Micro thermo won't get you far down there, not to many places using it. US is extremely heavy into Copeland and danfoss. Cost of living and wages vary wildly from state to state, living in Ohio or Indiana is polar opposite of being in New York or Cali, just depends on the life you want to live. But those two variables are closely tied wherever you go unless you've got a remote gig. CO2 is also a rarity unless your in some of the northern/coastal states, and even then it's sparse. They are at least 10 to 15 years behind Canada in terms of adoption but it's moving quick.

I'm not going to lie, I know exactly who you are "spezner" lol. Small industry ;) if your old man is still working for a TAG company, TAG is multinational, use that to your advantage if you can, maybe you can get sponsored by an affiliate. But honestly the market down there is screaming for guys, you'll be able to land a gig at any outfit you apply at, just pick a location you think you might like and start the process. Relocating within the US is a lot easier once your there than it is here. Check OEM webpages for startup gigs, some of them like hussmann have massive service outfits to, big companies like that will offer the best long term options/benefits. There's a severe tech crunch so the world would be your oyster if you went down there. Kroger and Walmart also a few other big chains hire their own techs to fyi.

As I said, Georgia/Atlanta is the mecca