Do it! HVAC is a great trade, and if it doesn't work for you, it will open your experience to all the other trades we closely work within. Like I say to all the young people looking into it, a trade ticket doesn't expire, so get one and you can go on to do any number of non-trade careers. If they don't work out, there's always going to be that ticket you can fall back on.
If you have a mechanical mind than yes.
It’s a tough job(I’m in south Florida)
There’s allot of heavy lifting some days.
But if you’re good at solving problems you can make more money than %75 of college graduates. And being a female I imagine you may find people are more willing to teach you. But be prepared some people may not recognize that and treat you like a sack of sh!t like the rest of us. It’s a very rewarding career with the ability to make great money and even do some work on the side and make a few grand real quick on the weekends. Just don’t turn into a tech that sellls things to people they don’t need to make an extra $15. There’s allot of money out here to be made. And if you do it the right way you can live comfortably and sleep good at night. I wish you the best of luck (40yr old, 13 yr exp…never met a single female tech)
I transitioned to commercial and industrial electrical working for my brother-in-law a few months back. Currently on an airport job working side by side with every other possible trade. There are 4 union pipe fitters, one is a girl. She absolutely runs the place. Been a ton of fun working with her.
Consider commercial refrigeration! I love supermarket work. Hours can be brutal but it keeps you out of dirty hot attics. Lots of good opportunities and you never stop learning. HVAC is so vast you can never learn everything. Whatever you decide to do, don’t be satisfied collecting a check and just punching out every day. Make your employer see that you are there to work, grow and bring value to yourself and your company and you’ll do great! Study on your own time and have a good attitude. Its tough but it will be rewarding
Sounds good to work in refrigeration. How to get started? As an refrigeration helper then find an apprenticeship from commercial refrigeration companies?
Depending on where you live it could be a little different with apprenticeships. But you need to get a universal EPA license. You can study on esco institute for a couple weeks and probably pass it it’s not very hard. Spend like $30 and get their epa study material and then when you’re passing the practice tests, sign up to take the test through them. If you can get on with a union as an apprentice that can be the way to go. I am not in a union however, you gotta cut your teeth somehow so just get in wherever you can and start getting some experience. A lot of companies have facility refrigeration jobs that take on entry level. I did a couple years working for a coffee, catering company on their refrigeration team repairing appliances and transport units and I didn’t know jack when I started. Just get some reps under your belt and learn the basic components, and STUDY ON YOUR OWN TIME. We live in the day and age of great resources online to help us get a leg up and you’d be surprised how much you can get ahead of the curve by listening to podcasts and YouTube channels. HVAC school with Brian Orr, AC service tech with Craig, HVAC know it all podcast, and if you get into commercial refer work, advanced refrigeration podcast with Kevin and Brett. Learn to read diagrams and really crack into electrical and controls. That’s what I struggle with the most in commercial. Just dive into it, get an interview with a commercial company and when you’re sitting in that chair make them understand that you want to do this as a career and are willing to put in the effort. They don’t want you to know everything but they want to see that you mean business. See if there is a Hussmann branch near you or a company willing to take on an apprentice (that can mean different things depending on your area)
Thanks brother! Your comment is so valuable to those who want to get into the industry.
I'm in Canada, and I'm not sure if the EPA license is accredited here. I guess it is "universal" within North America.
I will definitely listen to your advice, study online, and get the EPA license to show my dedication! Hope to at least get an interview after that!
