Occupational Demand for HVAC Technicians in Des Moines, IA
The BLS (2019) workforce data indicates that HVAC and HVAC/R technicians can expect a 13 percent increase in new positions nationwide between 2018 and 2028. BLS data also indicates that new jobs for all US occupations during the same decade will only increase by 5 percent. The demand for Iowa HVAC technicians is even more favorable. Projections Central predicts a 19.3 percent statewide increase in new positions between 2016 and 2026.
Modern industries continue to keep the economy strong in Des Moines. Old and new companies expect sophisticated climate-controlled facilities. The city is growing, creating a demand for additional workplaces and residences. Many of the new structures are “smart buildings” that rely on technologically advanced HVAC and HVAC/R equipment and systems. Renovation of older buildings often means that obsolete equipment and systems must be replaced, retrofitted, or upgraded to meet contemporary energy efficiency and pollution reduction standards. In some instances, technological advances or changes in regulations mean that new equipment must be installed even if the structure was recently built. Many of the businesses in Des Moines require specialized climate-controlled areas.
Climate-control systems and equipment continue to increase in complexity. HVAC and HVAC/R technicians must have extensive training to install, maintain, or service contemporary systems. Technicians are expected to be skilled in using computers, understand electronics, and be proficient troubleshooters if they want the best job opportunities. Those choosing to specialize in new installations may occasionally experience unemployment if construction declines.
Iowa’s prominence in politics, especially during election years, contributes to a thriving hospitality industry in Des Moines. The venues serving visitors create an on-going need for HVAC and HVAC/R installations. The overall prosperity and growth of the area also make a decline unlikely in the foreseeable future. Technicians who focus on maintenance and service can expect year-round employment as businesses and homeowners want to keep their systems in good operating condition regardless of the economy.