How to Become an HVAC Technician:
The Definitive Guide & Step-by-Step Instructions

What is a HVAC Technician?

HVAC technicians install and repair heating and cooling devices, whether that be heaters, air conditioners, or refrigeration units.

If it’s supposed to keep something hot or cold, typically an HVAC technician can fix it.

These technicians can work in construction, residential, or commercial areas, where they connect wires, weld pipes, and test electrical circuits.

There is a potential risk at every job site, so HVAC technicians must be thorough and focused every day.

Duties

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HVAC Technician Salary

Every state has different salary ranges per year for HVAC technicians, so depending on where you plan to work, you could make more money than the state next door.

An HVAC mechanic just starting out in the business will make around $40,000 a year, but once you get more experience, education, and certification, you can make more than $52,000.

The average salary for an HVAC technician as of 2024 is $46,000, which isn’t too shabby.

• Annually
• Monthly
• Hourly

*Salary information based on the May 2023 Occupational Employment Statistics (OES) Survey.
Conducted by: Bureau of Labor Statistics, Department of Labor.
* Employment conditions in your area may vary.

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How to Become an HVAC Technician

Step 1Get Your Diploma and GED

The skills needed for this profession can include chemistry, physics, as well as other physical science, so you should get your education and finish those much-needed courses.

Step 2Join an HVAC Program

After you have your diploma, it’s time to find a program in your area.

There are different types of HVAC programs available, it all depends on what you are looking for, and how much time you want to spend in school.

These programs can range from 6 months to 4 years, whether you get a certificate, an associates degree, or a bachelors degree.

How excited are you to get into the field?

No matter which course you take, you’re going to need hands on experience to work as an HVAC Tech.

Step 3Become an Apprentice

This is optional, additional training that an HVAC tech can do.

You’ll need 2,000 hours annually in this program, which is easy to do if you get a job right out of college or out of the training program.

This way, you can get even more education while also doing on the job training.

Step 4Get Hired

After you do all your course work and graduate, you’ll be on your way to employment.

This doesn’t mean you’re a certified HVAC technician yet, as that will come later, when you have the skills.

Until then, keep working toward your goal, and soon you’ll be able to pass the test.

Step 5Get Certified

There are several standardized tests that you can take across the US to become a professional certified technician.

There are tons of specific certifications, like HVAC performance verifying or HVAC efficiency analyst, or you can go for a broader spectrum like air conditioning, basic refrigeration or charging procedures.

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Education

You have an option of which path to take in your quest to become an HVAC technician.

You can either obtain your certificate, which takes as little as 6 months, or go for the long stretch and get either your associates or bachelors degree.

While the last two may take longer, you will gain much more knowledge and even get educated on different areas.

Video About The Career

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Certification

Even if it is optional to get certified in HVAC, it shows prospective employers that you are serious about the position.

If you are interested in learning more about what types of certifications there are, look no further:

HVAC Excellence is an organization that provide the HEAT (Heating, electrical, air conditioning technology) and HEAT Plus certifications.

North American Technician Excellence provides a basic exam with specifications in air conditioning, air distribution, oil and gas heating, hydronics gas and oils, as well as commercial refrigeration.

The Refrigeration Service Engineers Society offers a mandatory EPA Section 08 exam, as well as specialized certifications.

Find your local exam site online.

Certification Example:

Average Training Program Duration: 1-3 Years

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Job Outlook

The job of an HVAC technician can be rewarding because of the ability to travel different places, meet new people, and learn exciting new techniques.

With that being said, the need for HVAC technicians is on the rise in the US, due to new homes and businesses going up every single day.

The next ten years for this field look outstanding.

Employment Growth Projection: 5%

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

HVAC Technician: Interest Over Time

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Should You Become an HVAC Technician?

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Frequently Asked Questions

Q. What Is the Average Salary for an HVAC Technician?

The average salary for an HVAC technician is around $46,000, but this varies by state, as well as the company that you work for.

Q. How Long Does It Take to Become an HVAC Technician?

Whether you want a certificate, or a bachelors degree will depend on how much time you spend in school.

It could be 6 months (certificate) or up to 4 years (bachelors degree).

Many people earn an associates degree, which takes about 2 years.

Q. What Does an HVAC Technician Do?

An HVAC technician works with heating and cooling units to ensure the proper temperature of buildings and refrigeration units.

Q. What Is the Demand for HVAC Technicians?

HVAC technicians are in high demand, we lean on our HVAC technicians to maintain our level of comfort, after all.

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

It can cost between $15,000 and $30,000, depending on the type of schooling you acquire.

Those who wish to acquire a bachelors or associates degree will pay more than someone who wants to obtain a certificate.

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HVAC Technician Information by State

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