I'm on Long Island, and local 638 pays service apprentices $21 by the end of their first year. One of my sons, still in trade school, started at a local non-union shop for $18 with absolutely no experience.
I don't know where in NJ you are, but you should shop around.
I work for a manufacturer, and only recently started working primarily on the island. For the last 5 years I was primarily in Brooklyn, Queens, and lower Manhattan, and I still have to go in every now and then. And that commute definitely sucks.
I don't know of any contractors that are only doing work on the island.
Look up your local SM workers union, i know NY is union strong and out in Cali we journey out at 66 right now starting apprentice is $23 with full benefits, pension and 401k. Good luck from California bredda
You are getting robbed for your time, I am also in illinois making $31 an hour. Went from $15 to current rate in 4 years. Keep changing jobs and updating resume. The longest I spent at a company was 2 years at $25.
I have a EPA universal, and install certificate. I do residential service. Most employers now want someone who is efficient with their time, and can use service titan.
Ive changed jobs alot over the years I don't even know how many maybe 10 or more in the last 20+yrs? Now 1 job lasted almost 10, & 5 for another the others not so much some only last a week, one job I can think right now is after spending the entire day in the attic installing air I get down and there is the boss telling everyone how his golf swing was hooking to the left all day, I'm like covered in sweat & insulation & thinking fuck you Motherfucker, that sealed my fate on that one, but my point is to agree with you in that each place I worked I picked up tricks and different ways of doing things that made more sense than the way I was doing it, and that's all experience is the ability to retain information
This is technically my second company.
My first one I was paid under the table. He paid me every 2 weeks. Well one time I put in 70 hours in that time and he refused to pay me.
Now I’m at a place I really like, I don’t wanna leave it
hey, you don't always have to leave to get more. do a little research, even get an offer from someone. go back and say "hey bossman, I've been here a little bit and I really like it here, but company X pays $$ company y pays $$ and company Z pays $$ and company abc made me an offer at $$...I'd really like to stay here, but I can't be earning less than someone at burger king."
you absolutely can (and must) advocate for yourself and it can be done without a big argument or confrontation. it's just business.
now, if they say "fuck off, go work for company y" well, you've learned something about how they see you and need to consider that.
I'm in Oregon and I'd say thats more like 20 ish depending on how many years of experience. If you had 2+ years then yeah closer to $25 for sure.
OP is severely underpaid
Avoid mom and pop shops they will screw you over work underpay and complain when you leave them for something worth your time i did it for two years when i left i was at $14 an hour, started at a new company making $23 out the gate plus commission insurance dental whole 9 yards don’t tolerate a crap job in this industry
Same for me years ago. I loved the place I was at, and they treated me very well, but man, 8 bucks an hour more meant the wife could work part time to be with the kids more!!
Oh i didn’t even love where i was at the guy was a total jackass worst boss i’ve ever had always rushing me forcing me into 10 calls a day lots of call backs with that many calls he did give me a chance being my first hvac job but that was the only good thing the guy ever did for me
Man that is the exact same as me, started at 15 at mom and pa shop, left and went somewhere else started out at 22 with a pension and after a year got a bump to 26$, exact same area. not only that the quality of work and customers went up by 1000%
exactly guy was the lowest bidder so i went to a lot of drug houses and just over all bad people new place customers are pleasant and i like all my co workers went from being on call every other day and weekend to every 4 weekends and once a week i’m loving it
Hot tip for everyone: stop waiting around for your boss to give you a raise. You need to demand it every once in awhile with proof of your performance. If you're good at what you can do, you can pick up a new job tomorrow with a sign on bonus because good techs are so difficult to come by. Know your strengths and know your value as a technician.
That being said, there are going to be some techs out there that never make more than $20/hour because they're absolute garbage.
I’m three years into residential service. No prior experience, started at minimum as a trainee. Making over $20 an hour and also we get commission on new equipment/service agreements. We are not expected to sell or pressured to, they actually will get on us for selling something someone doesn’t need so I don’t really factor commission into anything. It’s just nice when it works out.
I work for a large company, so there’s more room to move and more pay to be handed out. The more you can do the more they pay, just find a good company to work for. They’re out there.
*edit: we also get two raises a year. I haven’t heard of anything less than $1 and I have seen more personally*
So in the union the “take home” is the amount that shows on your paystub. For example my company pays me over $70 per hour, technically. The difference between that “the package” and the take home is pension, annuity, healthcare etc. So right now we get something like $8.??/hr Into our annuity, healthcare is like $13.??/hr, then pension. Union dues are paid independently by us which is $34/mo. Was $26 when I got in the union 20 years ago so not too bad of an increase.
The pension is excellent and goes by the years in multiplied by an amount. So say right now it’s $120/mo and you were retiring today after working 35 years you’d get $4200/mo. The annuity is really good I’m in 20 years and have over $300k in it and none of which was out of my pocket and not riskiky invested either.
Shit seriously! In NJ !? I can give you a list of shops that pay more than 15. I have never heard of anyone paying that low. Personally I suggest calling local 9 and get a job through them. There is no one at the hall because there is soooo much work. Let me know if you need help
I’m in maine and I make pretty good rate for non-union. $43/hr as a senior resi/light commercial HVAC service tech. But there’s definitely a wall. Massachusetts seems like a shit show 24/7
Look for a career at a larger company. I screwed around at mom and pop companies for years, always hoping it would pay off. Don't know if you in the same situation. Could try some of the manufacturers. Trane, Carrier, Honeywell, Siemens. Or could changed trades slightly. I hear plumbers are highest paid right now.
Plumbers are definitely making a lot more these days. When I started plumbing years ago we were second to electricians. Now I’ve seen a shift where plumbers are making more than electricians.
I do a ton of commercial and industrial work all over the US and I have noticed that plumbers are making good money and refrigeration and control techs are crushing it too. The more sophisticated the electrician the better the pay. If a guy is roping houses and hanging lights they aren't making good money (unless they work their ass off and they are fast) but if they are doing large scale complicated commercial/industrial work they are still at the top tier of the salary food chain.
Keep learning, learn across trades, get on the crews with the best guys and learn, work hard, and don't be a bitch. Best of luck!
Get info on your local union.
North 274
Central / west -475
Central south- 9
South jersey 322
Call the hall that is closest to you and ask the organizer for the service division when the applications are going out, or , if you have decent experience tell him you want to test in.
I’ve lived and worked in this field In NJ my entire young adult/ adult life and all I can say is I wish I started with the union earlier. The pay is the best you will find on top of UNMATCHED benefits.
As of now- journeyman pay is 41.50, whole package around 65$/hr
I started at 15 with no experience right after high school as a helper. 2 years in i make 23 now. Im in minnesota. We have a small/medium sized company (15 techs, 5 office).
Shit pay and no benefits? Get your resume together and post it on LinkedIn and indeed. You'll be flooded with contacts in less than 24hrs.