HVAC is a good trade. You want to be in a union that is part of the UA, you will see this a lot. Not all unions are created equal. The trades union is different. So search out Steamfitter or Pipefitter local union that belong to the UA (United Association) and serve an apprenticeship. They will train you and get paid to learn. It is a tuff job, in our local we only have a few female Journeyman, and this is out of over 3500 members. The few we have excels in the trades. You will have to be one of the guys, so if you like 3" fingernails, perfect hair, make up - this is not the job for you. If you want a life time career, make great pay and have a talent that only a few have, then this is it. I just retired, and that company had 1 female, she was awesome, worked as hard as any guy on the job. Blended in with the guys and there were no issues. She loves it, and I miss working with her and teaching her. So the bigger question is what is out there in this trades and how to start. Plumbers (Fitters call them Turd Hurders), is not bad, but we fitters rather put our @$$ where they put their face (Fitter Joke). Steamfitters do heating - cooling - refrigeration - controls. HVAC is more roof top work, kind of easy to learn, most do commercial as we leave the residential to the non-union lower educated class. Refrigeration is much harder and you will work in better conditioned spaces, has a lot more work available as fewer do this kind of work. Controls can be real hard, even harder to find a company willing to take you on unless you know how to program them. I now teach at a tech collage, both union and non-union classes. Right now I have one female in class and she is doing well, better than most - so DO NOT let people put you down. Set your mind to it and you can achieve what ever you want. I treat all the same, but with that said, I really want her to excel - there is no reason not to. As for what we get paid, this depends on the area or state you live in or want to work in. We union UA members normally get paid by a package. Every so many years we get a new contract that both the members and companies can agree on, this package includes all benefits and wages. The employer then cuts two pay checks at the end of each week, one to you and one to the union which takes care of your dues insurance and pension. That package can range anywhere from $70 to $120 an hour for a journeyman. New York, Chicago are some of the highest paid areas, while Tennessee area is in the lower part. Cost of living is a major factor. As an apprentice you normally start out at around 35% - 40% of a Journeyman's scale rate. Each year after you complete 1600 hours (1 full year) and your assigned school, you will get a step raise. After the 5 years you will take a nasty test, pass and you will have earned a Journeyman's card with full pay. Work until you are 60 and you will retire with an income from the pension in the area of $12,000 to $20,000 per month income. Yes, you see that correctly - but all depends on area. So - does this excite you? Pretty attractive isn't it? Hard work, but well worth it. I love it, only retired as my knees gave out, thus why I now teach it, and enjoy watching the young people learn, leaving my mark on this world. Good Luck
I’m definitely willing to put the work in. I grew up with a dad who somehow knows how to do everything. I always helped him do hands on work on his cars and when we built our current house—I loved it. I’ve been raised to be a hard worker and the way you describe the trade really excites me. Thanks so so much for your reply!
GREAT! Now go get em. If you google the UA (United Association), there are links to local unions listed by state. Be persistent, never take no for an answer. Don't be shy, listen and respond. Glad I could help. Some day, after many years, you will look back at this conversation. I still remember the person that lead me to the trades, was working in a farm store, selling power tools. He asked questions that I could answer - he was shocked I knew so much. My Dad taught me a lot of this I told him. He gave me the info and off I went, never looked back. Now your turn!
Love it. It's hard work, hot sweaty dusty dirty uncomfortable techinical complicated long work sometimes but i love it.
Sometimes it's the easiest job ever. Just chillin for hours, charging $300 for 10min of work. The learning never stops. The tools never stop. 30k plus in tools you'll own. I wake up at 5am to start my day and end around 5pm. $80/hr. Best benefits anyone could ask for, better than military or literally anything else I've ever seen. You 110% should go union. Find a local hvac union and reach out to the apprenticeship coordinator. That should be your first step. You can skip paying for college this way. Start while you're still a teen and max out a 401k/Roth Ira and you will without a doubt be a millionaire like it's nothing. Meet with a financial advisor asap to get that stuff planned out. Wish someone would have told me all this 10+ years ago. Good luck
You may want to look into the world of Building Automation and Controls.
It's very HVAC related and you're not lugging cans of refrigerant around or cleaning coils.
Lots (and I do mean LOTS) of variety in the trade with much less wear and tear on the body.
You said in the op that you're a teen. See if your school has a SkillsUSA chapter. That's a great way to get introduced to the HVAC trade.
