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What Do HVAC Technicians Do?

HVACR technicians install, maintain, and repair heating, ventilation, air conditioning, and refrigeration systems.
They keep homes, hospitals, schools, and factories comfortable — and make sure food, medicine, and other goods stay safe in cold storage.

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Some HVAC pros focus on:

  • Commercial or industrial refrigeration

  • Radiant or hydronic heating systems

  • Smart building automation

  • Green energy and solar-assisted systems

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  • Work Environment

HVAC techs work indoors and outdoors — in homes, offices, schools, hospitals, and factories.
You might be climbing ladders, squeezing into crawlspaces, or working outside in tough weather.
It’s hands-on work that takes physical endurance, attention to detail, and strong problem-solving skills.

How to Become an HVAC Technician

Most HVAC techs start one of two ways:

  1. Trade School / Community College — 6 months to 2 years for a certificate or associate degree.

  2. Apprenticeship — 3 to 5 years of paid training under experienced techs, plus classroom learning.

Apprenticeships often come through local unions or contractor programs.
Training covers safety, electrical work, refrigerant handling, system diagnostics, and blueprint reading.

Pay in the Pacific Northwest (2025)

StateAverage Pay (2025)Range

Washington~$68,000/yr (~$33/hr)$48K – $90K+

Oregon~$62,000/yr (~$30/hr)$45K – $85K+

Idaho~$55,000/yr (~$27/hr)$42K – $70K

💰 Union HVAC technicians — especially those in commercial, industrial, or refrigeration work — often earn well above these averages.

Job Outlook

Demand for HVAC technicians is climbing across the Northwest.
Nationally, jobs are expected to grow about 6% (2024–2034) — but the Pacific Northwest is moving even faster thanks to infrastructure growth and clean energy projects.

Key Growth Drivers:

  1. Energy-efficient building upgrades

  2. Data center and tech industry growth

  3. Aging HVAC systems needing replacement

  4. Retirements creating openings

If you’re dependable and ready to learn, this trade has steady, long-term opportunities.

Real Talk for the PNW

Urban areas like Seattle, Portland, and Boise pay more — but they cost more, too.
Smaller towns might pay less but offer cheaper living and steadier work.

Stay curious and keep learning. New refrigerants, smart tech, and green energy systems are changing the game — and the techs who keep up are the ones who stay in demand.

Learn More

Start your journey or explore local apprenticeship programs:

💬 Ready to Get Started?

If you like solving problems, working with your hands, and keeping people comfortable, HVAC could be your calling.
Start learning today, and you’ll build a career that’s always in demand — rain, shine, or snow.

👉 Learn more about career paths in the trades? Email us here! (We promise a quick reply)

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