HVAC work in TN (Knoxville, Crossville: home, unemployment, schools)

[BilleeMc]

My husband and I are thinking about moving to TN. I was thinking east TN area, but we also have to think about his work as well. I have read that people don't get paid what they're worth in TN, is that true? I emailed one person about HVAC work and he told me with my husband's 2 1/2 years of experience in this field, he would only get paid 6 or 7 dollars an hour!! Right now he gets paid 11.45, if payment is like that everywhere, I don't think he would even consider moving. He only wants to work in commercial HVAC and I really like east TN. I don't know if anyone could help with my questions.. but it would be greatly appreciated!!

Elisha

[insanesmooch]

I found this link to the TN tech center in Crossville and it says the average salary in TN is $14.43 an hour.

http://www.crossville.tec.tn.us/2/hvactechnologies.htm

I found a job for a craftsman/HVAC specialist in Knoxville that starts at $21,386+ depending on experience. That was is working for the government, which tends to pay less than the private sector.

I'm not sure what exactly he would be considered. With him being sort of new in the field, I went with the description for HVAC Mechanic I on salary.com. Again, Knoxville was on the list. It says that the median expected salary is $35,632 in Knoxville.

Granted, I am no expert. This is just what I found researching your question. Another thing to consider is that cost of living may be cheaper in east TN than where you are. I think I saw you are in VA. In TN, you would bring home more money because there is no state income tax.

Hope that helps some.

[BilleeMc]

The entry level mechanic is a good title I reckon. I looked at the salary.com thing and it said in Lynchburg VA he would be making $31,000 at least... he makes $19,000 lol. So maybe they aren't that realistic in the numbers. I just want to help him find something so he can start thinking about moving. He'd probably do better at the job searching than I would. But we also have to consider schools as well. We have a 2 year old and a newborn due any day now. So there are a lot of things to think about. Thanks!!

[inave]

Hi Elisha,

New member here but ran across your post and wanted to reply. I don't know what an HVAC person would make in East TN. I do know that we evidently need reliable ones. We've called three different ones recently, none of whom showed up when they were supposed to or called. Waiting now for a part that was supposed to be in two weeks ago and can't get phone calls answered.

Secondly, PLEASE don't trust salary sites. I was making $35k a year as an Admin Asst in MS (of all places) and am now working as a doctor's office receptionist for $9/hr, AFTER 7 months of sending out hundreds of resumes. The good news is that unemployment is low in this area. The bad news is it makes it hard to find a suitable job.

HOWEVER, I don't for a minute regret moving here. E TN is the most beautiful place I've ever been to and there is something to do all the time. In fact, my biggest entertainment problem is choosing between multiple events every weekend!

Enough. Good luck with your decision.

[insanesmooch]

The salary sites are telling you the average salary. That doesn't mean everyone makes that. People make less than that and make more than that to come up with the average.

The Knoxville job making $21,386+ depending on experience is an actual job that is seeking people at this time. So that would be more money than what he makes now.