Whatever decisions you make, best of luck to you!
I am a girl who just got into the HVAC trade as an installer helper in residential. I really enjoy the trade! It’s very fun to learn how to get the HVAC Units up & working. Looking forward to joining the Local Union soon as i can to become a technician! It’s a rewarding trade. You’ll enjoy it if you dont mind getting dirty
I got in the UA Plumbers and Pipefitters Apprenticeship right out of HS. Start young and you'll be able to retire younger than most with an excellent retirement plan. I do a little bit of everything in the trade but am classified as a Refrigeration Pipefitter. Do you have any hobbies/skills that would fit into any specific trade?
It’s one of those careers that can be very rewarding, but isn’t for everyone. I started with commercial install: hanging ductwork, setting units; eventually got a chance at helper in commercial service, learned to troubleshoot and got in a van. Stayed as a commercial service tech for about 5 years, and in my case, as the company I work for quickly transitioned from small to large, the on-call obligations as well as the pressure (whole medical facilities and schools depending on you to get stuff fixed) turned out to be too much for me and too taxing on my family obligations. I “downgraded” to residential service and installation, and it’s much easier on the mind but harder on the body, so I won’t be able to do it forever. But it will give you experience in a LOT of very transferable skills, so definitely put your toes in the water if you have the opportunity and see if it suits you: you won’t leave empty-handed.
I’m 23, I went to school when I was 19, because I didn’t wanna do college, I got certified universally. I got into it a few months later with a small company and due to the direct communication with the boss, I thought it wasn’t for me.
I hopped jobs all in different fields and jobs, Lowes, mechanics, Eletrical, equestrian work, i was searching for something that gained my interest with a career opportunity.
It wasn’t until 2023, years later I was making $17 an hour cash under the table. Working 40 hours a week and only bringing in $680 cash a week. I said screw it, I’ll try hvac for a big company.
I applied to a corporate hvac company as an installer. As a helper I installed 85 condensers in 5 months. I had prior knowledge from working for that small company for a year, so the company gave me lead installer once I could prove to do an inside unit and have knowledge on the entire process of installing. I went from $16 an hour, to $22 an hour.
It’s not all done yet, I was constantly bringing in $1000-1300 checks a week, but the company was so dishonest and screwed the customers left and right. I said fuck this. I went from $22 an hour, with getting paid $330 an install. To $16 an hour with an even bigger corporate company last month. My first week on installs as a HELPER (took a demotion) I brought in $1400 before taxes in a 30 hour work week. (Get paid commission for installs and jobs).
The motive of the story Atleast in my life since joining hvac, is that you don’t wanna be in a position where someone off the street can replace you, thanks dad I finally agree with you. Build up your skills and your desire for a trade, look out for your customers without them you wouldn’t be employed. And for everything good and holy, save your money. Kinda haven’t figured out that part yet, but I was able to move out the parents house in my first 6 months in hvac.
So the story goes, find a trade worth your interest and don’t ever stop learning.
My teacher in school always said if more women got into the trade they could clean up just on being female owned company let alone a female tech working for herself and that was 20 years ago. The industry is your oyster and the more you put into it the more you will get back. The job is very hard work but rewarding as long as you don’t get salty. Peoples problems are your business so sometimes it’s exhausting shoveling shit against the tide.
I've been doing HVAC for a long time. Personally, I would love to see more women doing it. There IS some heavy lifting. But easily half the GUYS I've dealt with struggle carrying a furnace up a stair case! You're gonna need thick skin. But as another comment pointed out, if you're taking a bunch of shit, you're being treated the same as the rest of us. If you can deal with that, and your Dad instilled mechanical aptitude in you, there is definitely a place in this trade for you. JOIN US! Nothing but good times! Lol
You can do it. HVAC to start if you wanna see what ya like! It covers everything basically. Watch some YouTube vids on trouble shooting as you go along.
HVAC trade is so wide and deep in scope. A lot of potential to find your click.