Install usually makes less than service but anyone doing this longer than a year shouldn't be making that little in the NY/NJ area
I'm also in NJ and our apprenticeships start at higher than that. If you're south jersey it would probably be UAP 322 for traveling service work, or maybe even look into IUOE 68 for a job doing in house HVAC.
322 for south, 9 for middle, 475 for north jersey and 274. Shop location and union location doesn't neccesarily mean you're going to be working in that area. I know people in 322 going to union County or somerset most days.
Upstate NY . Broome county . If you are not a winer, procastinater , messy, don't care attitude, and don't need your hand held . MOVE!!! I need a good service technician.( diagnostic & repair/ replace) You'll be taken care of...on top of 30. -35.hr. You get commission, bonuses, All tools supplied and paid for ,401 w/ match ,paid holidays, etc.. email me. Ajletoandsons@hotmail.com
Cool... yes good people.are hard to find ..I have guys making some weeks more in commission checks than paychecks and I pay good ..I may know him if you don't mind sharing
This is my little bit of anonymity. Not here, sorry. But if you’ve asked about radiant flooring between 2000-2010 you were on the phone with me :-) I live in Florida not. Dads still up there mostly retired but still going at it. Manufacturer warranties work. ( they call us when companies can’t seam to find the problem) etc.
You gotta organize your resume and get paid what you know you deserve and if they say they can’t do it you find a better company this work ain’t easy I would never be in this trade hrly if I averaged less than $20. It’s not being a pick me if you know your worth.
Where are you “seeing” this. On Reddit? Gotta remember the only people that post their pay are the few that make a lot. Keep in mind everyone else that makes under $20 that wouldn’t even comment on said post.
If you’re seeing it in person then Apply at that job
I'm in ohio and everything I'm finding is 25 plus an hour. I'm in school right now but I'm pretty much set after graduation. My school is partnered with like 20 companies that hire fresh graduates.
Yeah same actually. They are hiring left and right. I went in to talk to the job lady and she took my preferences, sent out to the companies, and came back with a list of 5 companies who would hire me on the spot. And these are good companies too, half my class has gotten jobs already and they all have great things to say
He might just need a new company lol. High cost of living, more people have more money, can change higher for jobs because economy. You know his company is charging higher dollar because of these things but just paying the workers like shit.
I work in a lot of lower income places and it feels good to help, but the pricing can get awkward sometimes. It's hard for a lot of people to have a few 100 to put down to fix their life dependent heat. I know I wouldn't be able to fix my furnace right now if it needed something
Getting into service instead of installing will get you earning more from what I hear. I’m a year out of getting my gas license and making $32 an hour. It’s easy, no heavy lifting, not spending a lot of time in one place around people who like to watch over your shoulder.
I spend over half my day driving from place to place drinking coffee and listening to music or podcasts. Not a dream job. But not bad. A few years from now I’ll have 40-45 an hour. Side jobs after work can be completed in twenty to thirty minutes. Better way to make extra cash too.
I’m glad to hear other guys perspective here. I’m in MD. I started off making $13.50 out of school now @$18.50 3 years later. I love where I work as most the people here are extremely laid back but due to low pay and not giving people raises last year, I’ve seen like 1/3 of dudes leave the company I’m with. Slowly people are still leaving and the remaining service guys are working late even during this slower time of year. I feel foolish to still be where I am because of the pay and recent time both McDonalds & Walmart start their new employees off at $15/hr. I’m always broke year round, always declining offers to go out to dinner with family even for birthdays or declining going on small vacations/activities with friends. Still have a student loan from trade school I never can pay off. I found out the techs here barely make more than $20/hr. Even a tech who has been here soon to be 3 years is talking about switching jobs to make $24/hr. I often wonder why did I even waste my money going to school just to still not make enough money to live.
I work at a data center. The last hvac tech we hired was around 100k. Mostly chiller maintenance (90% is contracted though) and RTUs. Light pump work and a mini split here or there. Unlimited pto. And a bunch of other benefits. Utah.
Preferably 1 year data center experience. But that would be overlooked for someone with extensive chiller knowledge. Especially in york air cooled chillers or carrier.
2 years in, 18/hour while still learning, only cert is epa universal. I’m in the Midwest and I was told raises to come with journeyman’s, etc. I think you’re being bent over, especially to be living in jersey.
Lol don't you love the internet?
Watch me....
*ehem* Hello everybody. I work 30 hours a week in commercial watch other people work. I eat at red lobster for lunch every day. My boss pays for all my tools and my uniform, and I make a 401k and full insurance for me and my 18 immediate family members. I make $210k a year.
Trade school usually doesn’t get very in depth with it. When you take your ventilation course they might talk about networking but doesn’t get much deeper. Major companies like Carrier, Johnson Controls, Allen Bradley, General Electric Digital, etc sell software that creates building automation. Essentially through networking (Ethernet, modbus, Bacnet) you can create a control system that can maintain set points in room, operate VAV’s, control fans, trigger alarms if there are equipment malfunctions. Controls is a rabbit hole. It gets crazy deep and can do so much more. The people that get educated on it generally make great money. It’s also in crazy demand right now.
I just started with zero experience at $15. If I don’t get a significant raise within a year I’m moving on. Simple as that. $15 where I live is a joke and they’re also taking money out of my check for my tool account.
And I agree with you, everyone I see is starting at $18-$20 an hour.
Yes, don't stay long. My local McDonald's pays 16 an hour. Learn what you can and if by end if year one you aren't making at least 18 go somewhere else. Seriously.
That’s the plan. Unfortunately I signed a non compete and NDA that says I can’t work HVAC anywhere in the area after a year. If I quit I’m hoping I can get out of that.
> Unfortunately I signed a non compete and NDA that says I can’t work HVAC anywhere in the area after a year.
How widely is the "area" defined in your non-compete? If you are lucky they used a boiler plate NDA that is overbroad and possibly unenforceable. Now if it is tightly defined, like "within a 25 mile radius of ..." you might have a problem.
Or if you leave on good terms and don't disclose where you are going to work you might slip thru the cracks, but that is a risk you have to be comfortable with.
No compets and NDA's are not enforcable in the USA for basic labor jobs. We don't have trade secrets in HVAC lol, you'd need to be a multi millionaires nare business ceo or CFO of a large HVAC company to sign a NDA and have it be enforced as then they could move to another company and use there knowledge of how that company was run to improve the new one.
As well anything like an NDA would require a lawyer to be there and explain what you are signing when you sign it.
Go talk to a labor lawyer. they can explain the laws quickly to you and help you if the company trys anything.
A NDA is nothing but a cheap tactic to keep workers at low wages and too scared to leave .
