Short, direct answers to the questions hiring managers and candidates ask us most — with the numbers we can source and a plain note where we cannot.
What does a mechanical recruiter cost? — A plain answer on mechanical recruiting fees: how contingency and retained pricing works, what a fee is based on, and what we do and do not publish.
Contingency vs retained search for contractors — Which search model fits a mechanical contractor's hire: contingency, retained, or exclusive. Plain rules for choosing, from a recruiter who runs both.
How to hire a commercial HVAC service manager — A step-by-step way to hire a commercial HVAC service manager: what to screen for, what to pay, and how to test whether they can really run a service department.
What is a reverse-marketed candidate? — A reverse-marketed candidate is a specific person a recruiter presents to employers who have no posted opening. Here is how it works and what to watch for.
HVAC project manager salary by metro — Mid-career HVAC project manager base pay in 35 metros, from Gulfstream's salary guides — BLS OEWS anchored, metro-adjusted, with the method shown.
How does Gulfstream recruit candidates? — A plain-language walkthrough of Gulfstream's recruiting process: intake, sourcing, screening, shortlist, interviews, and hire, with typical timing.
HVAC vs plumbing recruiting: how the roles differ — How hiring for HVAC roles differs from plumbing and wider mechanical construction roles: candidate pools, pay anchors, screening questions, and time to shortlist.
How much do HVAC project managers make? — Commercial HVAC project manager pay in plain numbers: national entry, mid-career and senior base salary ranges anchored to BLS data, plus a Boise example and what moves an offer up or down.
How much does an HVAC service manager make? — Commercial HVAC service manager pay in plain numbers: entry, mid-career and senior base salary ranges anchored to BLS supervisor wage data, plus what separates a $90K offer from a $140K one.
How much does a mechanical estimator make? — Mechanical estimator pay in plain numbers: entry, mid-career and chief estimator base salary ranges anchored to BLS cost estimator wage data, plus the skills that push an offer higher.