The Top 10 States to Work in HVACR

HVACR contractors looking for plentiful job opportunities, high salaries, available training and large numbers of service calls should head for the Golden Coast or the Buckeye State, according to a list of top states to work in HVACR complied by Emerson Climate Technologies.

One of the key challenges facing the HVACR industry is a shortage of qualified technicians. Emerson created the list after talking to contractors and HVACR students and instructors about what motivates young people to pursue careers in this industry. According to the Air Conditioning, Heating and Refrigeration Institute (AHRI), an estimated additional 57,000 skilled workers are needed each year to work in the HVACR industry.

    Emerson Climate Technologies Top 10 States to Work in HVACR

1. California
2. Ohio
3. Florida
4. Texas
5. Illinois
6. New York
7. Pennsylvania
8. New Jersey
9. North Carolina
10. Georgia

Emerson’s top 10 ranking draws on HVACR salary and employment data from the U.S. Department of Labor; trade school locations recognized by the Partnership for Air-Conditioning, Heating, Refrigeration Accreditation; heating and cooling degree days calculated at DegreeDays.net; residential home values from the U.S. Census, and certified contractors by state from North American Technician Excellence (NATE). Emerson also draws upon its own data to look at wholesaler locations and commercial service volumes from its ProAct™ Service Center.

Top States Boast Salaries, Training, Sunny Days

#1 – California tops the list with more than 2,000 NATE certified technicians, many cooling degree days to drive air conditioning and refrigeration demand, high employment (more than 16,000 HVACR techs, according to the U.S. Dept. of Labor) and some of the highest wages in the country.

#2 – Ohio comes in second with fewer sunny days but many more opportunities for training, with the most accredited HVACR schools in the country. The state is also in the top ten in the country for number of wholesaler locations.

#3 – Florida also offers many HVACR employment opportunities but much lower wages than California. The state boasts a high number of cooling degree days but was edged out by Ohio’s better training environment.

#4 – Texas ranks similar to Florida in many areas; both are in the top ten states for residential air conditioning sales. However, Texas does not have as much commercial service volume, according to Emerson.

#5 – Illinois does not employ as many techs, although they are paid better than techs in the three states above. The state offers more wholesaler locations than Ohio and more commercial business than Texas.

Top 20 Standouts

  • Tennessee is among the top ten states for air conditioning sales but falls behind in economic indicators like home values and wages.
  • Oklahoma has the second most trade schools, seven, but technician employment below the states making up the top 10.
  • What Indiana lacks in accredited schools (it has none), it makes up for in NATE certified technicians, ranking 10th in the country.

Did your state make the list? Tell us what makes your home state a great place to work in HVACR.

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One thought on “The Top 10 States to Work in HVACR

  1. Good Night,
    I am Darrel Galloway who is seeking employment in the Electrical field or HVACR field. I am here ready to go to work to the best of my ability. I study in the United States.
    Respectfully your,
    D, Galloway

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