The latest data shows that over 394,000 HVAC (Heating, Ventilation, and Air Conditioning) technicians currently work in the United States.
The HVAC technician sector is growing rapidly. It’s also one of the fastest trade certifications to obtain, meaning you can start earning a good living soon after completing training.
Are you interested in learning how to get into the HVAC industry?
This guide outlines everything you need to know about becoming an HVAC technician, from essential training to obtaining your HVAC license.
What Does an HVAC Technician Do?
An HVAC technician installs and repairs HVAC systems in homes and commercial buildings (both under construction and those already built).
These professionals must also explain the basics of HVAC systems to homeowners and building managers to help them understand proper maintenance, required repairs, etc.
The following are some specific responsibilities HVAC technicians regularly carry out:
- Clear ductwork
- Inspecting HVAC systems for efficiency
- Checking refrigerant levels
- Replacing filters
- Repairing or replacing damaged parts
How much can you get paid for completing these tasks? The average salary for an HVAC technician ranges from $40,213 to $55,568 per year.
Your salary will vary depending on your location, training and experience, and whether you’re part of a maintenance company or run your own HVAC business.
How to Become an HVAC Technician in 7 Steps
If you love working with your hands and want to learn a lucrative trade with a lot of job security, earning an HVAC certification might be a perfect choice. To become an HVAC technician, you’ll need to take these seven steps:
Step 1: Earn a High School Diploma or GED
You don’t need much formal education to become an HVAC technician. However, most training programs do require a high school diploma or GED.
If you’re a student thinking about an HVAC career, stay in school and earn your diploma. From here, you’ll be able to transition straight into a training course.
If you don’t have a high school diploma, consider earning your GED (General Education Development). Most people take about three months to complete the coursework and attain their GED.
Step 2: Select and Complete an HVAC Training Program
If you’ve received a high school diploma or GED, your next step is to select and complete an HVAC technician training program.
How to Choose a Training Program
Many trade schools and community colleges offer reputable programs that cover the essentials every HVAC technician needs to know. If you’re not sure if a program is worth investing in, consider the following:
- How comprehensive is the curriculum? Does it cover the following:
- Electrical basics
- Heating systems
- Air conditioning systems
- Refrigeration
- Water heaters and combo systems
- Ventilation
- Service and troubleshooting
- Hand and power tools
- Electrical and mechanical controls
- Safety protocols (OSHA)
- Blueprint reading
- How long has the program existed?
- Does the program have positive reviews online?
- How much does the program cost?
- Do the instructors have industry-specific experience?
- Does an accredited school offer the program?
- How flexible are the courses? Are they all in person, or do you have online options?
- Do you get hands-on training?
- Does the school offer employment services to help you find a job after earning your certification?
Completing an HVAC Training Program
Most HVAC training programs take about six months to complete. These courses can cost as little as $1,200, making them more affordable than other trade certifications and college or university degrees.
Step 3: Find an HVAC Apprenticeship
Most employers are more willing to hire an HVAC technician who has completed an apprenticeship and gained additional hands-on experience.
After completing your training, look for apprenticeships in your area. Start with local contractor associations and unions, or consult your school’s employment services department for help finding an apprenticeship.
Apprenticeships typically last between three and five years, and apprentices are usually paid (although their hourly wage or salary might be lower than that of the average HVAC technician).
Step 4: Earn Your State License
Each state has specific requirements for an HVAC technician before receiving a license. Most accredited HVAC technician programs will ensure you meet these requirements and obtain a license at the end of your training.
Step 5: Earn Additional Certifications
Along with your state license, you might want to look into earning additional certifications, including the following:
- EPA 608 Certification: Per the Clean Air Act, HVAC technicians must earn this EPA certification because they deal with equipment that could release refrigerant (which contributes to greenhouse gas buildup) into the atmosphere.
- NATE Certification: Short for North American Technician Excellence, the NATE certification comes in four levels based on the technician’s experience.
- HVAC Excellence Certification: This nationally recognized certification increases your credibility and can help you land HVAC jobs out of state.
When deciding which training course you want to complete, talk to the school’s administrator to find out if they offer help earning these certifications.
Step 6: Search and Apply for Jobs
After receiving your HVAC license and certifications, you’ll be ready to search and apply for jobs.
It’s easier to get hired if you have a strong resume that outlines your relevant skills, lists your training, and names the certifications you’ve earned. If you’ve completed an apprenticeship, add that to the resume as well.
Next, look for HVAC companies hiring technicians. Before sending your resume, customize it to each listing. Customization increases your chances of getting noticed and being called for an interview.
Step 7: Continue Learning
Don’t stop learning just because you’ve landed a job as an HVAC technician.
Look for and attend relevant continuing education courses. You might also earn additional certifications to work on appliances like pool heaters, commercial furnaces, and residential boilers.
What to Do After Completing Your HVAC Training
After finishing your HVAC training and earning your certifications, you’ll be ready to hit the ground running and start searching for work.
HVAC technicians are in high demand right now, so you’ll likely find a job quickly. Follow the job search and application tips mentioned above, and you’ll have no trouble getting work! Read our article if you’re a woman entering the HVAC industry.
