HVAC Technician
Install, service and repair heating, ventilation, air-con and refrigeration systems.
This UK hvac technician career guide covers what the role involves day to day, typical salary at each stage, the usual entry route, the skills employers expect, and related careers worth comparing.
Quick facts
- Starting salary
- £22,000 - £30,000 (apprentice/junior)
- Mid-career salary
- £32,000 - £45,000
- Senior salary
- £50,000 - £75,000+ (or self-employed)
- Work environment
- On-site at commercial and domestic premises
- Time to entry
- 2 - 4 years (apprenticeship + F-Gas)
- Degree required
- Not required - apprenticeship route
- Category
- Skilled Trades
What a HVAC Technician does
Install, service and repair heating, ventilation, air-con and refrigeration systems.
- Commercial Air-Con Engineer - Service and install commercial AC and chillers.
- Heat Pump Installer - Install air- and ground-source heat pumps for homes and businesses.
How to become a HVAC Technician
- Look up HVAC Technician roles on LinkedIn or Indeed and read 5 real job ads
- Talk to someone already working as a HVAC Technician - even a 15-minute call helps
- Find one beginner course or qualification used by people in this role
- Build one small piece of evidence you've explored this (project, shadowing, short course)
- Apply to one entry-level role or related opportunity within the next month
Key skills
- Refrigeration cycle
- Electrical basics
- Pipework
- F-Gas certification
- Fault finding