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If you're an HVAC technician, you've likely spent years honing your skills, solving problems, and ensuring people stay comfortable in their homes. But maybe you're thinking about a new direction—something that offers different challenges or allows you to grow your career in new ways.
Whether it's finding a role that aligns more with your interests or seeking opportunities to advance your skills further, some promising paths might just spark your next move.
Let’s explore how your past experience can open doors to exciting new career change possibilities.
As an HVAC technician, you bring a unique set of skills that many people overlook but are highly valuable in other careers. You know how to troubleshoot complex systems, solve problems quickly, and adapt to different situations.
Every time you repair or install an HVAC system, you’re not just swapping out parts; you’re diagnosing issues, understanding airflow, and balancing multiple components to make everything run smoothly. That’s a mix of critical thinking and hands-on expertise that employers value across industries.
You’ve also built a solid understanding of mechanical systems, electrical wiring, and even some plumbing—skills that overlap with other trades and engineering fields.
Your experience managing your time efficiently and communicating clearly with customers adds another layer of valuable soft skills. Those abilities aren’t limited to HVAC; they’re the building blocks for roles in engineering and other technical roles.
You've been cultivating a versatile skill set that can take you far beyond HVAC work.
Average Salary: $59,000 per year
Field service technicians troubleshoot and repair automated systems on-site. The skills gained from mechatronics training help you diagnose and fix issues with complex equipment used across various industries.
The role remains in demand as businesses invest in automated solutions to improve efficiency and reduce downtime. Key employers include equipment manufacturers, service companies, and industrial maintenance firms.
"When a single hour of downtime can cost thousands, effective field service management isn’t a luxury – it’s a game-changer."
Average Salary: $65,000 per year
System performance analysts focus on optimizing HVAC systems for better efficiency. Your knowledge of equipment and system troubleshooting can help improve operations in commercial and industrial settings.
The demand for this role is steady, particularly in industries focused on sustainability and energy efficiency, such as healthcare, real estate, and industrial facilities. Employers often include consulting firms and energy management companies.
"Efficient energy management not only reduces operational costs but also enhances sustainability and complies with increasingly stringent environmental regulations."
Average Salary: $58,000 per year
As a plumbing inspector, you’d assess plumbing installations and ensure they meet local building codes. Your HVAC career path has already given you familiarity with some aspects of plumbing and mechanical systems.
Demand for plumbing inspectors remains steady due to ongoing construction and renovation projects. Typical employers include municipal governments and private inspection firms.
Average Salary: $62,000 per year
Maintenance planners schedule preventive maintenance and repairs for manufacturing plants or commercial buildings. This role involves more planning than hands-on work, offering a break from physically demanding tasks.
Demand for maintenance planners is expected to grow as businesses continue to prioritize equipment reliability and efficiency. Employers usually include industrial plants, commercial real estate firms, and maintenance service providers.
Take control of your career journey with Unmudl. Our affordable courses help you gain the skills you need to succeed in high-demand fields.
Average Salary: $56,260 per year
With a focus on maintaining and repairing wind turbines, this job appeals to those interested in green technology. It involves working on electrical systems and mechanical components, much like HVAC jobs.
The demand for wind turbine technicians is expected to increase significantly as renewable energy adoption accelerates. Employers include wind energy companies, utilities, and renewable energy service providers.
"New figures clarify the workforce challenge facing the global wind industry with nearly 600,000 technicians needed during the next five years – with more than 240,000 of these roles new recruits to the industry."
Average Salary: $63,000 per year
As a controls technician, you’ll install and service automated controls for HVAC and other building systems. Your HVAC experience will help you understand system integration and troubleshooting.
"The demand for Smart Building Solutions is anticipated to rise due to the growing need for lower operating costs, lower CO2 emissions, and the scarcity of energy resources."
Employers typically include building automation companies, manufacturing plants, and HVAC companies.
