If you are considering working in the HVAC industry in Alaska, have a look at the job requirements in this state.
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HVAC Technician Salary
An HVAC worker earns on average $52,292 per year which can be an incentive for working in this industry, as the national average salary for this profession is $46,648.
The highest salaries for these technicians reach $59,254 per year in this state and $52,858 across the nation.
Annual Salary Range:Location | Avg. Annual Salary |
---|---|
Anchorage | $51,928 |
Juneau | $51,420 |
Fairbanks | $51,835 |
Sitka | $50,720 |
Ketchikan | $50,720 |
Kenai | $51,228 |
Kodiak | $51,228 |
Bethel | $51,228 |
Wasilla | $51,228 |
Barrow | $51,135 |
Regional Salary in Alaska
Region | Employed | Avg. Annual Salary | Avg. Hourly Pay | Top 10% Annual Salary | Bottom 10% Annual Salary |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
Anchorage, AK | 320 | $78,090 | $37.55 | $100,990 | $47,100 |
Fairbanks, AK | 80 | $72,200 | $34.71 | $98,050 | $46,250 |
* Employment conditions in your area may vary.
Getting certified as an HVAC Contractor
An HVAC contractor, also known as a mechanical administrator, runs a worksite and manages the staff.
Some other job duties include:
- Supervising work on mechanical piping systems, devices, fixtures, equipment, or mechanical materials.
- Ensuring that the installations and repairs adhere to guidelines.
- Keeping the job site and people safe by making sure there is enough certified staff working on the task.
How to get licensed
You can get licensed by either passing an exam or bringing proof of existing credentials.
The requirements are the same for all applicants and entail:
- Paying a fee of $250 upon applying
- Send a filled in application specifying the certification category
- Pass the exam or bring proof of credentials
- Submit a $500 surety bond, along with workers compensation, liability, and insurance
- Provide school transcripts from a facility approved by the Alaska Commission on Postsecondary Education
- Submit your resume
- Provide legalized proof of experience from 3 people who are:
- Hired in the mechanical sector in any region
- Can confirm the applicant’s experience and qualifications
- Can prove the applicant passed the mechanical administrator exam with a 70% score within the past year
Make sure to renew the license once every 2 years.
Accredited Schools
Make sure to complete your training and education by attending one of the schools below.
School Name | Address |
---|---|
Alaska Technical Center | PO Box 51, Kotzebue, AK 99752 |
AVTEC-Alaska's Institute of Technology | 809 Second Avenue Seward, Alaska 99664 |
Charter College | 2221 East Northern Lights Blvd Suite 120 Anchorage, AK 99508 |
Local 367 Training Center | 617 West Potter, Anchorage, AK 99518 |
Kodiak College | 117 Benny Brown Drive, Kodiak, AK 99615 |
Matanuska-Susitna Community College | PO Box 2889, Palmer, AK 99645 |
University of Alaska Anchorage | 3211 Providence Drive Anchorage, AK 99508 |
Getting examined
To receive your license by exam, you must:
- Take the exam
- Pass the exam by scoring at least 70%
- Submit the proof to the Department
Some candidates will be required to provide extra documentation.
As a future mechanical administrator, you need to show:
- Knowledge of plans, design specs, engineering terms, mechanical installations, and piping
- Knowledge of Alaska codes such as Uniform Plumbing Code, Uniform Solar Energy Code, and Uniform
- Mechanical Code
- Ability to complete the tasks
Do know that the testing sites are approved and the exam is organized twice every year.
Getting certified without an exam
If you already have a license in another state, you will not need to take the exam in Alaska.
Steps:
- Submit your active certification to the Division of Corporations, Business and Professional Licensing.
- Proof you passed the test in another state, sent from the license issuing facility in that area to the Alaska bureau.
Again, other documentation might be requested by some candidates, so make sure you know all the requirements.
EPA Requirements
You need to own an EPA Certification under Section 608 if you work with refrigerants.
This certification proves you can work with dangerous refrigerants and requires passing a test approved by the EPA.
Conclusion
Technical jobs are sought after in Alaska, with a mechanical administrator making over $80,000 a year.
As this industry is lucrative, it offers many career opportunities you can benefit from.
Read the full guide: How to Become an HVAC Technician