According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, there are over 391,000 HVAC technicians in the country.
Of those, 31,000 work in Texas. While the expected need for HVAC technicians across the country is expected to grow by 5%.
That number is expected to quadruple in Texas.
It’s projected that the need for these professionals will grow by 20% over the next several years.
This is due in part to many people and businesses relocating to Texas.
Austin, Texas, in particular, has seen tremendous growth over the past decade and new houses and buildings are being built regularly.
The average salary for an HVAC technician in Austin, TX is $53,700 per year.
This is on par with the national average.
Considering the lower cost of living that Austin has when compared to other major cities, this makes it a great place to start an HVAC career.
Read on for schools in Austin, TX that offer HVAC courses.
1 Austin Community College
About The School
This nationally recognized 2-year college has 11 campuses and over 1100 programs.
Austin Community College is accredited by The Southern Association of Colleges.
They offer academic and job counseling, childcare, and tutoring.
About The Course
The HVAC program at Austin College takes 16-20 weeks to complete, and currently costs $1,450.
Students will complete courses in basic electronics for HVAC, refrigeration principles, EPA recovery, construction math, hand and power tools, OSHA safety standards, and hands on training to diagnose, repair and maintain heating and air conditioning systems.
All students will sit for the EPA exam upon completion.
A high school diploma is required.
Address: 1820 W. Stassey Lane Austin, TX 78745
2 Austin Career Center
About The School
Austin Career Center is nationally recognized and was even honored at the White House for helping migrant workers and others achieve their career goals.
Classes are given in English and Spanish.
They are accredited by the Commission of Career Colleges.
The school offers financial aid, online support, flexible schedules, and job placement assistance.
About The Course
The HVAC program is 720 hours (8 months).
Students receive hands-on training on the operation of heating and air conditioning systems for both residential and commercial buildings.
Classroom study includes designing and installing air conditioning, heating, and duct systems.
Basics of electricity and customer service are also covered.
The cost of the program is $20,300 before financial aid.
Address: 7215 Cameron Rd. Austin, TX 78752
3 Southern Career Institute
About The School
Southern Career Institute was founded in 1960.
They have multiple campuses throughout Texas and are accredited by the Commission of Occupational Education.
Offering allied health courses, business programs, HVAC, welding, and auto, all programs take about 9 months to complete.
Located in downtown Austin, the campus is close to public transportation and convenient shops.
About The Program
The HVAC course covers how to maintain, repair, and install equipment related to temperature control.
Students will learn through a series of classroom lectures and hands-on instruction inside residential and commercial buildings.
Green technology, construction drawing, blueprint reading, and EPA standards are a few of the topics covered.
At the completion of the program, students will sit for the EPA certification exam.
The cost of the program is $17,900. A high school diploma is required.
Address: 1701 W. Ben White Blvd. Austin, TX 78704
4 Universal Technical Institute
About The School
Universal Technical Institute has been helping students gain the job skills they need for 55 years.
They partner with local businesses and professionals to allow students to gain real work experience on state-of-the-art equipment.
Tutoring and financial assistance is available.
The Austin campus is located near transportation and retail businesses.
Interested candidates are asked to contact the school for tuition information.
About The Course
The HVAC program can be completed in 49 weeks.
Day and evening classes are offered.
Students will learn about all aspects of heating, ventilation, and air conditioning maintenance.
Courses like basic electricity and motors, fundamentals of refrigeration, installation codes, building management, duct work, pipe fitting, and EPA standards must be successfully completed to sit for the EPA certification exam.
Address: 301 W. Howard Lane Austin, TX 78753
5 Central Texas Air Conditioning And Refrigerator
About The School
With 13 years in business, Central Texas AC/Refrigeratoration offers a fast-track program that can have students prepared for the EPA exam in just 2 weeks (10 hours a day for 6 days each week).
The program is accredited by The Texas Workforce Commission.
About The Program
The course includes instruction on system components, tools, brazening and soldering, pipe fitting, compressors, water chillers, thermostats, and gas and oil heaters.
Students receive a combination of theory-based lectures and hands-on experience.
Please call the school for tuition and payment plans.
A high school diploma or its equivalent is required.
Address: 9900 Gray Blvd. Austin, TX 78758
Schools Summary Table
Rank | School | |
---|---|---|
#1 | Austin Community College | |
#2 | Austin Career Center | |
#3 | Southern Career Institute | |
#4 | Universal Technical Institute | |
#5 | Central Texas Air Conditioning And Refrigerator |
Read the full guide: How to Become an HVAC Technician