HVAC Technician Jobs

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HVAC Technician Jobs: Salary, Certifications & Career Outlook

Commercial HVAC technicians are the core of every mechanical contractor's workforce, handling installation, maintenance, and repair on rooftop units, air handling units, VAV systems, chillers, and more. Employers range from large mechanical contractors and national service firms to hospitals, universities, and building management companies running in-house maintenance teams.

If you hold EPA 608 certification and have hands-on experience with commercial equipment, companies across every major market are actively hiring. Browse current openings below and filter by location to find the right fit.

Quick Facts

Role Type: Field technical, installation and service
Salary Range: $55,000–$95,000/year
Hourly Range: $26–$46/hr (journeyman level)
Experience Required: 2–5 years commercial; some roles accept residential crossover with demonstrated commercial exposure
Job Outlook: Strong; Bureau of Labor Statistics projects 6% growth through 2032, with commercial outpacing residential
Common Employers: Comfort Systems USA, EMCOR, Johnson Controls, ABM Industries, Carrier Enterprise, Trane Technologies, regional mechanical contractors

Why Demand Is Strong

The commercial HVAC technician shortage isn't a forecast, it's the current reality. The retirement wave hitting the trades means experienced techs are leaving faster than apprenticeship pipelines can replace them, and contractors are competing hard for anyone with demonstrated commercial equipment experience.

On top of that, the R-410A phasedown under EPA Section 608 rules and the rollout of A2L refrigerants are creating a skills gap: employers need techs who understand low-GWP refrigerant handling, updated recovery procedures, and new equipment design. Data center construction is surging nationwide, driving demand for techs who can support precision cooling infrastructure. Healthcare facilities and large commercial campuses are also expanding preventive maintenance programs, which means steady service work beyond project-based installation.

What Employers Look For

EPA 608 Universal certification: the baseline requirement for any commercial HVAC technician role; most employers won't interview without it
NATE certification: particularly in Light Commercial or Air Distribution categories, adds real credibility and is required by some national service firms
OSHA 10/OSHA 30: OSHA 10 is common; OSHA 30 separates candidates on larger contractor bids
Controls and diagnostics experience: BAS/BMS controls interfaces, digital manifolds, and refrigerant management software are increasingly expected rather than a bonus
Manufacturer-specific training: programs from Carrier, Trane, Daikin, or Mitsubishi can fast-track placement with authorized service partners
Valid driver's license and clean MVR: non-negotiable for field roles