How To Become A Hvac Helper: What It Is and Career Path

What is a hvac helper and how to become one

Updated January 8, 2025

4 min read

Quoted expert

John Terasconi

In case you didn't know, HVAC stands for "heating, ventilation and air conditioning." If you were an HVAC helper, you would help install and maintain these systems that control the climate inside buildings, both residential and commercial.

As an HVAC helper, you would work under an HVAC technician and assist them by performing tasks such as cleaning air ducts, maintaining air conditioning units, installing humidifiers, and more. You would need to know how to use power tools to make repairs and handle sensitive parts. You may even take care of logistical tasks like ordering equipment.

You don't need a bachelor's degree to become an HVAC helper. In fact, less than 5% of HVAC helpers have one. You need practical experience with tools and HVAC systems, maybe by doing an apprenticeship before looking for a job in this field. If you work hard and maybe earn some additional certificates, you can become a full HVAC technician.

What general advice would you give to a hvac helper?

John Terasconi

Associate Professor, HVAC-R Department Chair, Benjamin Franklin Institute of Technology

The best advice I could give is to stay focused on your job and strive to learn as much as possible. Take the time to truly understand the systems you're working on, continuously develop your skills, and absorb as much knowledge as possible from every source available. The more you know, the more valuable you become.

ScoreHvac HelperUS Average

Salary

2.4

Avg. Salary $30,491

Avg. Salary $59,228

Stability level

4.2

Growth rate 5%

Growth rate 0.3%

Diversity

5.7

Race

American Indian and Alaska Native 1.25%

Asian 4.35%

Black or African American 13.67%

Hispanic or Latino 19.00%

Unknown 5.78%

White 55.93%

Gender

female 3.04%

male 96.96%

Age - 38

Race

American Indian and Alaska Native 3.00%

Asian 7.00%

Black or African American 14.00%

Hispanic or Latino 19.00%

White 57.00%

Gender

female 47.00%

male 53.00%

Age - 38

Stress level

4.2

Stress level is moderate

7.1 - high

Complexity level

6.4

Complexity level is intermediate

7 - challenging

Work life balance

7.6

Work life balance is good

6.4 - fair

Key steps to become a hvac helper

Explore hvac helper education requirements

Most common hvac helper degrees

High School Diploma

43.9 %

Diploma

17.5 %

Certificate

17.3 %

Start to develop specific hvac helper skills

Skills	Percentages
Hand Tools	32.25%
Ladders	22.69%
Air Handlers	20.60%
Air Ducts	5.37%
Plumbing	3.23%

Complete relevant hvac helper training and internships

Accountants spend an average of 1-2 years on post-employment, on-the-job training. New hvac helpers learn the skills and techniques required for their job and employer during this time. The chart below shows how long it takes to gain competency as a hvac helper based on U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics data and data from real hvac helper resumes.

Research hvac helper duties and responsibilities

Help install furnaces, boilers, heat pumps, and condensers.
Assist in soldering and brazing.
Work with foreman installing structural plumbing systems.
Maintain environmental conditions by installing and maintaining both heating and cooling systems such as air conditioners, chillers and refrigeration equipment.

Prepare your hvac helper resume

When your background is strong enough, you can start writing your hvac helper resume.

You can use Zippia's AI resume builder to make the resume writing process easier while also making sure that you include key information that hiring managers expect to see on a hvac helper resume. You'll find resume tips and examples of skills, responsibilities, and summaries, all provided by Zippi, your career sidekick.

Choose from 10+ customizable hvac helper resume templates

Build a professional hvac helper resume in minutes. Browse through our resume examples to identify the best way to word your resume. Then choose from 10+ resume templates to create your hvac helper resume.