How to Become an HVAC Technician: Career Guide [2024 Update]

“HVAC” stands for heating, ventilation, and air conditioning.

The people responsible for installing, maintaining, and repairing these systems are the HVAC technicians.

Some HVAC technicians may specialize in one field of HVAC or its relevant systems, such as:

Air conditioning
Refrigeration
Radiant heating systems
Solar panels
Testing and balancing

When working with HVAC systems, these technicians have to follow government regulations upon handling and disposing of refrigerants.

If this career sounds interesting, read this article to find out more about HVAC technicians and how to become one.

What Is an HVAC Technician?

An HVAC technician installs, cleans, maintains, and repairs the HVAC systems in homes and businesses.

They operate at a high skill level so they can handle electrical circuits, weld pipes, vents, and complex wiring configurations.

Aside from having technical skills, they must also be meticulous and responsible to avoid workplace hazards.

Duties

Typically, an HVAC technician will perform the following:

Layout and install HVAC wiring
Oversee installation
Follow HVAC codes
Respond to calls and troubleshoot problems
Provide technical support
Replace and repair parts that are worn out or defective

Other job tasks may be added depending on the technician’s specialization and the work type they’ll accept.

HVAC Technician’s Salary

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), an HVAC technician can earn an average of $48,630 annually as of May 2021.

The table below shows how much salary you can potentially receive based on the percentile wage.

Percentile	Average Annual Salary
10%	$34,320
25%	$38,450
50%	$48,630
75%	$62,000
90%	$78,210

Salaries vary widely depending on the industry, level of experience, region, and other factors.

The table below is evidence of how much you can take home based on the industry of employment.

Industry	Average Annual Salary
Scheduled Air Transportation	$89,180
Natural Gas Distribution	$86,710
Electric Power Generation, Transmission, and Distribution	$85,970
Aerospace Product and Parts Manufacturing	$85,680
Deep Sea, Coastal, and Great Lakes Water Transportation	$81,050

Meanwhile, the table below shows the top paying states for HVAC technicians.

State	Average Annual Salary
District of Columbia	$70,130
Alaska	$70,100
Hawaii	$69,100
New Jersey	$68,460
New York	$66,180

Based on these two tables, you can improve your earning potential by…

Specializing in a sector that offers higher salaries
Relocating to a top-paying state