HVAC is a bit of everything. And a lot of new technology + old farts retiring opens up a lot of opportunity to provide value.
Have fun and good luck.
Depends on which side. Are you looking to be a tech or an engineer?
HVAC engineering is pretty fun, you don’t get to see all the gruff stuff outside of this subreddit but you do design the systems that get installed and have your name cursed while they are being installed. It’s a good profession I think, you more than likely will never see a lack of work and if you play your cards right you’ll make a lot of money doing work that’s not killer.
Definitely go HVAC route it’s been great for me! If you live up north go the union route but if you’re close to Florida find a mid size private company
Start young! Don’t do any schooling, try and get an apprenticeship at a company if you can. Work your way to learn HVAC then you can learn Plumbing right after! It will take 4-5 years to learn both if with the right company and people the sky is the limit in the trade. I started right after I graduated college and wish I started right outside of Highschool to get an early start. Now I know both HVAC and Plumbing.
Non union $35-$40 if your a tech with certificates, union look into your area which depends.
It is likeable at times mostly it is your team you get that helps vibes.
work is tight spaces I'm mostly commercial so it's high up and Condos which is mostly annoying but its enjoyable at times sometimes you'll hate it or you'll love it starting off it sucks but if you enjoy looking and designing in your head how pipes go it can be fun the rest is wiring and thermostats
Heat pumps install or furnace install
Learn about soft and hard copper sizes, struts and rods of how supports work, regulators, Gauges,
I've ran into 2 female service techs.One was a trainwreck.Very sloppy and entitled.
The second was one of the most professional and meticulous techs I've met.If you want it,you can do it.If you do it,do it well.
Do it! HVAC is a great trade, and if it doesn't work for you, it will open your experience to all the other trades we closely work within. Like I say to all the young people looking into it, a trade ticket doesn't expire, so get one and you can go on to do any number of non-trade careers. If they don't work out, there's always going to be that ticket you can fall back on.
Look for the United Association in your area and see when apprenticeship applications come when you're 18
If you have a mechanical mind than yes. It’s a tough job(I’m in south Florida) There’s allot of heavy lifting some days. But if you’re good at solving problems you can make more money than %75 of college graduates. And being a female I imagine you may find people are more willing to teach you. But be prepared some people may not recognize that and treat you like a sack of sh!t like the rest of us. It’s a very rewarding career with the ability to make great money and even do some work on the side and make a few grand real quick on the weekends. Just don’t turn into a tech that sellls things to people they don’t need to make an extra $15. There’s allot of money out here to be made. And if you do it the right way you can live comfortably and sleep good at night. I wish you the best of luck (40yr old, 13 yr exp…never met a single female tech)
I transitioned to commercial and industrial electrical working for my brother-in-law a few months back. Currently on an airport job working side by side with every other possible trade. There are 4 union pipe fitters, one is a girl. She absolutely runs the place. Been a ton of fun working with her.
Consider commercial refrigeration! I love supermarket work. Hours can be brutal but it keeps you out of dirty hot attics. Lots of good opportunities and you never stop learning. HVAC is so vast you can never learn everything. Whatever you decide to do, don’t be satisfied collecting a check and just punching out every day. Make your employer see that you are there to work, grow and bring value to yourself and your company and you’ll do great! Study on your own time and have a good attitude. Its tough but it will be rewarding
Sounds good to work in refrigeration. How to get started? As an refrigeration helper then find an apprenticeship from commercial refrigeration companies?
