How to Become an HVAC Tech: 2025 Career Guide

Thinking about a career in heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC)? It’s a smart choice. HVAC technicians are in steady demand, with opportunities to work in residential homes, commercial buildings, and even specialized areas like smart technology and clean energy. This career offers a balance of hands-on technical work, problem-solving, and customer service—and it comes with strong earning potential and long-term job security.

In this guide, we’ll walk you through everything you need to know about becoming an HVAC technician: the skills you’ll need, the training and licensing requirements, how much school costs, salary expectations, and where the industry is headed. You’ll also learn how tools like Housecall Pro can support you as you grow your career or even work toward starting your own HVAC business.

Key highlights

• HVAC technicians install, maintain, and repair heating, cooling, and ventilation systems in residential and commercial settings.
• You’ll typically need to get a high school diploma or GED, complete a training program or apprenticeship, and obtain state licensing.
• EPA Section 608 certification is federally required for anyone handling refrigerants.
• The median annual wage for HVAC technicians is about $59,810, with higher earnings for experienced or specialized roles.
• With the right training, you can advance into specialized fields or start your own HVAC business.

What do HVAC technicians do?

HVAC technicians install, repair, and maintain commercial and residential heating, cooling, and ventilation systems. Some also work with gas lines and pipe fitting, or with geothermal or solar-powered systems.

You can choose to specialize in residential or commercial HVAC services, or work across both. You may need additional training depending on your specialization, but all HVAC professionals should have a mix of technical knowledge, hands-on skills, and strong communication ability.

Technical skills include mechanical aptitude, system knowledge, refrigerant handling, electrical and wiring basics, troubleshooting, installation and repair, preventive maintenance, blueprint reading, and smart technology setup.

Soft skills like clear communication, customer service, time management, problem-solving, adaptability, and attention to detail are equally important—especially if you plan to run your own business.

Average salary for an HVAC technician

HVAC salaries vary based on your training, experience, and location. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), the median annual wage for HVAC techs is $59,810 per year, or $28.75 per hour.

Your earning potential increases with experience, certifications, and the ability to work on complex systems. Technicians in high cost-of-living areas also tend to earn more.

Here are the average salaries by experience level, according to BLS data:

• Entry‑level (0-5 years): $37,270/year, o $17.92/hr
• Mid‑career and specializations (5-10 years): $57,300/year, or $27.55/hr
• Advanced (10+ years): $84,250/year, or  $40.51/hr

Steps to become an HVAC technician

Whichever training path you choose, you’ll need to complete these steps to become a licensed HVAC professional. We’ll take a close look at each step below.

1. Earn a high school diploma or GED
2. Complete a training program
3. Obtain state licensing and EPA certification
4. Consider additional certification
5. Explore specialization

Step 1: Earn a high school diploma or GED

Virtually all HVAC programs require a GED or high school diploma. If you’re still in school, focus on math, physics, electronics, or shop classes. Some schools offer early apprenticeship programs, which can give you a head start on your post-secondary education.

Many trade schools, community colleges, and apprenticeships require at least a C grade in math classes. If you struggle with math, you may need some extra tutoring before starting your HVAC program.

Step 2: Complete a training program

After graduation, you can enroll in a trade school, associate degree program, or apprenticeship. All of these options combine classroom learning with hands-on experience, but they have different structures, timelines, and costs.

• Trade school or certificate programs: Fast, focused training (6–12 months); ideal if you want to start working quickly.
• Associate degree programs: More well-rounded education (18–24 months), including general studies and business fundamentals; helpful if you’re considering management or starting your own company.
• Apprenticeships: Take the most time (3–5 years) but are typically the most affordable option, allowing you to earn while you learn.

Some apprenticeships are offered independently, while others are part of college or trade programs. The United Association (UA) and the Sheet Metal Workers’ International Association (SMART) offer union apprenticeships across the country. You can visit their websites to explore programs near you.

Step 3: Obtain state licensing and EPA certification

Once you complete your training, you can apply for your HVAC license. Each state sets its own licensing requirements, which may include exams, documented work hours, and proof of education. Check with your state’s licensing board to ensure you meet all local criteria.

You’ll also need EPA Section 608 certification if you plan to work with refrigerants—which most HVAC technicians do. This federal certification is required by the Environmental Protection Agency and ensures you understand how to safely handle, recover, and dispose of refrigerants. There are four types:

• Type I: Covers small appliances, like window air conditioners and refrigerators.
• Type II: Covers high-pressure heating and cooling systems.
• Type III: Covers low-pressure heating and cooling systems.
• Universal: Allows technicians to work on all types of equipment

Most techs get Universal certification because it’s expected by employers and gives you the most flexibility. Many training programs include EPA prep as part of the curriculum, but you can also take the exam through an approved certifying organization.

