Choosing a field to study is one of life’s major decisions. When it comes to spending money to further your education, it is not a decision to take lightly. Whether you are just out of high school or interested in pursuing a new career path, a career in the trade fields such as electrical, HVAC or plumbing just might be the right choice for you. Check out the benefits below to see if a career in these fields is the right occupation for you.
Jobs Now – When considering a career path a common factor is the assurance that there are positions available in your desired field of study. When it comes to HVAC, there are many jobs available right now. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, the growth rate of jobs in the HVAC field between 2012 and 2022 is 21 percent. This is almost double the growth rate of the average of all other occupations. These same statistics are true for plumbers. The growth rate of electricians is high as well with the growth rate at 20 percent.
Salary – Although it is said money doesn’t buy you happiness, it is necessary to pay the bills. In 2012, the median pay for HVAC technicians was $43,640 per year and $20.98 per hour. To put this in perspective, the U.S. Census Bureau recorded that the median household income in Pittsburgh was $39,884 in 2012. The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics also recorded that the median pay of plumbers in 2012 was $49,140 per year. Electricians earned the highest income in 2012 with a median of $49,840 annually. Those pursuing a career within one of these fields can also expect performance based bonuses.
Job Security – Even if our society modernizes so much that we’re riding around in hover cars, we will still need air conditioning, heating, electricity and plumbing. While information, tech and manufacturing jobs are increasingly being outsourced, the trades merely cannot be. When your furnace breaks, you are never going to send it to Japan to be fixed. Our society needs people who can manually fix things. In today’s society it is unusual to feel safe in a job, but those who are working in the trades, can experience the relief of job security. Not only does this field offer job security, but those who are more personable and have good communication skills excel in this line of work.
More Affordable Education – Although you don’t need a bachelor’s degree to become an electrician, HVAC technician or plumber, you do need training and education. Trade schools are much more affordable than universities. A 2014 article from the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette found that, “According to the 2014 World Almanac and Book of Facts, the average annual cost of tuition and fees at two-year institutions in the U.S. from 2011 to 2012 was $13,879 versus $23,479 for tuition and fees at four-year institutions.” Most of these programs and trade schools are from six months to two years, saving even more money on tuition.
These great benefits offered to those pursuing a career in Electric, HVAC or plumbing is not found in any other career. Your education of these fields do not stop after school, some companies, such as Gillece Services, offer paid training.