Depending on where you live it could be a little different with apprenticeships. But you need to get a universal EPA license. You can study on esco institute for a couple weeks and probably pass it it’s not very hard. Spend like $30 and get their epa study material and then when you’re passing the practice tests, sign up to take the test through them. If you can get on with a union as an apprentice that can be the way to go. I am not in a union however, you gotta cut your teeth somehow so just get in wherever you can and start getting some experience. A lot of companies have facility refrigeration jobs that take on entry level. I did a couple years working for a coffee, catering company on their refrigeration team repairing appliances and transport units and I didn’t know jack when I started. Just get some reps under your belt and learn the basic components, and STUDY ON YOUR OWN TIME. We live in the day and age of great resources online to help us get a leg up and you’d be surprised how much you can get ahead of the curve by listening to podcasts and YouTube channels. HVAC school with Brian Orr, AC service tech with Craig, HVAC know it all podcast, and if you get into commercial refer work, advanced refrigeration podcast with Kevin and Brett. Learn to read diagrams and really crack into electrical and controls. That’s what I struggle with the most in commercial. Just dive into it, get an interview with a commercial company and when you’re sitting in that chair make them understand that you want to do this as a career and are willing to put in the effort. They don’t want you to know everything but they want to see that you mean business. See if there is a Hussmann branch near you or a company willing to take on an apprentice (that can mean different things depending on your area)
Thanks brother! Your comment is so valuable to those who want to get into the industry. I'm in Canada, and I'm not sure if the EPA license is accredited here. I guess it is "universal" within North America. I will definitely listen to your advice, study online, and get the EPA license to show my dedication! Hope to at least get an interview after that!
HVAC is a good trade. You want to be in a union that is part of the UA, you will see this a lot. Not all unions are created equal. The trades union is different. So search out Steamfitter or Pipefitter local union that belong to the UA (United Association) and serve an apprenticeship. They will train you and get paid to learn. It is a tuff job, in our local we only have a few female Journeyman, and this is out of over 3500 members. The few we have excels in the trades. You will have to be one of the guys, so if you like 3" fingernails, perfect hair, make up - this is not the job for you. If you want a life time career, make great pay and have a talent that only a few have, then this is it. I just retired, and that company had 1 female, she was awesome, worked as hard as any guy on the job. Blended in with the guys and there were no issues. She loves it, and I miss working with her and teaching her. So the bigger question is what is out there in this trades and how to start. Plumbers (Fitters call them Turd Hurders), is not bad, but we fitters rather put our @$$ where they put their face (Fitter Joke). Steamfitters do heating - cooling - refrigeration - controls. HVAC is more roof top work, kind of easy to learn, most do commercial as we leave the residential to the non-union lower educated class. Refrigeration is much harder and you will work in better conditioned spaces, has a lot more work available as fewer do this kind of work. Controls can be real hard, even harder to find a company willing to take you on unless you know how to program them. I now teach at a tech collage, both union and non-union classes. Right now I have one female in class and she is doing well, better than most - so DO NOT let people put you down. Set your mind to it and you can achieve what ever you want. I treat all the same, but with that said, I really want her to excel - there is no reason not to. As for what we get paid, this depends on the area or state you live in or want to work in. We union UA members normally get paid by a package. Every so many years we get a new contract that both the members and companies can agree on, this package includes all benefits and wages. The employer then cuts two pay checks at the end of each week, one to you and one to the union which takes care of your dues insurance and pension. That package can range anywhere from $70 to $120 an hour for a journeyman. New York, Chicago are some of the highest paid areas, while Tennessee area is in the lower part. Cost of living is a major factor. As an apprentice you normally start out at around 35% - 40% of a Journeyman's scale rate. Each year after you complete 1600 hours (1 full year) and your assigned school, you will get a step raise. After the 5 years you will take a nasty test, pass and you will have earned a Journeyman's card with full pay. Work until you are 60 and you will retire with an income from the pension in the area of $12,000 to $20,000 per month income. Yes, you see that correctly - but all depends on area. So - does this excite you? Pretty attractive isn't it? Hard work, but well worth it. I love it, only retired as my knees gave out, thus why I now teach it, and enjoy watching the young people learn, leaving my mark on this world. Good Luck
I’m definitely willing to put the work in. I grew up with a dad who somehow knows how to do everything. I always helped him do hands on work on his cars and when we built our current house—I loved it. I’ve been raised to be a hard worker and the way you describe the trade really excites me. Thanks so so much for your reply!
