How to Become a HVAC Technician in 5 Steps
Learn about how to become an HVAC technician, a highly in demand career that only requires a high school diploma and a year or two of training.
Because 88% of homes in the U.S. have air conditioning, HVAC technicians will always be in pretty high demand.
These technicians are on-call to repair heating and air conditioning systems whenever there's an issue.
If you have strong problem-solving skills, this could be the career for you. Read on to find out how to become an HVAC technician.
Becoming an HVAC Technician
As an HVAC technician, you're responsible for keeping people warm in the winter and cool in the summer.
With the various systems and problems they encounter, being an HVAC technician means never having a dull day on the job.
This well-paying trade is always in high demand and a great career option if you don't want to spend four years in college.
<h3 id="section---EducationAndTraining">Education and Training</h3><p>Most HVAC technicians have completed an apprenticeship, and many have an <a href="https://learn.org/article_directory/Associate_Degree_FAQs.html">associate degree</a> or a certificate.
</p><p>However, there's not a lot of required classroom education to be an HVAC technician, besides a high school diploma or the equivalent.
</p><p>A good portion of an HVAC technician's education and training takes place on the job, under the supervision of an experienced tech.
</p><p>Some HVAC technicians go on to specialize in particular systems that might be more complex or require additional schooling.
</p><h3 id="section---WorkEnvironment">Work Environment</h3><p>An HVAC technician's work environment is extremely varied from day to day. Typically, they go to locations to install or repair HVAC systems.
</p><p>There's a lot of driving involved as they respond to calls. Most HVAC technicians work full time, often on evenings or weekends.
</p><p>Strength and stamina is required to install, troubleshoot, and repair the equipment that HVAC technicians service.
</p><p>They also frequently work in extreme heat or extremely cold temperatures—especially if the system has been out for a while.
</p><h3 id="section---AveragePay">Average Pay</h3><p>According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), the <a href="https://learn.org/article_directory/Salary_FAQs.html">salary information</a> for HVAC technicians can vary depending on what type of HVAC systems they are working on.
</p><p>On average, HVAC technicians earn about $57,460 a year.
</p><p>Those who work in commercial fields and for airlines tend to make the most, around $94,000 a year on average.
</p><p>HVAC technicians who work in natural gas distribution and telecommunications also tend to earn more than average.
</p><p>Top paying states for HVAC technicians include the District of Columbia, Alaska, Hawaii, Minnesota, and Massachusetts.
</p><h3 id="section---JobOutlook">Job Outlook</h3><p>The BLS projects that employment of HVAC technicians will grow around 5% from 2021 to 2031.
</p><p>This rate is on par with the overall job growth rate, with an estimated 40,100 positions being created each year.
</p><p>Most of the growth is driven by commercial and residential construction, creating the need for more HVAC systems installers.
</p><p>Additionally, as people become more environmentally conscious, many older systems are being replaced with more efficient ones.
</p><p>States with the highest concentrations of job openings include Vermont, Idaho, Florida, Nebraska, and Oklahoma.
</p><p>Below, we'll give you a step-by-step guide for becoming an HVAC Technician.
</p><h2 id="section---Step1GetYourHighSchoolDiplomaOrTheEquivalent">Step 1: Get Your High School Diploma or the Equivalent</h2><p>Most HVAC technicians have at least a high school diploma or the equivalent. Math and vocational studies are important in high school.
</p><p>High school students who are interested in becoming HVAC technicians will also benefit from basic education in electronics.
</p><p>In some areas, it might also be possible to work with an HVAC company part-time as a high school student.
</p><p>This kind of experience would serve you well if you hope to eventually become an HVAC technician.
</p><h2 id="section---Step2EarnAnAssociateDegreeOrACertificate">Step 2: Earn an Associate Degree or a Certificate</h2><p>HVAC certificate programs are offered at most local community colleges and trade schools.
</p><p>These programs vary in depth and may take anywhere from six months to two years. Associate degree programs take at least two years.
</p><p>You don't need more than a certificate though to get started as an HVAC technician.
</p><p>Most HVAC technician training takes place on the job or through a formal apprenticeship program.
</p><h2 id="section---Step3CompleteAnHVACApprenticeship">Step 3: Complete an HVAC Apprenticeship</h2><p>Apprenticeship programs can last anywhere from three to five years. Apprentices work with experienced technicians to learn the trade.
</p><p>Beginners are typically directly supervised in anything they do. As they become more skilled, they start going out on simple jobs on their own.
</p><p>Some apprenticeships are informal, while others are formally run by unions or contractor associations.
</p><p>Specific apprenticeship programs vary depending on where you live. Different states have different regulations for the trade.
</p><h2 id="section---Step4GetYourStateAndFederalLicenses">Step 4: Get Your State and Federal Licenses</h2><p>HVAC technicians are required to be certified in proper refrigerant handling by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA).
</p><p>Many trade schools include preparation for the EPA exam in their HVAC curriculum so you'll be ready for certification.
</p><p>Some states and local areas require additional licensing as well. Your trade school or apprenticeship program will have more information.
</p><p>If you're working as a contractor, for example, you'd typically need to have a contractor's license.
</p><h2 id="section---Step5ContinueYourEducation">Step 5: Continue Your Education</h2><p>If you stopped at a certificate before your apprenticeship, an associate or <a href="https://learn.org/article_directory/Bachelor_Degree_FAQs.html">bachelor's degree</a> can help you advance your career.
</p><p>Additional education gives you the opportunity to expand the services you offer or even start your own business.
</p><p>If you are planning to start your own HVAC business, you might want to take business and accounting classes.
</p><p>You might also look at additional certifications from industry leaders, which can enhance your profile.
</p><p>Organizations such as North American Technician Excellence (NATE) offer many different levels of certification.
</p><h2 id="section---BecomeAnHVACTechnicianToday">Become an HVAC Technician Today</h2><p>HVAC technicians will always stay in high demand. So start your career today by finishing high school well, earning an associate degree, completing an apprenticeship, and earning your license.</p>