your tools? Do you have a newer company van/truck? Does the company provide you with new uniforms/boots on a regular basis? If not, these are things that can bring that pay rate down quickly. I make very good money and it has been a rewarding career choice. I tell my students that this career field is hurting as all trades have been for years. Learn everything you can if you are in a school from every source you can. This generation has lots of advantages over mine. Google...I ONLY WISH BACK THEN! When I started out I had stacks of books and manuals in my van. When you get to a job, find a person that is humble but good at what he or she is doing and stick with them. Stay away from the I know everything person. Always have your eyes and ears open for ANY training and for the next opportunity in your career. Starting out you are going to want to quit many times until you start getting your skills sharpened. Just hang in there and don’t give up! This can be a very rewarding career. It has been for me! And as far as young ladies in this career field goes.... go around or through any man that gets in your way!!! As far as quotes go....I have one of my own.. “Learn everything you can about this business....and sell it to the highest bidder!