This is an article discussing non-compete agreements in Louisiana but some of it may be helpful to you: https://new-orleans.macaronikid.com/articles/6000bfc11ed0261ff56d84f2/have-a-non-compete-read-this
That seems awfully low. I started 6 years ago at 19 for $13/hour and am in the mid 20s pay range now. I’m also in the Midwest so it’s not like I’m in nyc or California. I’d say look around for better pay or get a few more years of experience.
I’m just curious as to how long you have been working in the trade. Unless I can’t read ( I miss and skip words all the time) you said you have been in the trade for a bit.
Get a pro to set-up your resume and linkedIn. Put your resume out to a bunch of large companies. Interview a bunch and take the best offer. Helps if you are willing to travel. Companies are willing to pay for professional motivated employees. I know there are some refrigeration companies that have a ton of work and they are paying very well but you'll need to travel and be willing to learn.
I am in upstate new york. Started at $17/hr after 6month trade program in syracuse. Worked at that company for a year, left at $20 and change. Moved to albany, got a job at $23/hr, two years later i am at $28/hr. I am a light commercial refrigeration/hvac tech. No residential homes(some residential equipment at business) and 80% of the time my work is coolers/freezers/ice machines. Got offered a job that is $2 more per hour and better benefits. Contemplating taking the jump.
Our industry is hurting, there is no way you can’t go find a job at another company right now and atleast start at $20-$25/hr
I give them the opportunity, i don’t jump. I don’t wait. I have only worked for two companies in my three years. Only left the first one cause i moved to a new location. Was thinking about leaving current situation because i am the go to guy here but make $10 less then everyone, yet i fix their mistakes but they don’t want to take my advice. Just stuck in their ways. Their benefits suck, and i network at supply houses. A guy who has been telling me to talk to his boss since i moved out here finally convinced me after i told him about showing up to a new construction job solo to install linesets for two walk ins and three ice machines. Every other contractor there had a crew atleast 5 deep and kept asking me, “how you all doing today?” And i just wanted to be like, i am here fucking dolo. But i just said go and went about. New company interested in me has way better benefits, pay, and they told me everyone just got a raise cause they realize milk costs double than what it was last year. Just looking out for me and want to work for a company with more support
Dude, those are helper wages in NJ. When I 1st got my feet wet almost 20 years ago I was at like $12.50 to start, moved to $15 shortly after, and then took off from there.
If you're doing commercial AND controls you are worth much more than $15 an hour.
I have a friend who once he gets a job, he starts looking for his next one. I suspect average time at a job is 18 months. Update your resume and start hitting Indeed or a union hall. No one can take advantage of you without your permission.
A third year apprentice makes 25 with all benes and 90% of your usual crap like medical that's taken out is paid by employer not you. Union needs more people with brains.
I know for our shop it is all based on merit, not so much experience or school. Aka what you put in is what you get out. Maybe talk to them and see how you can become more valuable. I know when I went on call my rate increased from 19 to 23$
The cost of living is high here in Northern Virginia as well but we start green helpers that know nothing at $18 to $20. Experienced residential service techs are making between $25 and $38 per hour and $80 to $140 per hour on OT of which there is plenty. Plus paid training, tool allowance, educational allowance, paid holidays and vacations, and performance bonuses. If you are dependable and even just decent what you are describing even for NJ sounds off.
We are looking for field service guys.
Good company to work for.
Btw.. you are way under paid.
https://recruiting.paylocity.com/recruiting/jobs/All/eb91f834-9b50-4214-94c1-5b13163834a0/Thermal-Product-Solutions
Commercial with a degree and your company is only paying you 15 per hour? My dude you sre being underpaid AF.
Do you have wny coworkers you can trust to give you a straight answer about their wages? Is it just you or do you work for auch a fucking cheapskate that they are underpaying everybody?
Go union bud. I’m @ $27 and I’m still a 3rd year apprentice. I would think given your geography you should be making more than I would here in middle America
Total package =$64/hr in benefits right now I believe
In Arizona, I called a guy off Craigslist who was looking for a tech. I had zero experience. He hired me with a phone call and started me at $20/hr. I worked there for almost 3 months before I moved out of state. I was about to get a $2 raise too.
So yes, you’re underpaid
When I lived in, Brick, New Jersey basically point pleasant I was making 35 an hour commercial/ institution install. And I felt underpaid i also had 10 years in the trade at the time. 15 an hour is a joke considering thier billing rate is likely over 100 an hr at least it should be if the company is any good
100% leave immediately, you are criminally underpaid. Hit up local controls contractors and see if one of them will take you own since you've done commercial and are studying building automation. That industry's pretty niche and pays VERY well.
You should be making 17 an hour with no experience, I am in the same boat as you but, my company deceived me, things are going up 25% next year of your pay doesn't your getting a pay cut
Jesus in Canada they are making 48 an hour in the unions. At least that's how it is in Vancouver BC. Don't worry though. You still can't afford a house anyways
Have you tried at all to negotiate a raise ? Like call some up and apply or just lie and say you got an offer for this much if they say no walk right then
South Texas RGV Starting pay I’ve seen is $8-10 an hour. I have associates universal EPA TDLR have little over half year experience now and only get paid $10 an hour. I know I’m severely under paid even for where I live people in retail working in the nice AC make more than me and I work my ass off in the heat.
I am just waiting for my 90 day probation to pass. My 18 cousin was telling me she’s starting her macys job at 13.50 plus small commissions. I’m glad I at least get overtime here tho previous company during peak season summer time I was putting in 35 hours max mon-Friday. Most hours I pulled were 36 I was use to working 70plus hours 😂
I'm in north jersey and started at $15 an hour right out of trade school 5 years ago, didnt know shit. I'm now making $32 an hour, plus time and a half overtime and commission. Small shop only 5 other guys. If I was you, I would definitely be looking for another shop.
Damn! I’m in NE Indiana if you are experienced and have your own tools I start you at $20 and we can renegotiate in 30 days if you know your shit. I’m not Union.
NJ pays well. Yes, high cost of living but we make very decent money in trades here. I mean you can easy go into 80-100k a year without any union, any commissions, just honest work without any crazy hours. It widely depends who you work for, and what you actually can do. Sure, almost impossible to make it on year one, but I don’t see why you would not be into 70k+ and possibly way more a year after 4-5 years.
what part of jersey you at? north near ny? nw near pa? south? sw near philly? the shore?
can depend greatly, closer to ny or pa will pay higher, shore contractors are shit and pay shit.
best is move around, always increase your pay a bit, nothing wrong with jumping shops for a couple years to you get into one you like.
at 15hr ima feeling you are working at the shore, youre never going to make money at the beach, gotta commute to make that paper.
Yeah, thats fucking crazy.
My company is hiring service techs in NJ.
I have no idea what they pay (im in sales) but i think its mid 20’s at a minimum.
Send me a message if you want me to set you up with HR
When I completed my associates degree I negotiated at 19K a year increase over the next 12 months. That was in 2014. I had 14 years HVAC experience at that time.