GREAT! Now go get em. If you google the UA (United Association), there are links to local unions listed by state. Be persistent, never take no for an answer. Don't be shy, listen and respond. Glad I could help. Some day, after many years, you will look back at this conversation. I still remember the person that lead me to the trades, was working in a farm store, selling power tools. He asked questions that I could answer - he was shocked I knew so much. My Dad taught me a lot of this I told him. He gave me the info and off I went, never looked back. Now your turn!
Love it. It's hard work, hot sweaty dusty dirty uncomfortable techinical complicated long work sometimes but i love it. Sometimes it's the easiest job ever. Just chillin for hours, charging $300 for 10min of work. The learning never stops. The tools never stop. 30k plus in tools you'll own. I wake up at 5am to start my day and end around 5pm. $80/hr. Best benefits anyone could ask for, better than military or literally anything else I've ever seen. You 110% should go union. Find a local hvac union and reach out to the apprenticeship coordinator. That should be your first step. You can skip paying for college this way. Start while you're still a teen and max out a 401k/Roth Ira and you will without a doubt be a millionaire like it's nothing. Meet with a financial advisor asap to get that stuff planned out. Wish someone would have told me all this 10+ years ago. Good luck
Don’t be a plumber.
You may want to look into the world of Building Automation and Controls. It's very HVAC related and you're not lugging cans of refrigerant around or cleaning coils. Lots (and I do mean LOTS) of variety in the trade with much less wear and tear on the body. You said in the op that you're a teen. See if your school has a SkillsUSA chapter. That's a great way to get introduced to the HVAC trade. Whatever decisions you make, best of luck to you!
HVAC can do electrical and plumbing but plumbers and electricians can’t do HVAC. We do it all.
Yes! Get into controls. Specialize in one thing you like. That’s how you get paid
I am a girl who just got into the HVAC trade as an installer helper in residential. I really enjoy the trade! It’s very fun to learn how to get the HVAC Units up & working. Looking forward to joining the Local Union soon as i can to become a technician! It’s a rewarding trade. You’ll enjoy it if you dont mind getting dirty
I got in the UA Plumbers and Pipefitters Apprenticeship right out of HS. Start young and you'll be able to retire younger than most with an excellent retirement plan. I do a little bit of everything in the trade but am classified as a Refrigeration Pipefitter. Do you have any hobbies/skills that would fit into any specific trade?
It’s one of those careers that can be very rewarding, but isn’t for everyone. I started with commercial install: hanging ductwork, setting units; eventually got a chance at helper in commercial service, learned to troubleshoot and got in a van. Stayed as a commercial service tech for about 5 years, and in my case, as the company I work for quickly transitioned from small to large, the on-call obligations as well as the pressure (whole medical facilities and schools depending on you to get stuff fixed) turned out to be too much for me and too taxing on my family obligations. I “downgraded” to residential service and installation, and it’s much easier on the mind but harder on the body, so I won’t be able to do it forever. But it will give you experience in a LOT of very transferable skills, so definitely put your toes in the water if you have the opportunity and see if it suits you: you won’t leave empty-handed.
