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If you have been considering a technical career, the HVAC industry might be the right choice for you.
In Washington, the salaries are above the national average which can be a strong motivator.
Read on to learn more about the industry requirements in Washington state.
Article Table of Contents
HVAC Training
The programs last between 6 months and 2 years, during which time you will be taught how to install, maintain and repair HVAC systems but also how to adhere to local, state and federal regulations.
Some other topics covered in classes are natural gas piping, ACR tubing, sheet metal operation, duct sizing, ergonomics, the mechanical code, refrigerant handling, ergonomics, best practices, and even customer relations.
Washington HVAC Schools
One of the most reputable schools to learn the trade is the HVAC School that provides specialized programs for HVAC fields like Air Conditioning or the Heat Pump Fundamentals and Gas Furnace – Troubleshooting course.
If you like traditional schooling, check out the Northwest HVAC/R Association Training Center.
This school also provides job placement after completing the program, which includes sections like boilers, electricity, gas codes and installations, mathematics, and oil service.
Another option is the HVAC Business and Technical Institute, which provides classes like Understanding Gas & Electric Furnaces, Understanding Electrical Circuits, RCW/WAC Update, and EPA Prep & Test.
| School Name | Address |
|---|---|
| Bates Technical College | 1101 S Yakima Ave Tacoma, Washington 98405 |
| Bellingham Technical College | 3028 Lindbergh Ave Bellingham, Washington 98225 |
| Clover Park Technical College | 4500 Steilacoom Blvd SW Lakewood, Washington 98499 |
| Lower Columbia College | 1600 Maple Street Longview, Washington 98632 |
| Perry Technical Institute | 2011 W Washington Ave. Yakima, Washington 98903 |
| Seattle Community College-North Campus | 9600 College Way North Seattle, Washington 98103 |
| Spokane Community College | 1810 North Greene Street Spokane, Washington 99217 |
| Walla Walla Community College | 500 Tausick Way Walla Walla, Washington 99362 |
| Wenatchee Valley College | 1300 Fifth St Wenatchee, Washington 98801 |
| Yakima Valley Community College | South 16th Ave. & Nob Hill Blvd. Yakima, Washington 98907 |
Online Studying
If you don’t have the time to attend a school, you can enroll in an online program that also offers certification.
These programs usually also provide preparation for the EPA certification exam.
Ashworth College is one of the facilities that provide a 4 month HVAC course and preparation for the EPA test.
Penn Foster Career School offers HVACR training that includes an EPA certification exam voucher, as well as materials to help you prepare.
HVAC Training Solutions provides extensive HVACR training, and its study materials include books but also DVDs.
Licensing Requirements
While you don’t need an HVAC license in Washington, you do need an electrical one.
There are 2 types of electrical licenses:
- Trainee level which does not need any prior experience
- Journeyman license which you need if you want to complete projects unsupervised.
As a trainee, you will have a supervisor, and you have to renew your certification every other year.
Another requirement is 24 hours of ongoing education per year.
As a journeyman, you can choose to specialize in the field of HVAC or enroll in general training.
In Washington, an HVAC journeyman can get a 6A and 6B license.
If you want to get a gas piping license, you need to pass a test.
You are also required to be a licensed plumber, get a certificate that proves you completed a gas piping mechanic class, and have half a year of experience working as a gas piping mechanic or under the supervision of one.
We suggest you check the local requirements, as each county might have its own regulations.
Median HVAC salary in Washington
HVAC techs make on average $49,909 per year and up to $56,552 per year depending on their experience level.
Throughout the country the salary varies between the median one of $46,731 and the average-highest of $52,951 annually, so starting an HVAC career in Washington can be lucrative.
Annual Salary Range:| Location | Avg. Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| Seattle | $51,124 |
| Spokane | $46,357 |
| Tacoma | $49,820 |
| Vancouver | $48,719 |
| Bellevue | $51,124 |
| Kent | $49,720 |
| Everett | $50,002 |
| Renton | $51,074 |
| Federal Way | $49,820 |
| Yakima | $46,253 |
Regional Salary in Washington
| Region | Employed | Avg. Annual Salary | Avg. Hourly Pay | Top 10% Annual Salary | Bottom 10% Annual Salary |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Bellingham, WA | 310 | $72,800 | $35 | $122,000 | $45,170 |
| Bremerton-Silverdale, WA | 240 | $65,100 | $31.3 | $80,760 | $45,220 |
| Kennewick-Richland, WA | 680 | $68,600 | $32.98 | $98,950 | $40,780 |
| Longview, WA | 110 | $67,600 | $32.5 | $95,680 | $44,790 |
| Mount Vernon-Anacortes, WA | 150 | $65,680 | $31.58 | $99,920 | $41,590 |
| Olympia-Tumwater, WA | 260 | $68,450 | $32.91 | $98,860 | $44,530 |
| Seattle-Tacoma-Bellevue, WA | 4,070 | $79,280 | $38.12 | $132,220 | $47,230 |
| Spokane-Spokane Valley, WA | 710 | $63,410 | $30.48 | $93,330 | $41,600 |
| Walla Walla, WA | 80 | $58,810 | $28.28 | $79,940 | $38,480 |
| Wenatchee, WA | 150 | $59,220 | $28.47 | $78,590 | $38,960 |
| Yakima, WA | 210 | $60,800 | $29.23 | $79,840 | $39,340 |
* Employment conditions in your area may vary.
Conclusion
If you put in the time and effort to get trained and get your license, you can become a successful HVAC tech.
HVAC job opportunities in the state of Washington are on the rise and will keep increasing over the next years.
Read the full guide: How to Become an HVAC Technician
HVAC Schools by City
HVAC Schools by State