Average National Salary: $48,630

$34K

10%

$38K

25%

$48K

50%

$62K

75%

$78K

90%

Salary Information by State

State	Employed	Avg. Annual Salary	Avg. Hourly Pay	Top 10% Annual Salary	Bottom 10% Annual Salary
Alabama	6,900	$49,380	$23.74	$68,690	$30,600
Alaska	610	$75,660	$36.38	$104,630	$44,830
Arizona	10,980	$55,340	$26.61	$76,970	$37,650
Arkansas	3,830	$49,340	$23.72	$66,000	$34,510
California	35,630	$70,050	$33.68	$103,970	$45,040
Colorado	7,410	$62,800	$30.19	$89,350	$39,120
Connecticut	4,720	$67,430	$32.42	$95,540	$41,020
Delaware	1,990	$64,180	$30.85	$98,080	$41,620
District of Columbia	340	$77,970	$37.49	$101,730	$52,290
Florida	37,370	$52,220	$25.11	$70,110	$35,810
Georgia	11,520	$53,500	$25.72	$77,190	$34,390
Hawaii	810	$74,200	$35.67	$112,750	$50,730
Idaho	3,280	$50,350	$24.21	$68,840	$36,320
Illinois	10,380	$69,000	$33.17	$106,090	$38,840
Indiana	8,550	$60,270	$28.98	$88,400	$37,340
Iowa	3,840	$57,930	$27.85	$78,490	$37,800
Kansas	3,690	$55,770	$26.81	$77,960	$36,190
Kentucky	6,500	$53,870	$25.90	$75,800	$32,700
Louisiana	4,830	$54,400	$26.16	$73,670	$36,170
Maine	2,080	$59,060	$28.39	$73,980	$40,930
Maryland	6,700	$66,510	$31.97	$97,520	$44,950
Massachusetts	7,410	$75,190	$36.15	$99,310	$48,140
Michigan	10,580	$57,290	$27.54	$81,710	$37,220
Minnesota	4,600	$68,410	$32.89	$87,270	$46,640
Mississippi	2,890	$47,420	$22.80	$65,730	$31,320
Missouri	8,840	$62,530	$30.06	$90,040	$35,360
Montana	1,340	$56,960	$27.38	$77,490	$37,850
Nebraska	3,440	$57,010	$27.41	$79,890	$38,860
Nevada	4,560	$60,610	$29.14	$89,980	$37,470
New Hampshire	1,990	$61,500	$29.57	$80,410	$40,160
New Jersey	10,360	$66,980	$32.20	$98,780	$38,240
New Mexico	1,770	$49,000	$23.56	$65,560	$35,320
New York	22,700	$68,950	$33.15	$97,550	$45,760
North Carolina	13,320	$52,960	$25.46	$72,990	$36,990
North Dakota	940	$64,320	$30.92	$82,260	$45,600
Ohio	14,450	$58,390	$28.07	$80,370	$37,260
Oklahoma	5,680	$51,860	$24.93	$73,500	$31,300
Oregon	3,960	$63,970	$30.76	$93,990	$41,690
Pennsylvania	18,980	$58,920	$28.33	$80,380	$38,430
Rhode Island	1,180	$63,650	$30.60	$81,780	$47,040
South Carolina	6,360	$52,240	$25.11	$68,530	$36,300
South Dakota	1,120	$57,650	$27.72	$77,830	$39,020
Tennessee	9,880	$50,410	$24.24	$66,520	$36,920
Texas	31,910	$54,640	$26.27	$78,980	$35,420
Utah	5,620	$56,440	$27.13	$80,410	$37,440
Vermont	1,160	$56,440	$27.14	$75,760	$38,870
Virginia	13,540	$58,770	$28.26	$78,140	$38,760
Washington	8,140	$72,340	$34.78	$116,480	$45,160
West Virginia	1,940	$46,820	$22.51	$66,790	$30,600
Wisconsin	6,190	$60,970	$29.31	$83,340	$39,430
Wyoming	650	$54,290	$26.10	$77,910	$37,560
Guam	280	$45,570	$21.91	$67,620	$28,410
Puerto Rico	1,280	$29,070	$13.98	$41,570	$18,930
Virgin Islands	80	$49,320	$23.71	$67,180	$33,080

* Salary information based on the May 2023 Occupational Employment Statistics (OES) Survey for Heating, Air Conditioning, and Refrigeration Mechanics and Installers, OCC 49-9021, BLS.
* Employment conditions in your area may vary.

Steps to Becoming an HVAC Technician

Step 1 Graduate High School

Most trade schools require candidates to possess a high school diploma before admission.

Also, start learning skills relevant to this profession in high school.

Have a basic understanding and foundation on the following topics:

Computer science
Mathematics
Physics
Metal shop and other shop classes
Blueprint reading
Mechanical drawing
Electronics
Plumbing
Electrical work

Step 2 Enroll in an HVAC Training Course

Many HVAC technicians learn the ins and outs of this profession by getting the appropriate training and education.

Usually offered at a technical school or community college, the HVAC program lasts from 6 months to 2 years.

Program completion can earn you a certificate, diploma, or associate’s degree.

Step 3 Do an On-The-Job Training or Apprenticeship

After program completion, HVAC technicians have the option to either do OJT or apprenticeship.

Both cases will allow you to work alongside and under the supervision of experienced technicians.

The difference is that in an apprenticeship…

You’ll have more comprehensive training lasting 3 to 5 years
A company, union, or contractor association can sponsor your apprenticeship program

Step 4 Become Certified

The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) requires HVAC technicians to be certified in proper refrigerant handling.

So in addition to providing you with proper training and education, schools will also help you prepare for the certification exam.

Education Requirements

To become an HVAC technician, you will need a post-secondary certification or diploma.

The curriculum varies on the school’s program, but HVAC training typically includes the following classes:

Fundamental HVAC maintenance
HVAC diagnostics
Basic electricity
Duct and envelope tightness verifiers
Domestic appliances
Air conditioning systems
Codes and regulation
System controls
Gas heating systems

Upon completing all lectures, you’ll be put into an OJT or apprenticeship to practice your skills.

Regarding apprenticeships, trade unions and companies will require you to complete 8,000 to 10,0000 hours of training.

