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
<p>As an HVAC technician, you're responsible for keeping people warm in the winter and cool in the summer.
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<p>With the various systems and problems they encounter, being an HVAC technician means never having a dull day on the job.
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<p>This well-paying trade is always in high demand and a <a href="https://learn.org/article_directory/Career_Planning_FAQs.html">great career option</a> if you don't want to spend four years in college.
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<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.
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<p>However, there's not a lot of required classroom education to be an HVAC technician, besides a high school diploma or the equivalent.
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<p>A good portion of an HVAC technician's education and training takes place on the job, under the supervision of an experienced tech.
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<p>Some HVAC technicians go on to specialize in particular systems that might be more complex or require additional schooling.
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<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.
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<p>There's a lot of driving involved as they respond to calls. Most HVAC technicians work full time, often on evenings or weekends.
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<p>Strength and stamina is required to install, troubleshoot, and repair the equipment that HVAC technicians service.
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<p>They also frequently work in extreme heat or extremely cold temperatures—especially if the system has been out for a while.
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<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.
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<p>On average, HVAC technicians earn about $57,460 a year.
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<p>Those who work in commercial fields and for airlines tend to make the most, around $94,000 a year on average.
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<p>HVAC technicians who work in natural gas distribution and telecommunications also tend to earn more than average.
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<p>Top paying states for HVAC technicians include the District of Columbia, Alaska, Hawaii, Minnesota, and Massachusetts.
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<h3 id="section---JobOutlook">Job Outlook</h3>
<p>The BLS projects that employment of HVAC technicians will grow around 5% from 2021 to 2031.
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<p>This rate is on par with the overall job growth rate, with an estimated 40,100 positions being created each year.
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<p>Most of the growth is driven by commercial and residential construction, creating the need for more HVAC systems installers.
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<p>Additionally, as people become more environmentally conscious, many older systems are being replaced with more efficient ones.
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<p>States with the highest concentrations of job openings include Vermont, Idaho, Florida, Nebraska, and Oklahoma.
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<p>Below, we'll give you a step-by-step guide for becoming an HVAC Technician.
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<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.
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<p>High school students who are interested in becoming HVAC technicians will also benefit from basic education in electronics.
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<p>In some areas, it might also be possible to work with an HVAC company part-time as a high school student.
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<p>This kind of experience would serve you well if you hope to eventually become an HVAC technician.
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<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.
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<p>These programs vary in depth and may take anywhere from six months to two years. Associate degree programs take at least two years.
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<p>You don't need more than a certificate though to get started as an HVAC technician.
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<p>Most HVAC technician training takes place on the job or through a formal apprenticeship program.
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<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.
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<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.
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<p>Some apprenticeships are informal, while others are formally run by unions or contractor associations.
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<p>Specific apprenticeship programs vary depending on where you live. Different states have different regulations for the trade.
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<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).
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<p>Many trade schools include preparation for the EPA exam in their HVAC curriculum so you'll be ready for certification.
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<p>Some states and local areas require additional licensing as well. Your trade school or apprenticeship program will have more information.
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<p>If you're working as a contractor, for example, you'd typically need to have a contractor's license.
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<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.
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<p>Additional education gives you the opportunity to expand the services you offer or even start your own business.
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<p>If you are planning to start your own HVAC business, you might want to take business and accounting classes.
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<p>You might also look at additional certifications from industry leaders, which can enhance your profile.
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<p>Organizations such as North American Technician Excellence (NATE) offer many different levels of certification.
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<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>