Average Salary: $68,000 per year
This role involves training sales teams on HVAC equipment features and benefits. It combines your technical skills with training abilities and doesn’t involve the physical work of installation or repair.
As businesses continue to expand their sales teams, demand for skilled sales trainers remains steady. Employers often include HVAC companies, equipment manufacturers, and technical training firms.
Average Salary: $74,650 per year
Technical writers create manuals, guides, and other documents that explain how to install, maintain, or repair HVAC systems. Your hands-on experience gives you the insight needed to write accurate and practical instructions.
"Technical writing is often defined as “simplifying the complex.”
Demand for technical writers is rising as companies increasingly rely on detailed documentation for training and compliance. Employers typically include manufacturing firms, engineering companies, and technical writing agencies.
Average Salary: $54,000 per year
Home energy raters assess the energy efficiency of residential properties and recommend upgrades. This role involves evaluating heating and cooling systems, insulation, and ventilation.
The demand for home energy raters is growing as homeowners seek to reduce energy bills and enhance sustainability. Employers include energy consulting firms, utility companies, and home inspection services.
Average Salary: $55,000 per year
As a solar installation technician, you’ll work with solar panels and electrical components, which is a natural extension of your HVAC background in handling energy systems.
Demand for solar installation technicians is on the rise due to the shift toward green energy solutions. Employment of solar photovoltaic installers is projected to grow 22 percent from 2022 to 2032, much faster than the average for all occupations. Employers typically include solar energy companies, contractors, and utilities.
Start your journey toward a rewarding new career with Unmudl's practical courses. Our programs are tailored to help you gain the skills that employers want, giving you an edge in today’s job market.
Average Salary: $60,000 per year
Ductwork designers focus on planning and designing the duct systems used in heating and cooling. Given your understanding of airflow and HVAC installation, you’ll find this role less physically demanding while still applying your expertise.
The demand for ductwork designers is stable, especially in construction and HVAC contracting. Employers typically include HVAC companies, architectural firms, and construction contractors.
"Accurate HVAC ductwork design is crucial for optimal air distribution, energy use, minimal pressure loss, balanced static pressure, and occupant well-being. The precise HVAC layout and sizing of ductwork augments energy efficiency and reduce noise levels, resulting in significant improvements in indoor air quality."
Average Salary: $68,000 per year
Commissioning technicians ensure that HVAC and other building systems are installed and functioning correctly before project handover. This role involves system checks and documentation rather than the physical work of installation.
The demand for commissioning technicians is increasing, especially in new construction and retrofitting projects focused on energy efficiency. Employers include engineering firms, construction companies, and commissioning service providers.
"Commissioning plays a vital role in ensuring not only the seamless and efficient operation of building systems, but also the safety of occupants. It involves a comprehensive assessment and testing of mechanical, electrical, and plumbing (MEP) systems to validate their functionality and performance."
If you’re looking for a fresh career path, Unmudl offers a range of courses designed to quickly prepare you for in-demand roles. Through our partnerships with community colleges, you’ll gain practical skills in fields like mechatronics, healthcare, and business—making the transition into a new career smoother.
Whether you're aiming to upskill or switch fields entirely, Unmudl’s affordable and flexible programs fit into your busy life, providing real-world training that aligns with what employers need.
At Unmudl, we don’t just help you learn new skills; we connect you directly with employers who are actively looking for qualified talent. Our skills-to-jobs marketplace lets you browse courses that lead to real job opportunities so you can see a clear path from training to employment.
This approach ensures you’re not just gaining theoretical knowledge but acquiring skills that meet the needs of today’s job market.
We understand that life gets busy, and traditional college schedules don’t always fit. That’s why Unmudl’s courses are designed with flexibility in mind.
Whether you prefer online on-demand classes or hands-on labs, our options work with your schedule. Plus, financial assistance is available, making it easier to invest in your future without breaking the bank.
Don’t wait to make your move into a fulfilling new career. Call us at +1 512-669-5624 or email hello@unmudl.com to learn more about how Unmudl can help you take the next step.
