g/apprentice • Posted by u/new_to_trades_nate • 1 days ago

Mechanical vs electrical trade — I'm deciding between them and need real perspective

I'm 22, just got out of the military, looking to get into the trades. I have an interest in both HVAC (my uncle does it) and electrical. I've been told the money is better in electrical but HVAC has more diversity of work.

For those who considered both — what made you choose your trade? Any regrets?

💬 4 replies

4 replies

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u/sparky420 • 1 days ago

Electrician here. The union path (IBEW) is strong for pay and benefits, better than most HVAC shops. The work environment varies — commercial and industrial electrical is excellent, residential can be grueling in summer and winter. Electrical code is complex but consistent — once you know the NEC, you know what's expected everywhere.

u/hvac_hero • 1 days ago

HVAC here. What I love: every job is different, residential through industrial. The HVAC diagnostic process is genuinely fun — it's like being a detective every day. What's harder: the physical work is more brutal in some ways (attics, crawlspaces, tight mechanical rooms), and the HVAC math for load calcs and refrigeration theory has a steeper early learning curve than basic electrical.

u/grease_monkey_jr • 1 days ago

I chose auto/diesel and I don't regret it. But I'll be honest: if I were starting over today, I'd look harder at electrical. The infrastructure electrification work coming in the next 20 years is enormous.

u/admin_jake ADMIN • 1 days ago

Military background is valuable in both trades for discipline, showing up on time, and following safety procedures. Talk to actual apprenticeship programs in your area — call both your local IBEW and UA (United Association for plumbing/HVAC) halls. Find out wait times, pay scales, and ask to talk to apprentices. Neither choice is wrong, but one will fit your personality better.