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Being an HVAC technician in Massachusetts means having a steady job that also has an attractive paycheck.
Article Table of Contents
Salary
For instance, across the United States, the average salary in this field is $46,648 per year, but the higher range can reach $52,858 per year.
In Massachusetts, the average is $50,753 annually while the top earners make around $57,510 per year.
Annual Salary Range:| Location | Avg. Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| Boston | $52,651 |
| Worcester | $49,120 |
| Springfield | $48,747 |
| Lowell | $50,846 |
| Cambridge | $52,651 |
| New Bedford | $49,167 |
| Brockton | $50,519 |
| Quincy | $52,651 |
| Lynn | $52,651 |
| Fall River | $49,167 |
Regional Salary in Massachusetts
| Region | Employed | Avg. Annual Salary | Avg. Hourly Pay | Top 10% Annual Salary | Bottom 10% Annual Salary |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Barnstable Town, MA | 360 | $66,970 | $32.2 | $89,490 | $48,080 |
| Boston-Cambridge-Nashua, MA-NH | 5,580 | $77,130 | $37.08 | $101,360 | $48,410 |
| Leominster-Gardner, MA | 120 | $68,980 | $33.16 | $96,930 | $45,720 |
| New Bedford, MA | 70 | $68,280 | $32.83 | $89,070 | $45,470 |
| Pittsfield, MA | 140 | $65,350 | $31.42 | $80,630 | $41,940 |
| Springfield, MA-CT | 660 | $69,690 | $33.5 | $93,910 | $45,470 |
| Worcester, MA-CT | 510 | $70,120 | $33.71 | $91,770 | $46,480 |
* Employment conditions in your area may vary.
Additionally, the job market is expected to grow 19% by 2024.
Licensing Requirements
Massachusetts doesn’t have special requirements for general HVAC technicians.
This means that folks can start working in the field right after finishing their training.
If the specialist will work in refrigeration and especially with more than 10 tons of refrigerants, he must obtain the EPA certification that is mandatory all over the country.
Most residential HVAC technicians won’t need this certification unless the residence is particularly large.
The EPA certification will be needed regardless of the level – apprentice, technician or contractor.
To obtain it, you must apply for it using this form, pay the fee according to your level, and pass an exam.
Keep in mind that apprentices don’t need to take any exam and that this certification is meant to last for the rest of your life.
Attending one of the schools below will increase your chances of passing the test and finding a better-paid position.
| School Name | Address |
|---|---|
| Bay State School of Bay State School of Technology | 225 Turnpike St Canton, Massachusetts 02021 |
| Benjamin Franklin Institute of Technology | 41 Berkeley St Boston, Massachusetts 02116 |
| Branford Hall Career Institute | 112 Industry Avenue Springfield, Massachusetts 01104 |
| Cape Cod Regional Technical High School | 351 Pleasant Lake Ave Harwich, Massachusetts 02645 |
| Kaplan Career Institute | 570 Rutherford Ave Charlestown, Massachusetts 02129 |
| Massasoit Community College | One Massasoit Boulevard Brockton, Massachusetts 02302 |
| Motoring Technical Training Institute | 1241 Fall River Avenue Seekonk, Massachusetts 02771 |
| Quinsigamond Community College | 670 West Boylston Street Worcester, Massachusetts 01606 |
| Shawsheen Valley Technical High School | 100 Cook St Billerica, Massachusetts 01821 |
| Southeastern Technical Institute | 250 Foundry St South Easton, Massachusetts 02375 |
| Springfield Technical Community College | 1 Armory Sq Springfield, Massachusetts 01105 |
Refrigeration Apprentice
To get the EPA certification at this level you need:
- To complete the application
- A copy of your high school diploma or equivalency certificate
- To be at least 18 years old
- To include an approval letter from the Division of Apprentice Training
- To pay the $40 fee
You can have this license only until the beginning of your second year of apprenticeship.
You can renew it if you need to, but only twice and only if the Bureau of Pipefitters, Refrigeration Technicians and Sprinkler Fitters approve the request.
Once you finish your training you’ll receive the Certificate of Completion of Apprenticeship.
Refrigeration Technicians
To become a refrigeration technician, you’ll have to pay the $75 fee, submit the Certificate of Completion of Apprenticeship, and the application form.
Don’t forget to also include your EPA certification, which in the form is called CFC Certification.
Applicants must also provide proof for:
- Completing 6000 hours as a Refrigeration Apprentice in Massachusetts and
- Documents from an approved school of 250 hours in a refrigeration course, made up of 100 hours refrigeration theory and 150 hours of related state electrical code training
or
- Completing 4000 hours as an apprentice and
- Documents from an approved school of 500 hours in a refrigeration course, including 250 hours of shop-related work, 100 hours refrigeration theory and 150 hours of related state electrical code training
or
- Documentation from your employer for completing 2000 hours as a Massachusetts refrigeration apprentice and
- Documentation from an approved school of 1000 hours in a refrigeration course, including 700 hours of shop-related work, 100 hours of refrigeration theory, and 100 hours of related MA electrical code training
You can use the license obtained in a different state along with the documentation from your employer to meet the above requirements.
Refrigeration Contractors
You can only become a contractor if you completed 2000 hours of experience as a technician, and it’s your employer who can provide the proof.
You also have to complete 100 extra hours of EPA education.
To apply for this license, you also have to pay the $150 fee.
Preparing For Your Exams
If your application gets approved, you should be informed of the exam date between 4 and 8 weeks after you applied.
These are some of the resources you can use to prepare:
- Refrigeration and Air Conditioning Systems – Form 522 CMR 9.00
- Modern Refrigeration/Air Conditioning
- ANSI/ASHRAE Standard 15 & 34 – 2013
Certification Types
There are 3 types of EPA certifications available in Massachusetts:
- Type I: for work on small appliances, of up to five pounds of refrigerant
- Type II: for work with high- and very high-pressure appliances, including non-automotive systems and split systems.
- Type III: for work on low-pressure appliances.
Conclusion
The future of HVAC technicians from Massachusetts looks bright, and now is the best time to start training for this trade.
If you want to work with refrigeration appliances, make sure to officially register as an apprentice and start documenting your experience and study time.
You’ll surely become a contractor in no time!
Read the full guide: How to Become an HVAC Technician
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