HVACR Installer. Salary: $30,000

Technical high school classes combined with six months of HVAC classes at the local junior college tech division have left you with the certification you need to get out of the classroom and into the field. Strap on those safety glasses and get out there.

HVAC Service Technician. Salary: $35,000

On-the-job training earns you increased skills and a nice bump in your paycheck. You know the cool side from the hot side of a unit and you're ready to take the lead on repairs, helping customers in the hour of need.

HVACR Technician. Salary: $41,000

More schooling helps you understand that the refrigeration cycle is more than open the door, get a snack, close the door. Now you train the technicians, make customers happy, and generate new business. Your boss is happy and it looks like you're going places.

HVAC Engineer. Salary: $74,000

Colleges with programs for working professionals are great because they enable you to learn more while still cashing that paycheck every two weeks. A design engineering degree enables you to customize systems for your customers. Doing more with less—and going green—is your specialty, which keeps you in high demand. Rock out with your environmentally conscious self.

HVACR Installation and Repair business owner. Salary: $100,000

You know the heating, cooling, and refrigeration biz like nobody else, so why not work for yourself? You've made it this far because of hard work, a warm heart, and a cool head. Now sit back and let others do the sweating for you as you sit inside your perfectly cooled office.