Top 22 Lucrative Career Change Ideas for HVAC Technicians
If you’re an HVAC technician, you’re probably used to hard work and long hours. But maybe you’re ready for a change—something that still uses your skills without all the physical exertion.
Luckily, there are plenty of career paths that require just a few weeks of training and don’t demand a four-year degree. Let’s look at some promising options that could be your next step.
1- Energy Auditor
Average Salary: $54,050 per year
Energy auditors inspect buildings to assess energy efficiency and recommend improvements. With your HVAC background, you’re already familiar with heating, cooling, and ventilation systems, making it easier to identify energy-saving opportunities.
The demand for energy auditors is growing as more businesses and homeowners seek to reduce energy costs and meet environmental regulations. Industries such as construction, energy services, and government are key employers for these roles.
"Energy auditors... help homeowners and business owners examine their buildings to understand how energy is being used and get a measure of efficiency."
2- Building Automation Specialist
Average Salary: $66,000 per year
In this role, you program and manage systems that control a building’s lighting, HVAC units, and other automated features. Your HVAC experience gives you a head start because you already understand how HVAC systems work.
As smart building technologies continue to advance, the demand for building automation specialists is expected to grow steadily. Common employers include commercial real estate firms, manufacturing plants, and facilities management companies.
3- Technical Sales Representative
Average Salary: $70,000 per year
If you’ve got people skills and enjoy problem-solving, technical sales could be a great fit. You’d use your knowledge of HVAC systems to help clients choose the right equipment for their needs.
Technical sales positions are expected to see strong demand as businesses continue to adopt new technologies and equipment. HVAC companies, equipment manufacturers, and engineering firms are typical employers.
"In the evolving landscape of business, technical sales have become a cornerstone for companies aiming to succeed in markets driven by technology and innovation."
4- Facilities Manager
Average Salary: $80,850 per year
Facilities managers oversee the operation and maintenance of commercial buildings, including HVAC systems. Your HVAC career experience makes you a strong candidate, as you already know the ins and outs of heating and cooling.
Demand for facilities managers remains steady due to the need for ongoing maintenance and operational efficiency in commercial and industrial settings. Key industries include real estate, healthcare, and education.
5- HVAC Instructor
Average Salary: $55,000 per year
Teaching the HVAC trade at a technical school or through an HVAC program lets you pass your skills to the next generation. It’s a fulfilling career that doesn’t involve the physical demands of HVAC repair.
The demand for HVAC instructors is stable, driven by ongoing growth in the HVAC industry and the need for a skilled workforce. Technical schools, trade programs, and community colleges are common employers.
6- Mechatronics Technician
Average Salary: $61,000 per year
This role involves working on automated systems and machinery, including robotics, sensors, and control systems. With an HVAC background, you already understand mechanical and electrical components, which are crucial in mechatronics.
The job outlook for mechatronics technicians is promising due to the increasing automation of manufacturing and industrial processes. Employers typically include manufacturing companies, robotics firms, and maintenance contractors.
"As automation continues to transform industries, the demand for skilled mechatronics engineering technicians is set to rise, offering promising career opportunities.."
Explore Unmudl’s course options today and start building skills that employers are actively seeking. Check out our flexible mechatronics programs to find the right fit for your career goals
7- Automation Technician
Average Salary: $63,000 per year
This position focuses on maintaining and troubleshooting automated equipment used in production lines. Targeted training in mechatronics prepares you for working with programmable logic controllers (PLCs), sensors, and control systems.
With industries continuing to adopt automation, the demand for automation technicians is expected to grow, especially in manufacturing and logistics. Typical employers include industrial plants, packaging companies, and automated warehousing firms.
"The use of automation in manufacturing continues to grow and evolve, with emerging trends such as collaborative robots, the Internet of Things (IoT), and artificial intelligence (AI) reshaping the industry."
8- Control Systems Technician
Average Salary: $68,000 per year
Control systems technicians handle calibrating, repairing, and maintaining automated control systems in facilities like manufacturing plants or power plants.
As the adoption of smart technologies in industrial settings increases, control systems technicians are in high demand across various sectors. Common employers include utilities, energy companies, and engineering firms.
"When a control system malfunctions, technicians must swiftly identify and rectify the problem to minimize downtime. This involves logical reasoning, deductive problem-solving, and practical skills to implement solutions."
9- Robotics Technician
Average Salary: $62,000 per year
Robotics technicians service and maintain robots in industrial settings. Short training courses in mechatronics can equip you with knowledge in mechanical, electrical, and control aspects of robotics, making this role a natural transition.
The demand for robotics technicians is rising as industries continue to integrate robotics into their production lines. Employers often include manufacturing companies, research labs, and automation service providers.
"Many firms indicated that critical thinking skills are becoming essential for engineering technician positions... The majority of engineering technicians (68%) [need] competency in nearly all aspects of critical thinking (perceiving, hypothesizing, testing, and interpreting testing)..."
10- Instrumentation Technician
Average Salary: $65,000 per year
This job involves installing, maintaining, and repairing measuring instruments and control devices used for industrial process control. Training in control systems and automated equipment maintenance makes this role an attractive choice.
The job outlook is positive, driven by the need for precise measurement in industries like oil and gas, chemical manufacturing, and pharmaceuticals. Employers typically include industrial plants and equipment manufacturers.
Ready to make a change? Unmudl's marketplace connects you with training that leads to real job opportunities, bridging the gap between learning and employment
