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A blog post discussing the average salary for an HVAC tech in Florida, with a focus on the Tampa Bay area.
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HVAC Technician Salaries in Florida
The average salary for an HVAC Technician in Florida is $21.50 per hour. This is 5% lower than the national average salary for an HVAC Technician.
Overall HVAC Technician Salaries in Florida
HVAC technicians in Florida make an average salary of $42,430 per year. However, salaries for HVAC technicians can range from $26,000 to $58,000 per year, depending on experience and location. HVAC technicians in the 10th percentile make around $26,000 per year while those in the 90th percentile make around $58,000 per year.
HVAC Technician Salaries by City in Florida
HVAC technicians in Florida earn an average salary of $45,890 per year, or $22.12 per hour. Salaries range from $28,550 to $68,250 per year, depending on location and experience.
HVAC Technician Job Outlook in Florida
The job outlook for HVAC techs in Florida is promising. The state is expected to see a 14 percent growth in the field between 2016 and 2026, according to the Florida Department of Economic Opportunity. That’s well above the average growth rate for all occupations in the state, which is just 11 percent. HVAC techs in Florida can expect to earn a median salary of $42,610 per year.
HVAC Technician Job Openings in Florida
The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) reports that there were 10,610 HVAC technicians employed in Florida in 2019.1 The state expects this number to rise to 11,290 by 2026, an increase of 6.8%.2
There are several reasons for this above-average job outlook in Florida. The state’s population is projected to grow faster than the national average over the next five years, and with that growth comes an increased demand for qualified HVAC technicians to maintain indoor comfort in homes and businesses. Additionally, as HVAC systems continue to become more complex, the need for preventative maintenance and repairs will also go up, resulting in more job openings for HVAC techs.
HVAC technicians in Florida earn a slightly higher than average annual salary compared to techs in other parts of the country. The BLS reports that Florida HVAC techs earned a mean annual wage of $47,810 in 2019, which is $1,530 more per year than the national average salary for this occupation.3
1https://www.bls.gov/oes/current/oes499031.htm#fl
2https://projects.propublica.org/graphics/hvac-jobs
3https://www.bls.gov/oes/current/oes499031.htm#fl
HVAC Technician Job Growth in Florida
HVAC technician job growth in Florida is expected to be above average in the coming years. In fact, HVACR employment in Florida is projected to grow 21 percent from 2016 to 2026, much faster than the average for all occupations.1
With rapid job growth comes increased demand for qualified HVAC technicians. Individuals with postsecondary education and training in HVAC technology will have the best job prospects.2Those who complete an accredited HVAC program can take advantage of many available apprenticeship and entry-level opportunities to gain experience in this growing field.
HVAC Technician Training Programs in Florida
If you want to become an HVAC tech in Florida, you’ll need to complete an accredited training program. These programs typically take between 6 months and 1 year to complete. After completing a training program, you’ll be able to take the state licensing exam.
HVAC Technician Training Programs in Florida
Interested in a career as an HVAC technician in Florida? Here’s what you need to know about HVAC technician training programs in the state.
HVAC technicians install, maintain, and repair heating, ventilation, and air conditioning systems. They work in a variety of settings, including residences, office buildings, factories, and hospitals.
There are many HVAC technician training programs available in Florida. Most programs take between six months and two years to complete and result in a certificate or associate degree. Many programs also include an internship component, giving students the opportunity to gain real-world experience before graduation.
After completing an HVAC technician training program, graduates must obtain their Florida HVAC Technician License before they can start working. The licensing process requires passing an exam administered by the Florida Department of Business and Professional Regulation.
HVAC technicians in Florida earn a median annual salary of $43,610. Experience level and geographic location are two of the main factors that impact salary potential. For example, HVAC technicians in the Miami metropolitan area earn a median annual salary of $48,370, while those working in the Fort Lauderdale area earn a median annual salary of $44,020.
HVAC Technician Apprenticeships in Florida
Apprenticeship programs for HVAC technicians are offered by unions and trade associations. Apprenticeship programs typically last four years, and include a combination of technical instruction and paid on-the-job training. Successful completion of an apprenticeship program leads to journeyman status.
In order to participate in an apprentice program, individuals must be at least 18 years old and have a high school diploma or equivalent. Some programs may require applicants to pass an entrance exam. Prior experience working in the HVAC industry is not required, but may be helpful.
There are a limited number of apprenticeship programs available in Florida, but the following unions and trade associations offer programs that are open to residents of the state:
International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers (IBEW)
National Electrical Contractors Association (NECA)
Plumbers and Pipefitters Local Union 441 (Pipefitters Union)
United Association of Journeymen and Apprentices of the Plumbing and Pipefitting Industry of the United States and Canada (UA)