In most cases, apprentices receive a salary for the labor they perform during training.

Video About The Career

Certification Requirements

As mentioned, EPA requires all HVAC technicians to get certified.

EPA has four types of technician certification tests:

Type I for small appliances
Type II for high-pressure appliances
Type III for low-pressure appliances
Universal for all types of equipment

It is important to mention that only the Type I exam can be taken online.

Note, however, that some states may require you to have a license, so make sure to check with your state.

Certification Example:

Average Training Program Duration: 1-3 Years

Popular Programs

Job Outlook

According to BLS, HVAC technicians have projected employment growth of 5% from 2020 to 2030.

This growth will stem primarily from the development of new commercial and residential buildings.

Computer and electronic-savvy technicians and those who keep up with the latest advancements are expected to attract the best job prospects.

Below are the industries with the highest employment levels for HVAC technicians.

Industry	Employment	Industry Employment %
Building Equipment Contractors	265,450	11.83%
Merchant Wholesalers, Durable Goods (4232, 4233, 4235, 4236, 4237, and 4239 only)	9,620	0.70%
Direct Selling Establishments	9,600	7.40%
Commercial and Industrial Machinery and Equipment (except Automotive and Electronic) Repair and Maintenance	6,200	2.96%
Colleges, Universities, and Professional Schools	5,550	0.19%

Employment Growth Projection: 5%

380,400
2019

399,400
2029

That's a higher than average projected growth of 19,000.

Should You Become an HVAC Technician?

Overall Satisfaction: Medium

What makes people satisfied with the professional path they choose?

This is a complex question because many factors can determine if a career is fulfilling or not.

The following factors are taken into account to determine the overall satisfaction:

Salary
Work environment
Work-related stress
Skills
Personality compatibility

According to CareerExplorer, HVAC technicians rated their career happiness 3 out of 5 stars.

This resulted in them having medium overall job satisfaction, putting them in the bottom 29% of all careers.

Despite this result, we believe that if you’re passionate about your job, it can be a rewarding and lucrative career for you.

Average Salary: Medium

As of May 2021, BLS reported that HVAC technicians earn an average annual salary of $48,630.

For those at the lowest 10%, they can only earn $34,320 at most, while the highest 10% earn at least $78,210.

If you’re an apprentice, your salary will be about half of those paid to experienced technicians.

Job Growth Outlook: High

BLS reported a 5% employment level for HVAC technicians from 2020 to 2030.

The high job growth outlook is mainly because of the growing emphasis on energy efficiency and pollution reduction.

As such, HVAC technicians will experience high work demands for climate-control systems.

Education Duration: 1-3 Years

On average, the HVAC program length will run from 6 months to 2 years.

If you choose to become an apprentice over being an OJT trainee, then you’ll have an additional 3 to 5 years.

Personal Skills Needed

To be able to perform well at your job, you will need many skills besides technical abilities:

Customer-service skills
Math skills
Attention to detail
Physical strength and stamina
Time management skills
Troubleshooting skills
Mechanical skills

Frequently Asked Questions

Q. What Does an HVAC Technician Do?

An HVAC technician is usually responsible for the following

Installing, cleaning, and maintaining HVAC systems
Installing electrical components and wiring
Discussing system malfunctions and explaining solutions to clients
Inspecting and testing HVAC systems and components
Replacing and repairing worn-out parts
Keeping records of work performed

Q. How Much Training Do I Need as an HVAC Technician?

Getting the appropriate training and certification can typically take you, on average, 1 to 3 years.

If you want more comprehensive training in learning the trade, going for an apprenticeship can add up to 5 years.

Q. How Much Does It Cost to Become an HVAC Technician?

Training costs vary depending on the program you choose.

For trade schools, HVAC programs usually cost tuition between $2,000 and $10,000.

Meanwhile, community colleges can be anywhere from around $5,000 to $10,000 a year.

In-state students can be eligible for lower tuition rates and scholarships.

Q. What Is the Demand for HVAC Technicians?

To reiterate, there will be a high demand for HVAC technicians over this decade.

There are two main reasons for that:

Commercial and residential building construction will help open new jobs
The growing need for climate-control systems from highly-qualified HVAC technicians

Of course, this goes without saying that the usual services for HVAC systems are open all year round.

And so, most HVAC technicians won’t go without work for long periods.