Automotive HVAC Tech Careers: Requirements & Salary

Heating, venting, and air conditioning (HVAC) technology lets people stay comfortable inside their homes, offices, and vehicles. Over the years, HVAC has evolved from primarily blowing heated or cooled air into an enclosed space to systems that maintain temperature, humidity, and air quality. Modern HVAC provides climate control that individuals customize to meet their needs.

One of the first forms of automotive HVAC systems were the “weather conditioners” installed in cars as early as the 1930s. However, the technology proved unreliable and too expensive to be successful. Car makers shelved the concept of automotive HVAC for several decades until the 1960s. By then, technological improvements allowed manufacturers to install HVAC systems in high-end cars. As technology continued to improve and advance, HVAC costs dropped making them ubiquitous in automobiles. Today, even the cheapest vehicles come with climate control as standard equipment.

Drivers and passengers can adjust a car’s climate by turning a knob, moving a lever, or pressing a button on a screen. They can arrange vents that direct the flow of air and even adjust the temperature and airflow in different seats or zones, depending on the car. Everyone in the vehicle can have the comfort they wish with minimal effort, regardless of where they sit and how long they are in the car.

While from the outside, climate control seems seamless and straightforward, under the hood, it’s a different story. A complex system of mechanical devices and electronics works to cool, warm, clean, dry, or moisten the air and then regulate the speed and direction in which it flows. Although part of the process is directed by the passengers’ activity, various sensors and actuators make many of the climate control decisions.

The major components of an HVAC system include a compressor, condenser, expansion device, evaporator, and dryer/receiver or accumulator. Systems from different vehicle manufacturers vary in details and features, but the basic process is the same. Air temperature is governed by the refrigeration cycle, including liquid refrigerant. Blowers and fans move air through areas of high pressure and low pressure to where it needs to be in the system. Other components that move air through the system include belts, hoses, filters, and flaps. An automotive HVAC technician keeps all these parts working smoothly and efficiently to maintain interior comfort for passengers.

What Does an Automotive HVAC Tech Do?

Automotive HVAC technicians install, inspect, maintain, and repair the climate control systems in passenger vehicles, light trucks, heavy-duty trucks, and agricultural equipment. Their skills include troubleshooting both mechanical components and sophisticated electronic components. They can diagnose the source of HVAC malfunctions in vehicles made by domestic and foreign car manufacturers, as well as new and old models from each maker.

Automotive HVAC techs understand how the system controls air temperature and are qualified to handle refrigerants safely. They look for problems such as leaks in hoses, frayed belts, or broken wires and cables. Techs are proficient in the use of specialized tools and testing equipment to locate less obvious system failures. Because HVAC systems are highly automated, a tech typically uses diagnostic software and other computer programs to test the operation of a system and isolate malfunctioning components. They can accurately evaluate whether major components such as compressors can be repaired or replaced.

Techs work in repair shops owned by others or in their own shop. They may also be employed by dealerships, fleets, and private vehicle services, such as limo businesses, governmental agencies, or vehicle rental companies. Depending on their experience and position, they may be responsible for duties other than working on vehicles. For example, they might manage the HVAC parts inventory, order supplies and materials, maintain testing equipment and tools, or provide customer service.

What are the Requirements to Become an Automotive HVAC Tech?

Automotive HVAC technicians must be computer literate. They must understand electronics and automated control systems. Superior troubleshooting skills are essential, as is the ability to evaluate and apply testing results.

Automotive HVAC technicians are specialty mechanics, so they need to have an aptitude for mechanics. They need to understand how to use, repair, and maintain their equipment and tools. Their training should include how to read schematics, especially those applicable to motors and vehicular HVAC components. All HVAC technicians must have manual dexterity, which is even more essential for automotive HVAC workers, as the engine compartment is a much smaller workspace.

According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), employers expect service technicians to have some post-secondary education, although degrees are not required. On-the-job training is usually short-term, and various industry certifications are essential. In addition to mechanical knowledge and skills, technicians are expected to be detail-oriented, good time managers, physically strong, and clean and organized in their workspaces. Good communication, interpersonal, and customer-service skills also increase employability.

How to Become an Automotive HVAC Tech

Although automotive HVAC technicians can find employment with minimal formal training, obtaining a certificate of completion, diploma, or degree from an accredited institution can significantly increase job opportunities and pay.

Step 1: Obtain a high school diploma or GED (four years).

Aspiring technicians need to focus on developing their mechanical, computer, and electronics abilities. Shop classes, especially those designed to develop automotive repair skills, are highly recommended. Science, math, and communication classes are also helpful. Internships or part-time jobs in automotive shops provide a foundation in the basics.

Step 2: Seek further education and training (several months to four years).

Automotive HVAC technicians should then obtain further on-the-job training and gain a more complete understanding of the job requirements while increasing their technical skills. They can enroll in formal training programs at community colleges, trade schools, or colleges. Techs should expect to receive hands-on-training and classroom lectures in coursework such as:

Job safety practices
Starting and charging automotive HVAC systems
Automotive HVAC equipment and systems
HVAC electronics
Automotive and HVAC diagnostic tools and software
Dynamics of airflow
Fluid dynamics
Federal and state codes and regulations

Depending on personal goals and institutions selected, students can earn certificates in a few months to four-year degrees. They should look for institutions that are accredited by the ASE Education Foundation (ASE Education is the combination of two former accrediting bodies, the National Automotive Technicians Education Foundation (NATEF) and Automotive Youth Educational Systems (AYES).)

