Why HVAC and Skilled Trades Still Matter (and What Most People Overlook)

Let me set the scene: It’s July in Sacramento, the sun’s relentless, and my AC fizzles out. Who do you think I call—a random app developer, or a seasoned HVAC technician? No contest. There’s beauty (and cold, hard profit) in fixing what others can’t. But is there real opportunity, or are the trades yesterday’s news? Let’s dive in, with a blend of truths, surprises, and my own two cents from years in the field (and a few dirty crawlspaces). You may be asking “Should I get a job in HVAC” after you hear what it takes.

The Job Market: Plenty of Room, Not Enough Hands

If you’re considering a career in the skilled trades, there’s one thing you should know: the Skilled Trades Job Market is wide open, and the HVAC Job Market is especially hot. According to industry sources, “The industry is only 75% full, so there’s been a lot of people who have retired out, and the numbers are not getting replaced.” This 25% gap is not a temporary blip—it’s a long-term trend driven by a wave of retirements and not enough new workers stepping in.

Why the Demand Keeps Growing

The housing market is booming, and with more homes comes a constant need for repairs and upgrades—heating, cooling, plumbing leaks, and electrical fixes never go out of style. Even when the economy slows, people still need their air conditioners fixed in the summer and their heaters running in the winter. That’s why skilled trades like HVAC, plumbing, roofing, and electrical work are considered recession-proof. The Bureau of Labor Statistics projects a 9% job growth rate for HVAC technicians through 2033, outpacing many other industries.

Entry-Level Opportunities: No Experience Needed

One of the most overlooked facts about the HVAC Job Market is that you don’t need years of experience to get started. Many companies are so eager to fill positions that they offer paid HVAC technician training and coaching. Whether you’re in a big city or a small town, there are businesses ready to say, “Come work for us, and we’ll teach you how to be a tech, plumber, or roofer.” In Sacramento alone, there are eight or nine companies actively hiring and training entry-level HVAC technicians; even smaller cities typically have three or four.

• Paid training: Companies invest in your education and pay you while you learn.
• Coaching and mentorship: You’ll get hands-on support from experienced professionals.
• Immediate openings: Many jobs are available right now, with little competition.

Hidden in Plain Sight: Local Demand Everywhere

It doesn’t matter if you live in a major city or a rural area—local demand for skilled trades remains high. Most people never realize how many trade companies are actively hiring. In fact, I once discovered several open apprenticeships just by chatting with the owner of my local sandwich shop. He mentioned that his brother’s HVAC business was desperate for new hires and willing to train anyone with a good attitude and work ethic.

The industry is only 75% full, so there’s been a lot of people who have retired out, and the numbers are not getting replaced.

The reality is, these opportunities are often hidden in plain sight. Companies are looking for reliable people willing to put in the work—even if it’s sometimes hard or uncomfortable. If you’re starting from ground zero, you’ll need to put in the effort, but the rewards are real: stable employment, valuable skills, and a career that can’t be outsourced or automated.

Choosing Your Path: Picking Trades and Picking Companies (Avoiding the Rotten Apples)

When you’re considering a career in the skilled trades—whether as an HVAC technician, plumber, roofer, or electrician—the first step is to figure out which path truly interests you. Each trade offers unique challenges and rewards. For example, heating and air conditioning technicians work in a variety of settings, solving real-world comfort problems, while plumbers and roofers tackle their own set of essential, hands-on tasks. Take time to list and rank the trades that resonate with you. Research training programs for skilled labor in your area, and look for those with strong reputations and clear pathways to advancement.

Do Your Homework: Researching Local Companies

Once you’ve narrowed down your trade, the next step is to find the right company. Not all employers are created equal. Start by searching for local companies online and reading reviews—not just on their websites, but on independent platforms. Pay attention to what employees say about their experiences. Here’s a curveball: don’t just rely on career fairs or company open houses. If you spot a technician at a gas station, taco shop, or burger joint, ask them what it’s really like to work there. Are the managers ethical? Do they invest in HVAC technician training or other professional development? Do they stand behind their workers and clients?

Company Culture and Ethics: More Than Just a Paycheck

It’s tempting to chase the highest starting salary or a flashy signing bonus, but real HVAC career opportunities come from companies that value integrity, training, and long-term growth. As one industry veteran put it:

“You always want to work for a good company. You always want to work for someone who is willing to tell the truth.”

Look for employers with a reputation for honesty, strong ethics, and a commitment to coaching and training. Companies that invest in genuine training programs for skilled labor are showing that they care about your future—not just filling a short-term need. Remember, most reputable companies will train raw recruits, but some may try to keep you with “golden handcuffs”—like training contracts that nudge you to stay for two years. These contracts can’t legally force you to stay, but they’re a sign to read the fine print and ask questions.

Spotting the Rotten Apples

• Beware of companies that use guilt, pressure, or shady tactics to keep employees.
• If current staff warn you to “run,” trust their advice.
• Check for signs of poor morale, high turnover, or negative reviews from both customers and employees.

Research is your friend. A good company will treat you right, train you well, and stand behind both customers and staff. Others… not so much. Don’t be afraid to dig deeper—even if it means chatting up a technician over burgers instead of reading another online ad. Your future in the skilled trades depends on choosing the right path and the right people to help you grow.

