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Careers · HVAC Guide

How to Become an HVAC Technician: Training, EPA Certification and Pay (2026)

Heating and air conditioning technicians keep homes, hospitals and schools running, and BLS expects the field to grow much faster than average. Here is how to get trained, which federal certification you need, and what the job pays.

$61,010Median pay, 2025 (BLS)

40,600Openings per year, 2025–35

11%Job growth, 2025–35

6 mo–2 yrsTypical school program

Quick answer: Most HVAC technicians complete a postsecondary program (6 months to 2 years) or a multi-year paid apprenticeship. The EPA requires nearly all HVAC technicians to pass a Section 608 exam to handle refrigerants, and some states and cities also require a license.

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BLS counted about 440,900 HVAC mechanic and installer jobs in 2025 and projects 11 percent growth from 2025 to 2035, much faster than average, with about 40,600 openings each year. The median worker earned $61,010 a year ($29.33 an hour) in May 2025. The lowest 10 percent earned less than $40,050 and the highest 10 percent more than $95,210.

The trade-offs: you may work in cramped spaces, outdoors or in extreme heat and cold, and schedules can vary in peak seasons. Compare it with other options in our guide to careers you can train for.

Source: Bureau of Labor Statistics — Heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanics and installers

How to Become an HVAC Technician: 5 Steps

Choose a training path. Postsecondary HVAC programs generally last 6 months to 2 years and lead to a certificate or associate degree. Apprenticeships usually last several years and pay you while you train.
Learn the core skills. Expect electrical basics, refrigeration cycles, airflow, controls and safety, plus hands-on work on real equipment.
Pass the EPA Section 608 exam. The EPA requires nearly all HVAC technicians to be certified in proper refrigerant handling. See the certification types below.
Check state and local licensing. Some states and localities require HVAC technicians to be licensed. Your state licensing board lists the rules.
Get a driver’s license. Many jobs require driving to customer sites, so employers may ask for a valid license and a clean record.

Source: BLS — HVAC: How to become one; EPA — Section 608 technician certification requirements

EPA Section 608 Certification Types

Type	What it covers (EPA)
Type I	Servicing small appliances
Type II	Servicing or disposing of high- or very high-pressure appliances, except small appliances and motor vehicle air conditioning
Type III	Servicing or disposing of low-pressure appliances
Universal	Servicing all types of equipment

According to the EPA, Section 608 certification credentials do not expire.

Source: U.S. EPA — Section 608 Technician Certification Requirements

How to Pay for HVAC Training

Apprenticeship

Paid on-the-job training plus classroom hours. Search Registered Apprenticeships on Apprenticeship.gov.

Public funding

If you qualify, the federal WIOA program can help pay for training through your local American Job Center.

Community college

Often cheaper than private schools. Ask for the total cost, completion rates and job-placement results before you enroll.

Source: Apprenticeship.gov; DOL — WIOA Adult program; CareerOneStop — Find an American Job Center

Protect Your Debt Plan While You Train

Plan for the gap. If training means fewer work hours for a while, list your must-pay bills first with our guide to which bills to pay first.
Call creditors early. Ask about hardship programs, or look into a nonprofit debt management plan.
Once the paychecks grow, put the raise to work with the avalanche or snowball method before lifestyle costs catch up.

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Get the free DebtRoute toolkit — calculators, checklists, and step-by-step plans to cut debt faster.

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Frequently Asked Questions

How long does it take to become an HVAC technician?

Postsecondary HVAC programs generally last 6 months to 2 years, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics. Apprenticeships usually last several years and include paid on-the-job training.

How much do HVAC technicians make?

HVAC mechanics and installers earned a median of $61,010 a year ($29.33 an hour) in May 2025, according to BLS. The lowest 10 percent earned less than $40,050 and the highest 10 percent more than $95,210.

What is EPA 608 certification?

It is a federal certification for handling refrigerants. The EPA offers Type I (small appliances), Type II (high-pressure), Type III (low-pressure) and Universal (all equipment) certification, and the credentials do not expire.

Do HVAC technicians need a license?

The EPA requires nearly all HVAC technicians to hold Section 608 certification. Some states and localities also require a license, so check with your state licensing board.

Sources (verified Oct 2, 2026)

Pay and outlook figures are from the BLS Occupational Outlook Handbook (May 2025 pay; 2025–35 projections). Certification details are from the U.S. EPA. State and local licensing rules vary. This guide is educational, not career, legal or financial advice.