HVAC vs Electrician: Which Trade Should You Choose?

If you're considering a career within the trades, chances are, you stumbled upon the options of becoming an HVAC technician or an Electrician. Since the difference between these two is confusing, this article will provide you with everything you need to understand, from salaries to required education and skills. 

How Do They Compare?

Here is a list of different comparisons between HVAC and Electrician: 

1. Duties And Responsibilities 

The Duties of an HVAC Technician 

HVAC stands for "Heating, ventilation, and air conditioning". It's the use of different technologies to provide thermal comfort and acceptable air quality for enclosed spaces.

An HVAC technician's duties range from:

• Installing, testing, and maintaining these HVAC systems. 
• Troubleshooting and repairing them.
• Discussing problems and technologies with customers
• Documentation installations.
• Some HVAC technicians choose to specialize in one   area of HVAC, such as only installing HVAC systems, HVAC system ductwork, residential or commercial HVAC systems.

The Duties of an Electrician 

An electrician's job is mostly about:

• Installing new wirings and replacing old ones.
• Installing power distribution equipment.
• Testing electrical systems and maintaining them.
• troubleshooting and repairing electrical systems and equipment.
• Control and lighting systems installation.
• Layout planning and installation of electrical wiring.

2. Requirements

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Requirements for HVAC

If you're looking to become an HVAC tech, these are the steps required:

• You can begin your HVAC career with just a high-school or GED diploma.
• Get the required training by enrolling in an apprenticeship or training program, since on-the-job experience is important. You can also attend a community college or vocational school.
• Many states require HVAC Techs to become licensed. You'll be required to show proof of work experience and liability insurance and pass an exam. Requirements may vary from a state to another.
• Some states require certification. You'll need to complete work hours and pass an exam.

Requirements for Electricians

Becoming an electrician is arguably more requiring than becoming an HVAC tech, similarly to becoming an HVAC tech, you need:

• A high-school or GED diploma.
• Attend a vocational, technical, or trade school. Attending an electrician training program will help in obtaining the required certification and during the job search.
• An apprenticeship is required in order to become a licensed electrician, and can be found through trade schools or through (JATC). Apprenticeships are usually a mix of on-the-job training, classroom instruction, and mentorship from master electricians. The process takes around four years.
• Once you've completed individual state requirements, earn your license by taking your state's electrician license test.
• Keep in mind, the path to becoming an electrician does not require a college degree. However a 4-5 year apprenticeship program is required and in most cases, state licensing too.

Do note also that, in both industries, employers care mostly about your skills, not your certification. The reality of employment for these industries is that your boss and your customers care about what you can do, not about your degree. HVAC techs and electricians should expect to go through a trial run to demonstrate their skills as evidence of competency, when hired for a job. That's why you must select your education program wisely no matter the career you choose.

3. Salary

Salaries are arguably the most important part of a job, here's all you need to know about HVAC salaries compared to Electricians' salaries

HVAC Techs

According to (BLS), the median annual wage of HVAC workers was $48,630 in May 2021. HVAC technicians, like other jobs, earn less at the beginning of their careers and increase their salary with time and experience. The lowest 10% earned less than $34,320, and the highest 10% more than $78,210.

Median annual wages as of may 2021 for HVAC workers in the US

Heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanics and installers: $48,630

Installation, maintenance, and repair occupations: $47,940

Electricians

The median annual wage of electricians is $48,850. The lowest 10%, make around $32,000 a year, while the top 10% makes $73,000.

Reports also show that 9% of electricians are self-employed.

Location plays a big role on how much an electrician or an HVAC tech makes a year. For example, Alaska's one of the highest paying states for both jobs, with an average salary of $80,537 for electricians and $70,100 for HVAC techs.

It is safe to say that electricians usually make more than HVAC workers, although the difference is insignificant.

4. Work Environment

HVAC is believed to be a riskier job than becoming an electrician since they have to work with larger equipment, like industrial air-con units, and have to also work at heights. Not to say that being an electrician is safe, but electricians don't need to worry about being crushed.

Both these jobs have one of the highest rates of injuries and illnesses among all occupations.

Burns, electrical shocks, muscle strains, and accidents from handling heavy equipment are all potential dangers.

5. Job Outlook

According to the BLS, HVAC technicians' job opportunities will increase by 5% by 2030. Which is slower than the average for all occupations. While the employment of electricians is expected to grow 9% by 2030.

In Conclusion 

Electricians and HVAC technicians both work with their hands and deal with different dangers. It is hard to say which job is more difficult, but it is safe to conclude that electricians are in bigger need, and will be in even bigger need in 2030. It is also safe to assume that the average electrician makes slightly more in a year than the average HVAC tech while also being at an insignificant lower risk.

Keep in mind of course, that being an electrician or an HVAC tech has its pros, but it also has its cons. Aside from the physical danger we mentioned, both have to constantly improve their skills as the technology evolves. These industries also provide services at all hours of the day, our friends must always be on-call and ready, just like a doctor.