Attention High School Seniors: An HVAC Career Could Be Your Calling

Not every high schooler wants to go to college.

Fortunately, it’s becoming increasingly common to consider an alternative to the conventional four-year degree path. That means more academic and professional opportunities.

Whether you’ve thought about an HVAC career before or the possibility never crossed your mind, it’s worth considering this skilled trade and the advantages it offers.

The skilled trades vs a college education in Phoenix.

There’s been an ongoing debate in society for decades over the best path forward for high schoolers.

For many years, students were encouraged to pursue a college education over alternatives such as the skilled trades. The growing cost of a four-year degree, however, is causing a shift in popular opinion.

More and more people are looking to the skilled trades as a viable option as opposed to college, giving high schoolers more options to consider when they graduate.

The benefits of an HVAC career for high schoolers.

Less time in school.

Some high schoolers are eager to enter the job market as quickly as possible.

While it’s possible to get hired in Phoenix immediately after graduation, strengthening your skills in a particular field can increase your opportunities in a competitive economy. Many people don’t want to invest several years of studying to achieve a college degree.

Besides, according to recent data only 41% of college students graduate on time.

Conversely, a skilled trades program required to become an HVAC technician takes just a few months to a year to complete. For example, The Refrigeration School offers the Refrigeration Technologies program that can be completed in as little as six months. This path can get you to the job market much quicker than a four-year degree.

An active job with daily variety.

Roughly 43% of all jobs in the US are considered highly sedentary. If sitting for long periods of time sounds more like a punishment than a job, a career as an HVAC technician in Phoenix might pique your interest.

Studies have linked prolonged sitting with a host of adverse health effects, such obesity, high blood pressure, and increased weight gain.

In contrast to the average desk-job, HVAC technicians enjoy an active career requiring a lot of movement and travel to different locations.

Healthy job outlook.

The trades industry has been grappling with a skilled labor shortage as employers struggle to fill open positions.

Arizona is expected to grow 21% by 2028 for Heating, Air Conditioning, and Refrigeration Mechanics and Installers (499021)*

This job outlook means HVAC techs could find lots of work in Phoenix with their skills in the future. After all, HVAC techs are vital to keeping residential and commercial HVAC systems running optimally. It’s unlikely this need will change, securing job opportunities for experts in the field in the long run.

Lower cost for studies.

Cost is one of the most important factors to consider when comparing trade school to college.

According to US News & World Report, for the past two decades, college tuition rates have continued to rise.

The resulting student loans have burdened over 45 million graduates with nearly $1.75 trillion worth of debt.

If you’re eager to further your education without accumulating a significant amount of debt, an HVAC career is a great choice. The trade programs required to enter the field are often more affordable than a four-year education. Plus, you can still apply for scholarships, grants, and other forms of financial support to pay for refrigeration training.

Competitive salaries.

There’s a popular misconception that trade careers don’t pay well, which keeps many high schoolers from even considering a role as an HVAC tech.

In reality, HVAC professionals can earn an impressive salary. The Bureau of Labor Statistics reports a median yearly income of $48,630 for HVAC technicians, with the highest 10% earning over $78,210.**

This is right around the income of college graduates from the Class of 2021, who are earning around $55,260.

Plus, trades professionals have the advantage of entering the workforce earlier with less debt.

Start your career as an HVAC technician.

Becoming an HVAC technician in Phoenix through trade school is a rewarding process that equips you with the skills and knowledge you need to succeed in the field. The Refrigeration School has helped many high school graduates enter the field and increase their competitiveness. If you’re interested in this career path, get in touch with the RSI team at our Phoenix campus today to discuss the trade programs available. Call 866-820-0823 today.

*According to BLS data Arizona is expected to grow 21% by 2028 for Heating, Air Conditioning, and Refrigeration Mechanics and Installers (499021) http://data.bls.gov/oes.

**Average starting salary for Refrigeration Technologies is $37,078 for RSI graduates employed during the 12-month period of 7/1/20-6/30/21.