Downsides They Never Put in the Brochure (And Why They’re Worth It Anyway)

Let’s be honest: the HVAC and skilled trades world isn’t always what you see in glossy brochures. If you’re considering a career as an HVAC technician, you need to know the real story. There are moments that test your grit, but these challenges are exactly what make the job rewarding—and lucrative. Here’s what most people overlook when they talk about the HVAC job market, salary trends, and the day-to-day realities of the trade.

Messy, Wild Environments Are Part of the Job

As an HVAC technician, you’ll find yourself in all kinds of homes and buildings. Some are tidy, but many are cluttered, chaotic, or downright wild. You’ll crawl through attics, squeeze into crawlspaces, and sometimes work in homes that are far from “Pinterest-perfect.” Clutter is normal—everyone has it. In fact, if you walk into a spotless home, you might even joke, “Are you a serial killer?” because a little mess is a sign of real life. But sometimes, you’ll see things that make you question your life choices. These are the stories you’ll tell for years.

Starting From Ground Zero—And Why That’s Okay

No one sugarcoats it: you start at the bottom. You’ll put in real elbow grease, and some days will be uncomfortable. You’ll get dirty, sweat through heat waves, and occasionally deal with unsavory conditions. But this is where you earn your stripes—and your best stories. The HVAC technician salary guide shows that entry-level pay ranges from $39,000 to $54,100 annually (2025 data), but as you gain experience, your earning power grows fast.

Longevity, Growth, and Real Job Security

Why stick with it? Because the skilled trades, especially HVAC, are recession-proof. As one tech put it:

“It is recession proof, it is almost everything proof.”

Even when the economy dips, people need heating, cooling, plumbing, and roofing. The HVAC job market is booming, with demand projected to grow 9% through 2033—well above the national average. That means more jobs, more overtime, and more opportunities for bonuses.

Check out the latest HVAC technician salary trends for 2025:

• Median U.S. HVAC Technician Salary: $57,300–$59,810
• Senior Technicians: Up to $77,200
• Supervisors: $90,800+

Stick with a reputable company, and you’ll see your pay and job security scale with your experience and reputation.

The Wild Card: The “Serial Killer House”

Here’s a fun truth: sometimes the cleanest homes are the weirdest. Most places have clutter—it’s human. The real wild cards are the spotless, silent homes that make you wonder if you’ve stepped into a movie set. But whether you’re in a messy basement or a pristine living room, every job is a new adventure. These unpredictable environments are badges of honor—and they come with solid paychecks.

So, while the brochures might leave out the dirt, sweat, and surprises, these are the very things that make a career in HVAC and the skilled trades worth every minute.

Wildcard Wrap-Up: Why Trades Might Just Be the New Dream Job

In today’s world, where digital careers often steal the spotlight, it’s easy to overlook the true backbone of our society: skilled trades. If you’re searching for a career that’s not only meaningful but also stable and full of growth, you might be surprised to learn that HVAC, plumbing, and roofing are leading the way. These aren’t just fallback jobs—they’re recession-proof careers that keep homes and businesses running, no matter what the economy is doing.

Consider this:

Because roofing, plumbing, heating and air are in demand as I’m filming this, there’s a heat wave across the United States.

Whether it’s a sweltering summer or a freezing winter, the need for HVAC technicians and other skilled tradespeople never goes away. In fact, as climate patterns shift and infrastructure ages, the demand for these essential services only grows. This is why HVAC Technician Career Growth is not just a buzzword—it’s a reality. The industry is facing a shortage of qualified professionals, which means job security and competitive pay are practically built in.

But the opportunities don’t stop at technical roles. Sales and administrative positions within these trades are just as vital and in demand. Many companies are eager to train new hires for sales roles, recognizing that a good salesperson is as valuable as a skilled technician. If you have strong communication skills and a knack for problem-solving, you can carve out a rewarding niche in this sector—no prior experience required. As you consider HVAC Career Opportunities, remember that the path isn’t limited to working with tools; it can also lead to leadership, management, and specialized sales positions.

Let’s bust a common myth: skilled trades can be just as, if not more, lucrative than many white-collar professions. It’s not unusual for experienced HVAC technicians, plumbers, or salespeople in these fields to out-earn their peers in tech or even law—especially when you factor in job satisfaction and work-life balance. Unlike many office jobs, these careers offer clear avenues for advancement, from technician to supervisor to business owner. HVAC Career Growth is tangible, with promotions and specialization always within reach.

Perhaps most importantly, these jobs are truly recession-proof. No matter how the economy shifts, people will always need heating, cooling, plumbing, and roofing. This built-in stability is something few industries can promise. When you choose a trade, you’re not just picking a job—you’re investing in a future that’s resilient to economic downturns and technological changes.

In an age obsessed with digital transformation, it’s the skilled trades that quietly keep the real world running. If you want a career that’s reliable, respected, and rewarding, don’t overlook the trades. Whether you’re drawn to hands-on work or see yourself thriving in sales or management, the opportunities in HVAC and related fields are more promising than ever. The dream job you’ve been searching for might just be waiting in the trades.

TL;DR: Job security in skilled trades like HVAC, plumbing, and roofing isn’t just hype: it’s backed by strong demand, competitive salaries, and plenty of learning opportunities—if you choose your company wisely and start with realistic expectations.