Updated 2024 · 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 (2024)
The national median hvac technician salary is $62,556 per year. Pay ranges from $50,010 in the lowest-paying metro to $77,600 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% | $25,022 |
| Year 2 | 57% | $35,657 |
| Year 3 | 73% | $45,666 |
| Year 4 | 90% | $56,300 |
| Journeyman | 100% | $62,556 |
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 $62,556 per year (2024 BLS data). Pay ranges from $50,010 to $77,600 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 C, meaning it rates moderately 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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