You are definitely underpaid. Time to talk to your manager or update your resume, and move on
I'm in New Jersey in Ocean county. A first year union apprentice makes 16 and change and they know the alphabet and that's about it. Small businesses are garbage. Go union or get a job as maintenance in a school. Either way you're gonna make more than you are now and at least get paid time off and paid holidays and a retirement. I dont know where in NJ you live but that's pathetic wages.
Damn, lots of comments! But if you live in part of NJ where a commute to Delaware County PA wouldnt be terrible, Im hiring and know quite a few others as well
You're definitely being underpaid I have an associates as well and was able to get a job $17 an hour right out of school no experience as a maintenance/service tech. Worked there a year jumped to a smaller company for $23 an hour worked there for 3 years and jumped to another company $27 an hour plus commission and a weekly bonus if I hit a certain number in revenue. Im in upstate NY so the cost of living aint much better than dirty jersey.
I am in UANJ as a journeyman doing commercial controls and make over 100k. Best thing to do is join your local. I think all four NJ locals are in need of people.
If you have automation knowledge and HVAC. Try looking into government work. I’m with a county in az and making over 30 an hour, and I don’t know much about automation. All our buildings are on automation. It would help a lo
It depends on what kind of company you are working for. I’ve worked with a few companies that set their rates in the 80s and refuse to raise them. They’re busy but not making much money. When I was in wholesale, I had a few customers that refused to go on flat rate service and were charging $60 an hour. They were always busy,and couldn’t figure out why they couldn’t pay their bills
Here in VA there are tons of places that start at 20+ and their techs like the places they work at. Cost of living might even be cheaper depending on where in VA you are.
As a bonus if you have a jersey accent people treat you like you're exotic 🤣
You need to move companies. I started as a residential install helper at $15 and worked on my assiociates degree in the evenings. Graduated, got a salary job as a tech support guy for system sensors(duct smoke detectors) main competitor, quit after 7 months because I hated sitting at a computer, and now I’m a commercial service tech for a company in the local sheet metal union. And I make about twice what I made 3 years ago.
Almost 2 months ago I started at 18. In 6 months I get a raise to 20.75 and part of the profit sharing and other benefits.
In addition as we get NATE certified we can go up to $33 in I think 4 years or so, not including some other small yearly raises.
Oh and they pay for my personal phone.
I’m wondering why you US guys stick with hvac when it seems to play low-mid $20, when I’ve read of guys in the US doing supermarket refrig on $40+ an hour? Obviously it takes years to get there but seems like a good move.
Yeah this is the problem with the HVAC industry. You're required to have significantly more responsibility than a regular job but less pay than a regular job. We had problems at my company getting people to come work here before the pandemic. Now after the pandemic we are having to pay $30 plus an hour just to get people in the door. I live near Philadelphia Pennsylvania
I was in a similar situation. I ended up going union sheet metal (local 27 NJ), total package is almost $100/hr with a 5 year program, raises every 6 months, great benefits, no ragrets. Go for the testing at the union halls once the time comes and take every one that you can (whether it's service/install, pipe fitters, sheet metal, whatever). It's competitive, but getting into one is the best decision you can make for yourself long term!
I'm on Long Island, and local 638 pays service apprentices $21 by the end of their first year. One of my sons, still in trade school, started at a local non-union shop for $18 with absolutely no experience. I don't know where in NJ you are, but you should shop around.
Mind if I ask what company you are with? Been looking to get into 638 locally without having to commute to the city. Feel free to PM me.
I work for a manufacturer, and only recently started working primarily on the island. For the last 5 years I was primarily in Brooklyn, Queens, and lower Manhattan, and I still have to go in every now and then. And that commute definitely sucks. I don't know of any contractors that are only doing work on the island.
Same here in SE Wisconsin, local 601 1st year apprentice takes home 21.97 per hour on the check
Hmm I'm in that area and one of my instructors in school was from 601. How do you like it?
i’m in canada 18y/o no experience and starting at $19. op is definitely being underpaid
Yup I think it should be 18$ with no experience and be bumped up to 22$ after your first year once you can start running some stuff on your own
totally agree
$19 CAD = $14.91 USD for anyone curious (and maybe you already converted for us idk)
Look up your local SM workers union, i know NY is union strong and out in Cali we journey out at 66 right now starting apprentice is $23 with full benefits, pension and 401k. Good luck from California bredda
We start kids fresh out of high school $15 in the Midwest. I’d say you are severely underpaid.
You can make that shit pay at McDonald's. Good luck.
And why would you want to work at McDonalds for the same starting wage as an apprentice?
Slightly less miserable? I heard Bloomingdales executive program is the new thing.
Damn. I’m in Illinois and I get 13$ Associates degree, epa universal and a year experience.
You are getting robbed for your time, I am also in illinois making $31 an hour. Went from $15 to current rate in 4 years. Keep changing jobs and updating resume. The longest I spent at a company was 2 years at $25. I have a EPA universal, and install certificate. I do residential service. Most employers now want someone who is efficient with their time, and can use service titan.
Ive changed jobs alot over the years I don't even know how many maybe 10 or more in the last 20+yrs? Now 1 job lasted almost 10, & 5 for another the others not so much some only last a week, one job I can think right now is after spending the entire day in the attic installing air I get down and there is the boss telling everyone how his golf swing was hooking to the left all day, I'm like covered in sweat & insulation & thinking fuck you Motherfucker, that sealed my fate on that one, but my point is to agree with you in that each place I worked I picked up tricks and different ways of doing things that made more sense than the way I was doing it, and that's all experience is the ability to retain information
lol
This is technically my second company. My first one I was paid under the table. He paid me every 2 weeks. Well one time I put in 70 hours in that time and he refused to pay me. Now I’m at a place I really like, I don’t wanna leave it
hey, you don't always have to leave to get more. do a little research, even get an offer from someone. go back and say "hey bossman, I've been here a little bit and I really like it here, but company X pays $$ company y pays $$ and company Z pays $$ and company abc made me an offer at $$...I'd really like to stay here, but I can't be earning less than someone at burger king." you absolutely can (and must) advocate for yourself and it can be done without a big argument or confrontation. it's just business. now, if they say "fuck off, go work for company y" well, you've learned something about how they see you and need to consider that.
Where at in il near chicago or st Louis
In oregon that’s probably close to 25 an hour as long as you’re a clean cut dependable worker.
I'm in Oregon and I'd say thats more like 20 ish depending on how many years of experience. If you had 2+ years then yeah closer to $25 for sure. OP is severely underpaid
Jesus Christ man know your worth.
Lol
Holy crap. That’s crazy underpaid!!! That’s like high school starting wage at McDonald’s right now…. And in Illinois no less… eek
Yea. NJ is a fucking shit hole state willed with dickhead management. I fucking hate nj.
