🔧 Is the Future Bright for HVAC & Plumbing?

Let’s face it – running an HVAC or plumbing business in 2025 can feel like you’re constantly putting out a fire. Reliable technicians are hard to find, materials are expensive, and customers expect faster service than ever before. And while these challenges are here to stay, it’s also true that HVAC and plumbing businesses have a seriously promising future ahead.

In fact, many people would argue this is the best possible time to be in the skilled trades – but only for those willing to adapt.

😬 The Industry’s Current Challenges

No surprise here: the skilled labor shortage is still the biggest challenge plaguing HVAC & plumbing businesses.

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, there are more than 482,000 plumbers and 415,000 HVAC techs employed in the US. But, tens of thousands of positions remain unfilled, and Bloomberg expects the US to be short 500,000 plumbers by 2027. Why? Because over 50% of the skilled trades workforce is nearing retirement, and there is only 1 new entrant for every 3 retirees.

In addition to the shortage, businesses are also dealing with:

• Rising inventory costs
• Regulatory pressure (EPA, OSHA, building codes)
• High demand from clients, especially for energy-efficient systems and smart devices

The result? Many businesses have more work than ever – but not enough people to fill trucks.

📈 Why the Future Looks Bright

The HVAC and plumbing industries are absolutely massive, critical to the economy, and growing quickly.

Here’s what the experts say:

• The HVAC market is projected to grow to $271.5 billion by 2030, at a CAGR of 6.3%
• The plumbing industry is expected to reach $130 billion in the US by 2027
• Projected 2% annual job growth in both trades through 2032, providing steady long-term demand

What’s fueling all that growth?

• Aging infrastructure: Outdated pipes, ductwork, and buildings need to be upgraded
• Home construction: The US needs 5+ million more homes to meet demand, and each one needs HVAC and plumbing systems
• Smart technology: From tankless water heaters to smart thermostats, homeowners want better systems – and they’ll pay nicely for them
• Extreme weather: Unpredictable seasons mean HVAC demand has become year-round in almost every city

Put simply, the work isn’t going anywhere – it’s exploding.

💰 Rising Pay and Respect for the Trades

The skilled trades are finally getting the respect they’re due. And with respect, comes pay.

• The average plumber earns $60K–$80K/year, with high earners making well into the six figures
• The average HVAC tech earns around $55K–$75K/year, with experienced techs earning well over $100K depending on the market

While many college grads are struggling with student loans and unstable job markets, tradespeople are earning solid money with highly demanded skills.

🛠 Tech Is Making Business (and Hiring) Easier

Here’s the part we’re excited about: technology can make life easier for business owners.

At TradeRunner, we’ve built a platform that allows HVAC and plumbing companies to:

• Access a database of qualified, skilled technicians
• Skip the application reviews, resume dumps, and job posts
• Hire faster and cheaper, without any third parties
• Manage their entire hiring process in one simple platform

Posting jobs, waiting for applicants, and reviewing hundreds of candidates is outdated and eats up valuable time. With a solution like TradeRunner, companies can find, message, manage and hire qualified techs in one place.

🌱 A New Generation Is Waking Up to the Trades

Here’s a trend that should get every business owner excited: Gen Z is starting to discover their love for the trades.

Thanks to rising wages, social media, and burnout from traditional office jobs, younger people are starting to see trades like HVAC and plumbing as smart, respected, and lucrative career paths.

Trade schools are also investing in high-school student outreach, states are supporting training programs, and brands like Mike Rowe Works are raising awareness of the trades.

It’ll take time, but the workforce is coming. And companies that can best relate to this younger generation of talent will be the first to attract them.

💡 The Bottom Line

It’s an uphill battle to hire good HVAC and plumbing techs. But the demand is there, the money is up for grabs, and tools like TradeRunner are making it easier than ever to pinpoint the right talent.

Companies that embrace modern technology, offer competitive benefits, and best attract young workers are going to dominate the next decade. No doubt about it.

If you're ready to future-proof your team, grow your crew, and discover a better way to hire, give TradeRunner a try. We help contractors connect with top talent—no resumes, applicants, or wasted time.

Let’s build the future of HVAC and plumbing – together.💪

Employers can book a demo here: https://www.gotraderunner.com/get-demo

HVAC & plumbing pros can create a free profile here: https://app.gotraderunner.com/signup