Step 3: Obtain industry certifications and continuing education (timelines vary).

Technicians improve their employability by obtaining industry certifications, such as safety training and the following:

Automotive Service Excellence – ASE certifications are the industry standard. They are divided into eight core groups, one of which is A7 heating and air conditioning. Technicians who achieve certification in more than one group and meet work experience requirements can earn the master mechanic certification, significantly increasing their employability.
Manufacturers – Car makers offer training programs and certifications for servicing their vehicles. Parts manufacturers also offer programs for installing and servicing their products.
Section 609 refrigerant recovery – The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) requires all automotive HVAC technicians to be trained and certified in safe refrigerant handling.
Society of Automotive Engineers (SAE) – The SAE offers several training programs and related certifications for automotive technicians.

Every year, new car models are released, and with each new model come updated features and components, including climate control. Technicians are expected to stay up-to-date on these changes. Climate control often affects vehicle mileage, and technicians must be aware of complying with ever-changing mileage and emission regulations. Continuing education is essential to ensuring compliance.

Step 4: Obtain licensing (timeline varies).

Certification is not the same as licensing. Licensing requirements vary by state and position. Most do not apply to technicians who are employed by licensed companies. Self-employed technicians must ascertain which requirements, if any, apply to them.

How Much Does an Automotive HVAC Tech Make?

The wages of automotive HVAC technicians depend on location, education, training, and experience. The BLS (May 2023) reports that there are currently 676,570 automotive service techs and mechanics in the U.S. (including those in HVAC). They earn $24.97 per hour or $51,940 annually on average.

According to PayScale (2024), automotive HVAC technicians have self-reported making between $13.14 and $31.42 an hour and between $34,000 and $92,000 per year. Furthermore, the national average is $56,298.

Entry-level employees (less than one year experience) average 27 percent less than the average, and mid-career employees (five to nine years experience) average 3 percent more. Experienced employees (10 to 19 years experience) earn 22 percent more than the average, and late-career employees (20+ years): 32 percent more.

PayScale further details that technicians with skills in electric or hybrid vehicles can earn 34 percent more and skilled troubleshooters can earn 19 percent more than other employees.

Top-Paying States for Automotive Techs

The five highest-paying states for HVAC service technicians and mechanics, according to the BLS (May 2023), are:

District of Columbia (340 employed): $65,390 average
Alaska (1,590 employed): $62,290 average
California (55,730 employed): $61,420 average
Washington (12,390): $59,060 average
New Jersey (14,880 employed): $57,820 average

These states all have a relatively high cost of living. Residents of these states pay more for services and products than residents of other states. Due to its location and weather conditions, Alaskan companies often must pay higher wages to attract employees. The District of Columbia has the highest cost of living of the listed states and has to pay employees more to retain them. Washington state and New Jersey have more unionized workers than the other three states. These are all factors that may influence wages in these areas.

Top-Paying Cities for Automotive Techs

According to the BLS (May 2023), the five top-paying cities for automotive service technicians and mechanics are:

San Jose–Sunnyvale-Santa Clara, California (2,340 employed): $74,830 average
San Francisco-Oakland-Hayward, California (7,260 employed): $68,150
Napa, California (190 employed): $64,310
Fairbanks, Alaska (280 employed): $63,530 average
Santa Cruz-Watsonville, California (350 employed): $63,380

Several factors contribute to the higher-than-average wages in these cities. California and Alaska have a higher cost of living than the national average. Local weather extremes can mean that climate control systems are used more and need to be serviced or replaced frequently, which increases the demand and earnings for skilled technicians.

Career Outlook for Automotive HVAC Techs

The BLS (2023) predicted that openings for automotive service technicians and mechanics will increase 2 percent from 2022 to 2032 nationwide. That means 12,800 new automotive technician jobs during this time period.

The increase in demand for electric vehicles, which require less frequent maintenance and repair, has led to slower growth. As automotive HVAC techs are working with a system that will still be in every vehicle, coupled with the rosy BLS prediction for HVAC professions in general, automotive HVAC techs may enjoy increased job opportunities in the future.

It should be noted that vehicle manufacturers rely more on electronics and automation. Technicians will need to have the skills required to install, service, and repair HVAC systems in hybrid, all-electric, and self-driving cars, while retaining their ability to work on older model vehicles that rely on mechanical systems rather than electronic systems.

Sandra Smith

Sandra Smith was introduced to the HVAC industry when she worked as a bookkeeper and secretary for a small air-conditioning contractor. She eventually became a CPA and started her own practice specializing in small business taxes and accounting. After retiring from business, she began writing articles for newspapers, magazines, and websites. She also authored four books. Sandra makes her home in the mountains with a rescue dog that naps on her lap as she writes.