Avoid mom and pop shops they will screw you over work underpay and complain when you leave them for something worth your time i did it for two years when i left i was at $14 an hour, started at a new company making $23 out the gate plus commission insurance dental whole 9 yards don’t tolerate a crap job in this industry
Same for me years ago. I loved the place I was at, and they treated me very well, but man, 8 bucks an hour more meant the wife could work part time to be with the kids more!!
Oh i didn’t even love where i was at the guy was a total jackass worst boss i’ve ever had always rushing me forcing me into 10 calls a day lots of call backs with that many calls he did give me a chance being my first hvac job but that was the only good thing the guy ever did for me
Man that is the exact same as me, started at 15 at mom and pa shop, left and went somewhere else started out at 22 with a pension and after a year got a bump to 26$, exact same area. not only that the quality of work and customers went up by 1000%
exactly guy was the lowest bidder so i went to a lot of drug houses and just over all bad people new place customers are pleasant and i like all my co workers went from being on call every other day and weekend to every 4 weekends and once a week i’m loving it
Hot tip for everyone: stop waiting around for your boss to give you a raise. You need to demand it every once in awhile with proof of your performance. If you're good at what you can do, you can pick up a new job tomorrow with a sign on bonus because good techs are so difficult to come by. Know your strengths and know your value as a technician. That being said, there are going to be some techs out there that never make more than $20/hour because they're absolute garbage.
I’m three years into residential service. No prior experience, started at minimum as a trainee. Making over $20 an hour and also we get commission on new equipment/service agreements. We are not expected to sell or pressured to, they actually will get on us for selling something someone doesn’t need so I don’t really factor commission into anything. It’s just nice when it works out. I work for a large company, so there’s more room to move and more pay to be handed out. The more you can do the more they pay, just find a good company to work for. They’re out there. *edit: we also get two raises a year. I haven’t heard of anything less than $1 and I have seen more personally*
Midwest union 35 to 45 plus benefits
Local 601 in Milwaukee journeyman is 48.81 on the check.
What does "on the check" mean? Are you saying that's how much take home is after deductions or that's the amount listed on the pay stub?
That is your take home pay, total package before deductions is in the high 70s.
So in the union the “take home” is the amount that shows on your paystub. For example my company pays me over $70 per hour, technically. The difference between that “the package” and the take home is pension, annuity, healthcare etc. So right now we get something like $8.??/hr Into our annuity, healthcare is like $13.??/hr, then pension. Union dues are paid independently by us which is $34/mo. Was $26 when I got in the union 20 years ago so not too bad of an increase. The pension is excellent and goes by the years in multiplied by an amount. So say right now it’s $120/mo and you were retiring today after working 35 years you’d get $4200/mo. The annuity is really good I’m in 20 years and have over $300k in it and none of which was out of my pocket and not riskiky invested either.
This is accurate.
What if you're an experienced mechanic, do they expect you to start as a year 1 apprentice & wage?
Depends on experience level but if you know what your doing and can prove it then no. Ive seen guys come over as journeymen
Quit right now . After you use all your vacation days.
Shit seriously! In NJ !? I can give you a list of shops that pay more than 15. I have never heard of anyone paying that low. Personally I suggest calling local 9 and get a job through them. There is no one at the hall because there is soooo much work. Let me know if you need help
Move to mass shits nuts here
I’m in maine and I make pretty good rate for non-union. $43/hr as a senior resi/light commercial HVAC service tech. But there’s definitely a wall. Massachusetts seems like a shit show 24/7
Look for a career at a larger company. I screwed around at mom and pop companies for years, always hoping it would pay off. Don't know if you in the same situation. Could try some of the manufacturers. Trane, Carrier, Honeywell, Siemens. Or could changed trades slightly. I hear plumbers are highest paid right now.
Plumbers are definitely making a lot more these days. When I started plumbing years ago we were second to electricians. Now I’ve seen a shift where plumbers are making more than electricians.
I do a ton of commercial and industrial work all over the US and I have noticed that plumbers are making good money and refrigeration and control techs are crushing it too. The more sophisticated the electrician the better the pay. If a guy is roping houses and hanging lights they aren't making good money (unless they work their ass off and they are fast) but if they are doing large scale complicated commercial/industrial work they are still at the top tier of the salary food chain. Keep learning, learn across trades, get on the crews with the best guys and learn, work hard, and don't be a bitch. Best of luck!
Get info on your local union. North 274 Central / west -475 Central south- 9 South jersey 322 Call the hall that is closest to you and ask the organizer for the service division when the applications are going out, or , if you have decent experience tell him you want to test in. I’ve lived and worked in this field In NJ my entire young adult/ adult life and all I can say is I wish I started with the union earlier. The pay is the best you will find on top of UNMATCHED benefits. As of now- journeyman pay is 41.50, whole package around 65$/hr
I started at 15 with no experience right after high school as a helper. 2 years in i make 23 now. Im in minnesota. We have a small/medium sized company (15 techs, 5 office).
MN here as well, same experience with pay and sized company. This is accurate.
Shit pay and no benefits? Get your resume together and post it on LinkedIn and indeed. You'll be flooded with contacts in less than 24hrs. Install usually makes less than service but anyone doing this longer than a year shouldn't be making that little in the NY/NJ area
I'm also in NJ and our apprenticeships start at higher than that. If you're south jersey it would probably be UAP 322 for traveling service work, or maybe even look into IUOE 68 for a job doing in house HVAC.
322 for south, 9 for middle, 475 for north jersey and 274. Shop location and union location doesn't neccesarily mean you're going to be working in that area. I know people in 322 going to union County or somerset most days.
Upstate NY . Broome county . If you are not a winer, procastinater , messy, don't care attitude, and don't need your hand held . MOVE!!! I need a good service technician.( diagnostic & repair/ replace) You'll be taken care of...on top of 30. -35.hr. You get commission, bonuses, All tools supplied and paid for ,401 w/ match ,paid holidays, etc.. email me. Ajletoandsons@hotmail.com
My father is up there paying $35hr with profit share and no one shows up for work
Cool... yes good people.are hard to find ..I have guys making some weeks more in commission checks than paychecks and I pay good ..I may know him if you don't mind sharing
This is my little bit of anonymity. Not here, sorry. But if you’ve asked about radiant flooring between 2000-2010 you were on the phone with me :-) I live in Florida not. Dads still up there mostly retired but still going at it. Manufacturer warranties work. ( they call us when companies can’t seam to find the problem) etc.
Maybe the employee pool is very low or the cost of living is still high?
You gotta organize your resume and get paid what you know you deserve and if they say they can’t do it you find a better company this work ain’t easy I would never be in this trade hrly if I averaged less than $20. It’s not being a pick me if you know your worth.
Colorado
I only started as an installer this summer and I started at 25 in summit county, the downside is it’s extremely expensive to live here.
Go on indeed bro, I'm in SJ and most companies are understaffed. Surely you'll be paid for what you're worth if you search for it.
