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The HVAC industry is popular in New Jersey, and the salaries are some of the highest in the country.
In order to work in HVAC, you will need a contracting license.
Read on in order to learn info about HVAC contractor licenses in New Jersey and how you can get one.
Article Table of Contents
Why You Should Get a License
In order to start your own business and get better paid in New Jersey, you should consider a contractor license.
This will also help you carry out your HVAC projects in a professional manner.
You can become a contractor in 2 ways:
- Having experience as a journeyman in other states
- Becoming an HVAC technician in New Jersey.
Contractor Requirements
You will need to be at least 21 and have the following work experience:
- A year of practical experience and a bachelor’s degree in HVACR
- 3 years of practical experience and a bachelor’s degree in an HVAC related industry
- Having completed an HVAC program in a trade school will count as 2 years of work experience
You can still apply for a Master HVACR Contractor license if you have been an HVACR apprentice for 4 years or have an experience of 5 years as an HVACR contractor.
You will also need to pay a $100 fee to take the exam.
Exam Requirements
You will have to submit a $3000 bond to the state board upon passing the exam and wait 6 months to retake it if you haven’t passed the first time.
You will need to renew your license once at 2 years, during which further training is required.
The tests are held 4 times every year.
Taxes And Insurance
Once you become a contractor and are ready to start a business, the insurance you take should not be less than $500,000.
You will need to submit proof of insurance to the State Board.
A Federal Tax Identification Number is also required for submission before getting your license.
Salary Expectations
The median salary in the United States is $46,648 per year for those working in the HVAC field, while in New Jersey they can make on average, $51,574 per year.
Those with more experience can make around $52,858 per year across the country, and $58,440 per year in New Jersey.
Annual Salary Range:| Location | Avg. Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| Newark | $53,272 |
| Jersey City | $56,444 |
| Paterson | $53,785 |
| Elizabeth | $53,272 |
| Lakewood Township | $53,130 |
| Edison | $52,339 |
| Woodbridge Township | $52,339 |
| Toms River | $52,355 |
| Clifton | $53,785 |
| Trenton | $52,712 |
Regional Salary in New Jersey
| Region | Employed | Avg. Annual Salary | Avg. Hourly Pay | Top 10% Annual Salary | Bottom 10% Annual Salary |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Atlantic City-Hammonton, NJ | 430 | $63,970 | $30.75 | $90,850 | $41,960 |
| Ocean City, NJ | 190 | $56,830 | $27.32 | $74,880 | $35,870 |
| Trenton, NJ | 360 | $71,560 | $34.4 | $97,320 | $45,460 |
| Vineland-Bridgeton, NJ | 220 | $63,630 | $30.59 | $97,680 | $36,800 |
* Employment conditions in your area may vary.
Education
If you do not meet the requirements for your license, you will have to take additional classes.
The schools below can help in this regard.
| School Name | Address |
|---|---|
| Fortis Institute | 201 Willowbrook Blvd. Wayne, New Jersey 07470 |
| Hohokus School-RETS Nutley | 103 Park Ave Nutley, New Jersey 07110 |
| Lincoln Technical Institute | 70 McKee Dr Mahwah, New Jersey 07430 |
| Mercer County Community College | 1200 Old Trenton Rd West Windsor, New Jersey 08550 |
| Monmouth County Vocational School District | 105 Neptune Boulevard Neptune, New Jersey 07753 |
| Ocean County Vocational-Technical School | 137 Bey Lea Rd Toms River, New Jersey 08753 |
| Pennco Tech | 99 Erial Road Blackwood, New Jersey 08012 |
| Raritan Valley Community College | 118 Lamington Road Branchburg, New Jersey 08876 |
| Union County Vocational-Technical School | 1776 Raritan Rd Scotch Plains, New Jersey 07076 |
Make sure you are well prepared for the exam in order to avoid waiting 6 months to take it again.
Read the full guide: How to Become an HVAC Technician
HVAC Schools by City
HVAC Schools by State