EPA Section 608 isn’t the only HVAC certification available—we discuss others below—but it is the only federally mandated one.

Step 4: Consider additional certifications

Optional HVAC certifications showcase your expertise and can increase your job prospects and earning potential. Here are the two most common:

• NATE Certifications: The North American Technician Excellence (NATE) is the country’s largest nonprofit certification organization for HVAC technicians. Its exams test real-world knowledge of HVAC systems.
• HVAC Excellence: HVAC Excellence is a certification program established by the ESCO Group to improve technical competency in the HVACR industry. It offers various certification levels to ensure technicians meet industry standards.

Step 5: Explore specialization

Specializing in a specific HVAC field can help you stand out and target higher-paying or niche roles. Here are some specializations to consider:

• Geothermal systems: Installing and maintaining environmentally friendly, ground-source heat pumps.
• Solar-powered HVAC: Integrating solar energy with heating and cooling systems for energy efficiency.
• Smart home HVAC technologies: Configuring smart thermostats, zoning controls, and home automation tools.
• Energy-efficient systems: Optimizing HVAC setups for reduced energy consumption and sustainability.
• Commercial HVAC: Working with large-scale systems in offices, factories, or public buildings.
• Industrial HVAC: Handling specialized equipment for manufacturing or large facilities.
• Indoor air quality (IAQ) solutions: Installing and maintaining air purification, humidity control, and ventilation improvements.
• Refrigeration systems: Specializing in commercial or industrial refrigeration units.

Note: These specializations often require additional training, certifications, or hands-on experience. For example, smart home HVAC may involve learning new software, while commercial refrigeration may require advanced certification in handling refrigerants.

HVAC school cost

HVAC school costs vary by program, ranging anywhere from $500 to $15,000. As outlined above, apprenticeships are usually the most affordable option, but they take longer to complete and focus on hands-on experience. Trade school and certificate programs cost more but offer a faster path to licensure and provide more structured classroom learning to help you build technical knowledge and prepare for exams. Ultimately, the best path depends on your budget, learning style, and long-term goals.

Typical costs:

• Certificate/trade school: $1,200–$15,000
• Associate degree: $15,000–$35,000
• Apprenticeship: $500–$2,000 in fees; earn while you learn
• Tools, textbooks, exam fees: Often an extra $500–$2,000
• Additional expenses: Housing and meals can add $8,000–$12,000/year for campus programs

Ways to pay for training:

• Scholarships (merit- or need-based; no repayment required)
• Federal Pell Grants (need-based; no repayment required)
• Federal student loans (must be repaid)
• Employer sponsorships (company pays tuition in exchange for a work commitment)

HVAC license types

Each state sets its own regulations for HVAC licensing. Some issue licenses at the state level, while others issue licenses through individual cities or counties. Read our state-by-state guide to HVAC licensing for more information.

Apprentice license

Before applying for your HVAC license, make sure you’ve completed the fieldwork and classroom hours required by your state licensing board. There’s usually a small application fee and sometimes a written exam.

Apprentices must work under a licensed journeyman or contractor. Once licensed, you can start work right away—even part-time while attending school.

Journeyman license

An HVAC journeyman can work unsupervised, handling installs, repair, and maintenance. To get your journeyman license, you’ll need several years of apprentice experience and must take a test and pay state licensing fees.

Many HVAC pros stay at the journeyman level for their entire careers. However, if you want to run your own business, you’ll need a contractor license.

Contractor license

Most states require a contractor’s license to operate an HVAC business. Licensed contractors can bid on government projects and partner with developers as an HVAC installer or subcontractor.

You’ll need several years of experience at the journeyman level before applying for a contractor’s license. Most states require two exams: one covering HVAC theory and practical applications, and another covering business and law.

HVAC job outlook and demand

HVAC jobs are in high demand. According to the BLS, employment for HVAC technicians is projected to grow 9% through 2032, outpacing the national average of 6%.

This growth is driven by two key factors: advancements in energy-efficient and smart HVAC technologies, and a wave of retirements among experienced technicians. These trends are creating strong opportunities for new HVAC techs—especially those who embrace innovation. Look for certifications in smart home systems and clean energy technologies to get a competitive edge in the job market.

How Housecall Pro can help your HVAC career

Housecall Pro offers comprehensive HVAC software to streamline scheduling, dispatching, invoicing, and customer communication. But our support starts long before you’re running your own company. We also offer educational scholarships for the next generation of HVAC pros, along with expert training and resources to help you build a strong foundation.

From recommending HVAC tools to jumpstart your career to providing helpful calculators and templates, we have the tips and tricks you need for success.

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