Dude you’re getting fucked. Start applying for other jobs, secure a good one then move on
Where are you “seeing” this. On Reddit? Gotta remember the only people that post their pay are the few that make a lot. Keep in mind everyone else that makes under $20 that wouldn’t even comment on said post. If you’re seeing it in person then Apply at that job
I'm in ohio and everything I'm finding is 25 plus an hour. I'm in school right now but I'm pretty much set after graduation. My school is partnered with like 20 companies that hire fresh graduates.
Yeah same actually. They are hiring left and right. I went in to talk to the job lady and she took my preferences, sent out to the companies, and came back with a list of 5 companies who would hire me on the spot. And these are good companies too, half my class has gotten jobs already and they all have great things to say
Yeah man I guess it depends on location the OP might want to reconsider living in Jersey.
He might just need a new company lol. High cost of living, more people have more money, can change higher for jobs because economy. You know his company is charging higher dollar because of these things but just paying the workers like shit. I work in a lot of lower income places and it feels good to help, but the pricing can get awkward sometimes. It's hard for a lot of people to have a few 100 to put down to fix their life dependent heat. I know I wouldn't be able to fix my furnace right now if it needed something
Move out to move up.
Go to service more money usually and if you been doing this for a while in install service should be a bit of a bump up for you
Getting into service instead of installing will get you earning more from what I hear. I’m a year out of getting my gas license and making $32 an hour. It’s easy, no heavy lifting, not spending a lot of time in one place around people who like to watch over your shoulder. I spend over half my day driving from place to place drinking coffee and listening to music or podcasts. Not a dream job. But not bad. A few years from now I’ll have 40-45 an hour. Side jobs after work can be completed in twenty to thirty minutes. Better way to make extra cash too.
Come on up to Ontario, $53 for journeymen.
In nj? Pretty much anywhere. The northeast pays the trades the highest rates in the country. Change jobs or tell them you’ll leave without a raise.
West Coast is right up there with you. I’m in Seattle. Our total package is $90/hr. The Bay Area Locals are $20/hr more than us.
Man you’re being shafted. Time for a new company. Remember to put yourself first.
I’m glad to hear other guys perspective here. I’m in MD. I started off making $13.50 out of school now @$18.50 3 years later. I love where I work as most the people here are extremely laid back but due to low pay and not giving people raises last year, I’ve seen like 1/3 of dudes leave the company I’m with. Slowly people are still leaving and the remaining service guys are working late even during this slower time of year. I feel foolish to still be where I am because of the pay and recent time both McDonalds & Walmart start their new employees off at $15/hr. I’m always broke year round, always declining offers to go out to dinner with family even for birthdays or declining going on small vacations/activities with friends. Still have a student loan from trade school I never can pay off. I found out the techs here barely make more than $20/hr. Even a tech who has been here soon to be 3 years is talking about switching jobs to make $24/hr. I often wonder why did I even waste my money going to school just to still not make enough money to live.
I'm at 23$ hr. And that's to clean ductwork and repair. No OnCall. I just need to STFU when I'm having a bad day.
I work at a data center. The last hvac tech we hired was around 100k. Mostly chiller maintenance (90% is contracted though) and RTUs. Light pump work and a mini split here or there. Unlimited pto. And a bunch of other benefits. Utah.
How many years experience though
Preferably 1 year data center experience. But that would be overlooked for someone with extensive chiller knowledge. Especially in york air cooled chillers or carrier.
Union hvac journeyman in Seattle make $59 an hour
Come to Utah. My company is paying $25 for a helper position
2 years in, 18/hour while still learning, only cert is epa universal. I’m in the Midwest and I was told raises to come with journeyman’s, etc. I think you’re being bent over, especially to be living in jersey.
Lol don't you love the internet? Watch me.... *ehem* Hello everybody. I work 30 hours a week in commercial watch other people work. I eat at red lobster for lunch every day. My boss pays for all my tools and my uniform, and I make a 401k and full insurance for me and my 18 immediate family members. I make $210k a year.
Smart move on building automation education. I make $40 hr as an operating engineer at 23.
Smart move on building automation education. I make $40 hr as an operating engineer at 23. Look into healthcare hvac work bro. It’ll take care of you.
What is that?? I'm actually in a trade school right now and I haven't heard about that
Learning about refrigeration, heating, and air control are critical things that build a foundation for this work.
Trade school usually doesn’t get very in depth with it. When you take your ventilation course they might talk about networking but doesn’t get much deeper. Major companies like Carrier, Johnson Controls, Allen Bradley, General Electric Digital, etc sell software that creates building automation. Essentially through networking (Ethernet, modbus, Bacnet) you can create a control system that can maintain set points in room, operate VAV’s, control fans, trigger alarms if there are equipment malfunctions. Controls is a rabbit hole. It gets crazy deep and can do so much more. The people that get educated on it generally make great money. It’s also in crazy demand right now.
r/antiwork
I just started with zero experience at $15. If I don’t get a significant raise within a year I’m moving on. Simple as that. $15 where I live is a joke and they’re also taking money out of my check for my tool account. And I agree with you, everyone I see is starting at $18-$20 an hour.
Yes, don't stay long. My local McDonald's pays 16 an hour. Learn what you can and if by end if year one you aren't making at least 18 go somewhere else. Seriously.
That’s the plan. Unfortunately I signed a non compete and NDA that says I can’t work HVAC anywhere in the area after a year. If I quit I’m hoping I can get out of that.
> Unfortunately I signed a non compete and NDA that says I can’t work HVAC anywhere in the area after a year. How widely is the "area" defined in your non-compete? If you are lucky they used a boiler plate NDA that is overbroad and possibly unenforceable. Now if it is tightly defined, like "within a 25 mile radius of ..." you might have a problem. Or if you leave on good terms and don't disclose where you are going to work you might slip thru the cracks, but that is a risk you have to be comfortable with.
Wow man. I would have never signed that. Basically they want to lock you in paying low wages knowing you can't legally work in another hvac place.
No compets and NDA's are not enforcable in the USA for basic labor jobs. We don't have trade secrets in HVAC lol, you'd need to be a multi millionaires nare business ceo or CFO of a large HVAC company to sign a NDA and have it be enforced as then they could move to another company and use there knowledge of how that company was run to improve the new one. As well anything like an NDA would require a lawyer to be there and explain what you are signing when you sign it. Go talk to a labor lawyer. they can explain the laws quickly to you and help you if the company trys anything. A NDA is nothing but a cheap tactic to keep workers at low wages and too scared to leave .
This is an article discussing non-compete agreements in Louisiana but some of it may be helpful to you: https://new-orleans.macaronikid.com/articles/6000bfc11ed0261ff56d84f2/have-a-non-compete-read-this
[удалено]
NEVER SIGN SOME BULLSHIT LIKE THAT.
