HVAC Instructor
Universal Technical Institute
You will be taken to the employer's application page. Listing expires September 5, 2026.
Job Description
Are you an experienced HVACR Technician looking for a new and exciting challenge? Do you ever ask yourself "I wish I had the opportunity to be a mentor"? If so, we have an exciting opportunity for you to become an Instructor at Universal Technical Institute! Never taught? No problem! If you have the drive, patience, skills and passion we'll train you! You've come this far to become an amazing technician…why don't you take the next step to make that happen for the next generation of technicians? Nothing is more rewarding than seeing the student you taught succeed, knowing you were the one that made it happen!
Position Overview
As a HVACR Instructor, you'll play a pivotal role in shaping the minds and skills of our students. Your expertise in heating and air conditioning systems and components will be the guiding light that leads them to a promising career in many different industries. We believe that hands-on learning is the key to success, so get ready to dive into the world of interactive teaching and inspire the next generation to conquer the challenges of modern HVACR technology.
What We Offer
- $35.00 - $37.00 per hour
- Weekends OFF
- Paid Training
- Tuition Waiver: Enjoy a tuition waiver after 6 months of employment for you AND your immediate family offered at UTI and Concorde campuses
- Paid Time Off: Competitive paid time off programs for employees (Vacation, Sick, Flexible, Holiday)
- Retirement Matching: 50% match on the first 6% of your contributions after 90 days
- Paid Parental Leave: 4 weeks of paid leave for both birthing and non-birthing parents to bond with a new baby
- Competitive Insurance: Health, vision, and dental coverage for you and your dependents
- Pet Insurance: Competitive coverage for your furry family members through ASPCA
- Health Plan Enrollment: Eligibility starts first of the month following completing one full month of employment
Inspire and Educate
Create an engaging and inclusive learning environment where students can flourish, fostering their passion for the HVACR industry while imparting your expert knowledge.
Hands-On Training
Lead by example and provide practical demonstrations, ensuring students gain real-world experience in diagnostics, maintenance, and repair.
Curriculum Development
Collaborate with our education team to enhance existing courses and develop new ones that align with industry trends and advancements.
Mentorship
Guide and mentor students on their projects, encouraging them to think critically and find innovative solutions.
Safety First
Instill the importance of safety procedures and best practices to ensure a secure working environment for students.
Education
- High school diploma or GED
- 5 years of practical work experience in the refrigeration, commercial, residential, mini splits, boilers, etc. excludes teaching
- Certifications EPA 608/Universal /OSHA 10-30 highly valued
Communication Skills
Strong communication and interpersonal skills, enabling you to effectively connect with students and fellow staff
Patience and Empathy
A patient and empathetic approach to teaching, understanding that every student learns at their own pace
About Us
It's all about the reputation. 60 years of experience, trusted by 35 industry leading brands, 16 campuses, 5 technical schools. But it's not all about the numbers. Here at Universal Technical Institute and its family of schools, we care about YOU. We care about making a change in the lives of our employees and our students. We're on a mission to expand our reach and increase our impact, one life at a time and that starts with yours. Come and be a part of our legacy.
What Most AC & HVAC Job Listings Don't Tell You
General overview for this role type; specifics vary by employer.
HVAC in Texas requires a state license at the company level, and technicians who handle refrigerant need EPA Section 608 certification. Many shops also want NATE certification for higher pay. You can start as an installer helper or entry technician and grow into diagnostics and system design. Pay is often hourly with strong overtime in summer, and service techs frequently earn commission or spiffs on repairs and system sales.
Seasonality drives this trade in Houston. Summer is brutal and busy, with long days, attic heat, and heavy on-call rotations when systems fail. Winter shifts toward heating checks, maintenance plans, and install backlog. New hires underestimate the physical toll of attic and rooftop work in extreme heat. You drive a stocked truck, carry gauges and recovery gear, and stay ready for after-hours emergencies. Steady demand and a shortage of skilled techs keep the field open to anyone who shows up and learns fast.
What to Expect Day-to-Day
General overview for this role type; specifics vary by employer.
A service tech starts with a dispatch list and a truck loaded with common parts. You roll to no-cool calls, check the thermostat, measure refrigerant pressures, test the compressor and capacitor, and inspect the coil and blower. You explain the fault, quote the fix, and get approval before the repair.
Maintenance visits fill much of the shoulder seasons. You clean coils, change filters, flush drain lines, and check amperage so a system does not fail in the next heat wave. Install crews spend the day setting condensers and air handlers, running line sets and ductwork, and brazing connections. Customer trust matters because many repairs are invisible to the homeowner. You document readings, photograph the work, and close the ticket in the field. Expect heat, ladders, tight attics, and a lot of driving between calls, balanced by the satisfaction of restoring cool air on a hundred degree day.
What AC & HVAC Jobs Pay in Houston
Based on Bureau of Labor Statistics wage data for Houston-Pasadena-The Woodlands, TX Metro Area (HVAC Mechanics and Installers).
Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics, Houston-Pasadena-The Woodlands, TX Metro Area. Median is about $28.34/hr.
Becoming a Licensed HVAC Technician in Texas
HVAC contracting is licensed by the Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation, and the license is held at the company level by a certified technician. Anyone who handles refrigerant needs federal EPA Section 608 certification. Many employers also value NATE certification, which raises pay. You can start as an installer helper with no license, earn your EPA card early, and build toward the ACR technician and then contractor license through documented experience and exams. Summer overtime is common while you climb.
Career Ladder and Pay
- 1 Install Helper / Entry Tech $47,029/yr
Assist installs and maintenance while earning EPA 608 certification.
- 2 Service Technician $58,947/yr
Diagnose and repair systems solo. NATE certification lifts pay.
- 3 Lead Tech / Comfort Advisor $73,902/yr
Handle complex diagnostics, system design, and replacement sales.
- 4 Install Foreman / Estimator $73,902/yr
Run install crews and bid residential and commercial systems.
- 5 HVAC Contractor $83,117/yr
Hold the state license and run your own heating and cooling company.
Licensing paths and timelines are general guidance for this trade in Texas. Confirm current requirements with the Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation or the relevant state agency.
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