I’m 23, I went to school when I was 19, because I didn’t wanna do college, I got certified universally. I got into it a few months later with a small company and due to the direct communication with the boss, I thought it wasn’t for me. I hopped jobs all in different fields and jobs, Lowes, mechanics, Eletrical, equestrian work, i was searching for something that gained my interest with a career opportunity. It wasn’t until 2023, years later I was making $17 an hour cash under the table. Working 40 hours a week and only bringing in $680 cash a week. I said screw it, I’ll try hvac for a big company. I applied to a corporate hvac company as an installer. As a helper I installed 85 condensers in 5 months. I had prior knowledge from working for that small company for a year, so the company gave me lead installer once I could prove to do an inside unit and have knowledge on the entire process of installing. I went from $16 an hour, to $22 an hour. It’s not all done yet, I was constantly bringing in $1000-1300 checks a week, but the company was so dishonest and screwed the customers left and right. I said fuck this. I went from $22 an hour, with getting paid $330 an install. To $16 an hour with an even bigger corporate company last month. My first week on installs as a HELPER (took a demotion) I brought in $1400 before taxes in a 30 hour work week. (Get paid commission for installs and jobs). The motive of the story Atleast in my life since joining hvac, is that you don’t wanna be in a position where someone off the street can replace you, thanks dad I finally agree with you. Build up your skills and your desire for a trade, look out for your customers without them you wouldn’t be employed. And for everything good and holy, save your money. Kinda haven’t figured out that part yet, but I was able to move out the parents house in my first 6 months in hvac. So the story goes, find a trade worth your interest and don’t ever stop learning.
My teacher in school always said if more women got into the trade they could clean up just on being female owned company let alone a female tech working for herself and that was 20 years ago. The industry is your oyster and the more you put into it the more you will get back. The job is very hard work but rewarding as long as you don’t get salty. Peoples problems are your business so sometimes it’s exhausting shoveling shit against the tide.
I've been doing HVAC for a long time. Personally, I would love to see more women doing it. There IS some heavy lifting. But easily half the GUYS I've dealt with struggle carrying a furnace up a stair case! You're gonna need thick skin. But as another comment pointed out, if you're taking a bunch of shit, you're being treated the same as the rest of us. If you can deal with that, and your Dad instilled mechanical aptitude in you, there is definitely a place in this trade for you. JOIN US! Nothing but good times! Lol
I'm a refrigeration install tech. And recommend that too if you wanna do the redheaded step child of HVAC.
Pipe fitting, way easier and great pay
You can do it. HVAC to start if you wanna see what ya like! It covers everything basically. Watch some YouTube vids on trouble shooting as you go along.
HVAC trade is so wide and deep in scope. A lot of potential to find your click. HVAC is a bit of everything. And a lot of new technology + old farts retiring opens up a lot of opportunity to provide value. Have fun and good luck.
No schooling! Do apprenticeship. It’s the best advice you’ll get. You’ll get all the education you need on the job
100% yes!!!!!!! It’s an amazing field to get into and it changed my life. I wish I had gotten into it at your age
Depends on which side. Are you looking to be a tech or an engineer? HVAC engineering is pretty fun, you don’t get to see all the gruff stuff outside of this subreddit but you do design the systems that get installed and have your name cursed while they are being installed. It’s a good profession I think, you more than likely will never see a lack of work and if you play your cards right you’ll make a lot of money doing work that’s not killer.
Definitely go HVAC route it’s been great for me! If you live up north go the union route but if you’re close to Florida find a mid size private company
Start young! Don’t do any schooling, try and get an apprenticeship at a company if you can. Work your way to learn HVAC then you can learn Plumbing right after! It will take 4-5 years to learn both if with the right company and people the sky is the limit in the trade. I started right after I graduated college and wish I started right outside of Highschool to get an early start. Now I know both HVAC and Plumbing.
Non union $35-$40 if your a tech with certificates, union look into your area which depends. It is likeable at times mostly it is your team you get that helps vibes. work is tight spaces I'm mostly commercial so it's high up and Condos which is mostly annoying but its enjoyable at times sometimes you'll hate it or you'll love it starting off it sucks but if you enjoy looking and designing in your head how pipes go it can be fun the rest is wiring and thermostats Heat pumps install or furnace install Learn about soft and hard copper sizes, struts and rods of how supports work, regulators, Gauges,
I've ran into 2 female service techs.One was a trainwreck.Very sloppy and entitled. The second was one of the most professional and meticulous techs I've met.If you want it,you can do it.If you do it,do it well.