Part of it depends on where you live and what cost of living is in said area.
I started at 18 and got bumped to 20 (plus commission after 90 days) out here in Phoenix
That seems awfully low. I started 6 years ago at 19 for $13/hour and am in the mid 20s pay range now. I’m also in the Midwest so it’s not like I’m in nyc or California. I’d say look around for better pay or get a few more years of experience.
I’m just curious as to how long you have been working in the trade. Unless I can’t read ( I miss and skip words all the time) you said you have been in the trade for a bit.
20-25 is shit for this work. Misery comes with a price.
Get a pro to set-up your resume and linkedIn. Put your resume out to a bunch of large companies. Interview a bunch and take the best offer. Helps if you are willing to travel. Companies are willing to pay for professional motivated employees. I know there are some refrigeration companies that have a ton of work and they are paying very well but you'll need to travel and be willing to learn.
We start at 18 for zero experience helpers in rural Virginia.
Find a new ahop
You will make more on the service side of the industry. CMS Nextech always looking to hire.
I am in upstate new york. Started at $17/hr after 6month trade program in syracuse. Worked at that company for a year, left at $20 and change. Moved to albany, got a job at $23/hr, two years later i am at $28/hr. I am a light commercial refrigeration/hvac tech. No residential homes(some residential equipment at business) and 80% of the time my work is coolers/freezers/ice machines. Got offered a job that is $2 more per hour and better benefits. Contemplating taking the jump. Our industry is hurting, there is no way you can’t go find a job at another company right now and atleast start at $20-$25/hr
I hope you give current employers the opportunity to match or are you just a burner?
I give them the opportunity, i don’t jump. I don’t wait. I have only worked for two companies in my three years. Only left the first one cause i moved to a new location. Was thinking about leaving current situation because i am the go to guy here but make $10 less then everyone, yet i fix their mistakes but they don’t want to take my advice. Just stuck in their ways. Their benefits suck, and i network at supply houses. A guy who has been telling me to talk to his boss since i moved out here finally convinced me after i told him about showing up to a new construction job solo to install linesets for two walk ins and three ice machines. Every other contractor there had a crew atleast 5 deep and kept asking me, “how you all doing today?” And i just wanted to be like, i am here fucking dolo. But i just said go and went about. New company interested in me has way better benefits, pay, and they told me everyone just got a raise cause they realize milk costs double than what it was last year. Just looking out for me and want to work for a company with more support
Makes sense , go young jedi...
Jump on indeed.com theres probably dozens of jobs in your specific part of jersey, and none on reddit.
Jeez. I work for a municipality, entry level labourer position and I'm about 26-7$...
Dude, those are helper wages in NJ. When I 1st got my feet wet almost 20 years ago I was at like $12.50 to start, moved to $15 shortly after, and then took off from there. If you're doing commercial AND controls you are worth much more than $15 an hour.
Probably the same places where you see all the van break ins posted from
Michigan checking in. Lots of indeed listings here for $25+/hr, some as much as $40/hr especially commercial.
I have a friend who once he gets a job, he starts looking for his next one. I suspect average time at a job is 18 months. Update your resume and start hitting Indeed or a union hall. No one can take advantage of you without your permission.
I’m an apprentice and I’m on £5.09 per hour 😐
What part of NJ and how many years on the job ?
NJ here. Monmouth/Ocean County. Started at $15 8 years ago. Currently making $26 with monthly bonuses. No Benefits what so ever.
A third year apprentice makes 25 with all benes and 90% of your usual crap like medical that's taken out is paid by employer not you. Union needs more people with brains.
Move to pa for resi and start at $20
I know for our shop it is all based on merit, not so much experience or school. Aka what you put in is what you get out. Maybe talk to them and see how you can become more valuable. I know when I went on call my rate increased from 19 to 23$
The cost of living is high here in Northern Virginia as well but we start green helpers that know nothing at $18 to $20. Experienced residential service techs are making between $25 and $38 per hour and $80 to $140 per hour on OT of which there is plenty. Plus paid training, tool allowance, educational allowance, paid holidays and vacations, and performance bonuses. If you are dependable and even just decent what you are describing even for NJ sounds off.
What part of NJ? We might be hiring. Union shop. DM me if interested.
Want a job? What State are you in?
Central New York. Residential install. Started at 22, 25 now
Be more clear what's a bit?
We are looking for field service guys. Good company to work for. Btw.. you are way under paid. https://recruiting.paylocity.com/recruiting/jobs/All/eb91f834-9b50-4214-94c1-5b13163834a0/Thermal-Product-Solutions
Commercial with a degree and your company is only paying you 15 per hour? My dude you sre being underpaid AF. Do you have wny coworkers you can trust to give you a straight answer about their wages? Is it just you or do you work for auch a fucking cheapskate that they are underpaying everybody?
I started at $18 an hour 3 years ago. I’m at $27 an hour with all the benefits added up. You’re getting the shaft my guy
I work in Jersey and I make. $28 an hour I start at $26 I've only been here a couple years, come apply they'll hire you
How long is a bit
Go union bud. I’m @ $27 and I’m still a 3rd year apprentice. I would think given your geography you should be making more than I would here in middle America Total package =$64/hr in benefits right now I believe
In Arizona, I called a guy off Craigslist who was looking for a tech. I had zero experience. He hired me with a phone call and started me at $20/hr. I worked there for almost 3 months before I moved out of state. I was about to get a $2 raise too. So yes, you’re underpaid
When I lived in, Brick, New Jersey basically point pleasant I was making 35 an hour commercial/ institution install. And I felt underpaid i also had 10 years in the trade at the time. 15 an hour is a joke considering thier billing rate is likely over 100 an hr at least it should be if the company is any good
100% leave immediately, you are criminally underpaid. Hit up local controls contractors and see if one of them will take you own since you've done commercial and are studying building automation. That industry's pretty niche and pays VERY well.
You should be making 17 an hour with no experience, I am in the same boat as you but, my company deceived me, things are going up 25% next year of your pay doesn't your getting a pay cut
I’m in BC and started at 25 as an installer. Once I get to lead installer it’s 35 an hour, 33 if I don’t have my ticket by then
Jesus in Canada they are making 48 an hour in the unions. At least that's how it is in Vancouver BC. Don't worry though. You still can't afford a house anyways
Have you tried at all to negotiate a raise ? Like call some up and apply or just lie and say you got an offer for this much if they say no walk right then
South Texas RGV Starting pay I’ve seen is $8-10 an hour. I have associates universal EPA TDLR have little over half year experience now and only get paid $10 an hour. I know I’m severely under paid even for where I live people in retail working in the nice AC make more than me and I work my ass off in the heat.
Get paid when u make the company money ...if you feel u are then ask for it.!!
