Updated 2025 · HVAC
How to Become a HVAC Technician
HVAC technicians install, maintain, and repair heating, ventilation, air conditioning, and refrigeration systems in residential, commercial, and industrial buildings.
Steps to Become a HVAC Technician
- Meet basic requirements — You must be at least 18 years old with a high school diploma or GED. A strong foundation in math, physics, and shop classes helps.
- Apply to an apprenticeship program — HVAC Technician apprenticeships last 4 years and combine on-the-job training with classroom instruction. Apply through your local union (IBEW, UA, etc.) or a non-union contractor program. You earn while you learn from day one.
- Complete required training — Complete 8000 hours of on-the-job training and related classroom instruction.
- Earn certifications — Required certifications include: EPA Section 608 certification (required to handle refrigerants), NATE certification, State HVAC license (varies by state), R-410A safety certification.
- Pass the journeyman exam — After completing your apprenticeship, pass the journeyman licensing exam in your state to earn full journeyman status and pay.
What Does a HVAC Technician Do?
HVAC technicians install, maintain, and repair heating, ventilation, air conditioning, and refrigeration systems in residential, commercial, and industrial buildings.
Daily Duties
- Install HVAC systems including ductwork, compressors, and thermostats
- Diagnose and repair heating and cooling system malfunctions
- Perform routine maintenance (filter changes, coil cleaning, refrigerant checks)
- Test systems for proper operation and efficiency
- Handle refrigerants according to EPA regulations
Skills Needed
- Refrigerant handling
- Electrical diagnostics
- Ductwork design
- Thermostat programming
- Heat load calculations
Required Certifications
- EPA Section 608 certification (required to handle refrigerants)
- NATE certification
- State HVAC license (varies by state)
- R-410A safety certification
HVAC Technician Salary (2025)
The national median hvac technician salary is $61,278 per year. Pay ranges from $50,658 in the lowest-paying metro to $78,788 in the highest-paying metro. See the full hvac technician salary breakdown by city.
Apprentice Pay Progression
HVAC Technician apprentices earn while they learn, starting at approximately 40% of journeyman pay:
| Year | % of Journeyman | Estimated Annual |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 40% | $24,511 |
| Year 2 | 57% | $34,928 |
| Year 3 | 73% | $44,733 |
| Year 4 | 90% | $55,150 |
| Journeyman | 100% | $61,278 |
Union vs Non-Union HVAC Technician Pay
Union hvac technicians earn 22% more than non-union workers — $33.70/hour union vs $27.62/hour non-union. Approximately 18.5% of hvac technicians are union members. See the full union vs non-union comparison.
Work Environment
HVAC techs work indoors and outdoors, often in attics, crawl spaces, and on rooftops. Work is seasonal — busiest during summer and winter. Emergency calls and weekend work are common.
Career Outlook
Employment projected to grow 6% from 2022-2032. Growth driven by new construction, energy efficiency upgrades, and heat pump installations replacing gas furnaces.
Frequently Asked Questions
The national median salary for a hvac technician is $61,278 per year (2025 BLS data). Pay ranges from $50,658 to $78,788 depending on location, with top earners in the 90th percentile making significantly more.
It takes 4 years to complete a hvac technician apprenticeship. During this time, you earn while you learn — starting at approximately 40-50% of journeyman wages and receiving annual raises.
No college degree is required to become a hvac technician. The primary path is through an apprenticeship program or trade school. You will need to earn specific certifications: EPA Section 608 certification (required to handle refrigerants) and NATE certification.
HVAC Technician earns a Trade Pay Score grade of B, meaning it rates well on pay relative to cost of living, wage growth, and demand. Employment projected to grow 6% from 2022-2032. Growth driven by new construction, energy efficiency upgrades, and heat pump installations replacing gas furnaces.
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