by 
The demand for HVAC technicians is growing in Kentucky, thus now is a good time to train and get a license for this profession as you won’t be able to work without one.
The certification process means not only gaining experience but also getting some instruction and bettering your skills as well.
Article Table of Contents
Salary
An HVAC technician earns on average in Kentucky about $43,895 per year, and the income can go as high as $49,740 per year.
In the United States, the median salary of these professionals is $46,648 annually, with those at the top-earning around $52,858 per year.
| Location | Avg. Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| Louisville | $43,989 |
| Lexington | $43,928 |
| Bowling Green | $42,049 |
| Owensboro | $43,810 |
| Covington | $45,617 |
| Hopkinsville | $41,983 |
| Richmond | $43,484 |
| Florence | $45,598 |
| Georgetown | $43,903 |
| Henderson | $44,090 |
Regional Salary in Kentucky
| Region | Employed | Avg. Annual Salary | Avg. Hourly Pay | Top 10% Annual Salary | Bottom 10% Annual Salary |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Bowling Green, KY | 220 | $49,510 | $23.8 | $67,180 | $31,040 |
| Elizabethtown-Fort Knox, KY | 220 | $53,390 | $25.67 | $71,010 | $35,330 |
| Lexington-Fayette, KY | 1,090 | $57,280 | $27.54 | $75,500 | $35,950 |
| Louisville/Jefferson County, KY-IN | 2,260 | $56,740 | $27.28 | $78,020 | $36,000 |
| Owensboro, KY | 250 | $57,860 | $27.82 | $73,360 | $36,170 |
* Employment conditions in your area may vary.
Getting Your License
The process begins with an apprenticeship period for which you don’t need a license but is registered with the Division of HVAC of the Department of Housing, Buildings, and Construction.
Apprentices must be at least 18 years old and they must work while being supervised by a master HVAC contractor.
The HVAC technician License allows you to perform various tasks and works on HVAC systems.
There are several levels you can reach and for each of them, you must complete some hours of education in the field, training and pass some tests to prove your skills.
Have a look at the schools below if you don’t know where to start with the educational requirement.
| School Name | Address |
|---|---|
| Ashland Community and Technical College | 1400 College Drive Ashland, Kentucky 41101 |
| Big Sandy Community and Technical College | One Bert Combs Dr Prestonsburg, Kentucky 41653 |
| Bluegrass Community and Technical College | 470 Cooper Drive Lexington, Kentucky 40506 |
| Gateway Community and Technical College | 500 Technology Way Florence, Kentucky 41042 |
| Hazard Community and Technical College | One Community College Drive Hazard, Kentucky 41701 |
| Jefferson Community and Technical College | 109 E Broadway Louisville, Kentucky 40202 |
| Maysville Community and Technical College | 1755 U.S. Hwy 68 Maysville, Kentucky 41056 |
| Somerset Community College | 808 Monticello Street Somerset, Kentucky 42501 |
| Southeast Kentucky Community and Technical College | 700 College Rd Cumberland, Kentucky 40823 |
| West Kentucky Community and Technical College | 4810 Alben Barkley Drive Paducah, Kentucky 42002 |
Journeyman and master HVAC are the first levels where you can start your career, as during the apprenticeship period is where you learn the trade.
You can’t become a journeyman nor a master without documenting 2 years of experience.
These years must be accumulated after January 1st, 1990 and only supervised by a licensed contractor.
Any trade related education can only substitute 1 year of experience.
Limited Journeyman HVAC Duct Mechanic
With this license, you can only work on projects related to duct-work, usually installing or replacing it.
As a journeyman with this limited license, you can work under the supervision of a master HVAC contractor.
Limited Journeyman HVAC Installer Mechanic
Although this license is limited, it allows you to install HVAC systems.
All installations must be performed under the supervision of a master HVAC technician.
Journeyman HVAC Mechanic
People who are licensed as journeymen HVAC mechanics can install, maintain, remodel and repair HVAC systems.
He may work independently within the range of the license, though a master HVAC is his supervisor.
The application for this license costs $50.
The application must be sent to the Division of HVAC101 Sea Hero Road Suite 100Frankfort, KY 40601, in the attention of the Kentucky State Treasurer.
Master HVAC Contractor
With this license, you can conduct business in the HVAC industry, through knowledge of the laws and regulations across the State of Kentucky for this field is also mandatory.
Requirements:
- Proof you’re older than 18
- Submit an application and pay the $250 fee
- Pay the liability fee of $500,000
- Proof of 2 years of work experience in the field, under the supervision of a master HVAC contractor
- Pass the Business and Law exam
You can’t reach this point without first being an apprentice, completing relevant education and getting the lower level license.
To renew the master HVAC contractor license, you have to complete 8 hours f continued education.
Examination Process
Exam details:
- The Journeyman exam has 60 questions and lasts for 3 hours.
- The Master exam has 75 questions and lasts for 2.5 hours.
- 70% is the minimum passing score.
- The examination fee is $60.
- The testing company is ICC (call them at 1-800-211-2754).
You can prepare for the exam with the following books:
- 2009 NFPA 54
- 2012 International Mechanical Code
- Kentucky Contractor’s Reference Manual
- Modern Refrigeration and Air Conditioning
- Refrigeration and Air Conditioning Technology
EPA Certification
You need an EPA certification especially if you’ll be working with refrigerants because these are dangerous and regulated substances.
You’ll obtain this certification if you pass a written exam.
The exam you ave to pass depends on the type of appliances you’ll be working with.
These are the license types you can apply for: Type 1, 2, and 3 Refrigerant Certification.
Conclusion
Working as an HVAC professional in Kentucky, means you have interesting career opportunities ahead and a stable income since there won’t be a shortage of demand.
Read the full guide: How to Become an HVAC Technician
HVAC Schools by City
HVAC Schools by State