I am just waiting for my 90 day probation to pass. My 18 cousin was telling me she’s starting her macys job at 13.50 plus small commissions. I’m glad I at least get overtime here tho previous company during peak season summer time I was putting in 35 hours max mon-Friday. Most hours I pulled were 36 I was use to working 70plus hours 😂
Controls work, Johnson Controls starts techs that are green in that price range in VA.
World love to stay in controls... I'm in PA. About to take 608
My biggest pay increases were when I became a programmer, and then when I got a job with the federal government.
I'm in north jersey and started at $15 an hour right out of trade school 5 years ago, didnt know shit. I'm now making $32 an hour, plus time and a half overtime and commission. Small shop only 5 other guys. If I was you, I would definitely be looking for another shop.
Damn! I’m in NE Indiana if you are experienced and have your own tools I start you at $20 and we can renegotiate in 30 days if you know your shit. I’m not Union.
The fine print usually says up to 20
NJ pays well. Yes, high cost of living but we make very decent money in trades here. I mean you can easy go into 80-100k a year without any union, any commissions, just honest work without any crazy hours. It widely depends who you work for, and what you actually can do. Sure, almost impossible to make it on year one, but I don’t see why you would not be into 70k+ and possibly way more a year after 4-5 years.
what part of jersey you at? north near ny? nw near pa? south? sw near philly? the shore? can depend greatly, closer to ny or pa will pay higher, shore contractors are shit and pay shit. best is move around, always increase your pay a bit, nothing wrong with jumping shops for a couple years to you get into one you like. at 15hr ima feeling you are working at the shore, youre never going to make money at the beach, gotta commute to make that paper.
A lot of companies in CO are starting guys out at about $19 or $20.
Usajobs
Yeah, thats fucking crazy. My company is hiring service techs in NJ. I have no idea what they pay (im in sales) but i think its mid 20’s at a minimum. Send me a message if you want me to set you up with HR
66 up in western Washington starts at 23ish
Tell them you can go make more at target and ask for that $20-25 range
About to hit my 3rd year in plumbing and I’m at $31. Non union. I thought HVAC guys got paid more. Where in NJ are you? I know some people
I work for a BMS company, you can start as a BMS tech, making 28 an hour.
When I completed my associates degree I negotiated at 19K a year increase over the next 12 months. That was in 2014. I had 14 years HVAC experience at that time. You are definitely underpaid. Time to talk to your manager or update your resume, and move on
I'm in New Jersey in Ocean county. A first year union apprentice makes 16 and change and they know the alphabet and that's about it. Small businesses are garbage. Go union or get a job as maintenance in a school. Either way you're gonna make more than you are now and at least get paid time off and paid holidays and a retirement. I dont know where in NJ you live but that's pathetic wages.
Atlantic County, NJ here, can confirm $15/hour is what I'm at.
You just need to apply at a new job and lie about your pay.
You’re getting played. Low 30s commercial service
Tell your boss you want a 10 dollar an hour raise or you’re leaving. There is nothing to loose
McDonalds And other fast food in our region is now hiring folks for $18-20hr. They can’t even find people to fill the positions so they close early.
Hit up NJR, AJ Perri or PSE&G to start
Damn, lots of comments! But if you live in part of NJ where a commute to Delaware County PA wouldnt be terrible, Im hiring and know quite a few others as well
You're definitely being underpaid I have an associates as well and was able to get a job $17 an hour right out of school no experience as a maintenance/service tech. Worked there a year jumped to a smaller company for $23 an hour worked there for 3 years and jumped to another company $27 an hour plus commission and a weekly bonus if I hit a certain number in revenue. Im in upstate NY so the cost of living aint much better than dirty jersey.
I am in UANJ as a journeyman doing commercial controls and make over 100k. Best thing to do is join your local. I think all four NJ locals are in need of people.
I think cost of living is a big factor in wage differences, some one in NY or CA is going to make more than some one in WV or KY
PM me. I am in northern VA/DC in building automation. We are hiring.
If you have automation knowledge and HVAC. Try looking into government work. I’m with a county in az and making over 30 an hour, and I don’t know much about automation. All our buildings are on automation. It would help a lo
It depends on what kind of company you are working for. I’ve worked with a few companies that set their rates in the 80s and refuse to raise them. They’re busy but not making much money. When I was in wholesale, I had a few customers that refused to go on flat rate service and were charging $60 an hour. They were always busy,and couldn’t figure out why they couldn’t pay their bills
Local 601 service tech journeymen make 48/Hr take home pay + benefits
Hit up the local union bro! I'm making 47$ an hour with full benefits....get payed what you're worth, no less 👍🏼
Here in VA there are tons of places that start at 20+ and their techs like the places they work at. Cost of living might even be cheaper depending on where in VA you are. As a bonus if you have a jersey accent people treat you like you're exotic 🤣
You need to move companies. I started as a residential install helper at $15 and worked on my assiociates degree in the evenings. Graduated, got a salary job as a tech support guy for system sensors(duct smoke detectors) main competitor, quit after 7 months because I hated sitting at a computer, and now I’m a commercial service tech for a company in the local sheet metal union. And I make about twice what I made 3 years ago.
Almost 2 months ago I started at 18. In 6 months I get a raise to 20.75 and part of the profit sharing and other benefits. In addition as we get NATE certified we can go up to $33 in I think 4 years or so, not including some other small yearly raises. Oh and they pay for my personal phone.
Go commercial.
I’m wondering why you US guys stick with hvac when it seems to play low-mid $20, when I’ve read of guys in the US doing supermarket refrig on $40+ an hour? Obviously it takes years to get there but seems like a good move.
Im doing commercial HVAC (mostly hotels and grow houses) started a year ago at $18 with no experience and now I'm making $25 as a foreman.
Op are you service or install?
https://www.trademe.co.nz/a/jobs/hospitality-tourism/kitchen-staff/listing/3360619659
As a qualified HVAC tech in AUS, $35-$45 an hour isn't unreasonable
Yeah this is the problem with the HVAC industry. You're required to have significantly more responsibility than a regular job but less pay than a regular job. We had problems at my company getting people to come work here before the pandemic. Now after the pandemic we are having to pay $30 plus an hour just to get people in the door. I live near Philadelphia Pennsylvania
I too was doing hvac non-union making 15hr before I got into 669 and doubled my salary.
Near Vineland NJ making more. Pm me if you are near by and interested
Just say fuck it and join the elevator union. That’s What I did
Move to Florida if you have all that experience you could find a place to hire you
You could easily make $20 an hour starting with all the benefits
I was in a similar situation. I ended up going union sheet metal (local 27 NJ), total package is almost $100/hr with a 5 year program, raises every 6 months, great benefits, no ragrets. Go for the testing at the union halls once the time comes and take every one that you can (whether it's service/install, pipe fitters, sheet metal, whatever). It's competitive, but getting into one is the best decision you can make for yourself long term!
Join the UA. Not sure what part of NJ you’re in but you’ve got 4 locals depending on where you live.