How to Become a HVAC Technician in 5 Steps

<p><table border="0"> <tr><td><img src="/cimages/multimages/2/adobestock_280116234.jpeg" alt="HVAC Tech fixing an AC unit on a residential roof" /></td></tr> </table> </p> <p>Because 88% of homes in the U.S. have air conditioning, HVAC technicians will always be in pretty high demand. </p> <p>These technicians are on-call to repair heating and air conditioning systems whenever there's an issue. </p> <p>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. </p> <h2 id="section---BecomingAnHVACTechnician">Becoming an HVAC Technician</h2> <p>As an HVAC technician, you're responsible for keeping people warm in the winter and cool in the summer. </p> <p>With the various systems and problems they encounter, being an HVAC technician means never having a dull day on the job. </p> <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. </p> <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&mdash;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>