Show them their earning potential. Recent study reveals what hvacr workers make.
By Traci Purdum
Nothing gets attention faster than money. And for folks looking for their first job, or those changing careers, working in the hvacr industry can provide a solid paycheck.
Indeed, MEP Jobs 2008 Salary Survey -- based on data from over 2,000 respondents in the hvac, mechanical, electrical, plumbing and facilities fields – found that the average respondent earned $52,000 per year. That number significantly outweighs the Bureau of Economic Analysis’ overall per capita income of $38,611.
For hvacr workers just starting, the entry-level salary is nothing to sneeze at: $35,360. For folks with more experience, earning potential jumps to $60,000.
However, according to the MEP Jobs Survey, the residential housing market crisis has produced movement of workers inside the sector, from residential to commercial projects. Despite the economic concerns, 60% of employers indicate that they will increase staffing during the coming 12 months.
To gain perspective around the country, the MEP Jobs Survey broke out several markets and found average salaries by job category. Here are the breakdowns:
California
·Electrical -- $66,560
·Plumbing -- $62,400
·HVAC -- $55,080
·Facilities -- $55,000
New York Metro
·HVAC -- $64,480
·Plumbing -- $64,480
·Electrical -- $50,000
Washington D.C. Metro
·Plumbing -- $68,640
·Facilities -- $66,040
·HVAC -- $59,000
Florida
·Facilities -- $59,000
·HVAC -- $49,920
·Electrical -- $39,520
·Plumbing -- $37,960
Texas
·Electrical -- $73,000
·Facilities -- $49,712
·HVAC -- $49,275
·Plumbing -- $41,800
Georgia
·Facilities -- $58,240
·Electrical -- $46,134
·HVAC -- $45,500
The study also found that hvac technician jobs, the most plentiful job title on the MEP site, have more than doubled since January of this year. HVAC technicians reported average salaries of $47,840. Here is a breakdown by title:
