The steps to get hired as an HVAC technician
- Get what you need to start: a postsecondary certificate or award. If you qualify, WIOA can pay for job training: WIOA HVAC technician training.
- Check what your state and employers require, like a license or a certification (below).
- Write a resume for the job: the HVAC technician resume has a full sample and the skills employers look for.
- Practice the interview: HVAC interview questions.
- Apply to openings near you: HVAC technician jobs near me.
| HVAC technician | |
|---|---|
| Median pay | $61,010 a year (median, May 2025) |
| Education to start | A postsecondary certificate or award |
| Training on the job | Long-term on-the-job training |
| Job outlook | 11 percent growth from 2025 to 2035, about 40,600 openings each year |
Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Outlook Handbook, page last updated August 27, 2026.
What it takes to become an HVAC technician
HVAC programs at trade schools and community colleges last 6 months to 2 years. Some technicians learn through an apprenticeship instead, which usually lasts several years.
The EPA requires nearly every HVAC technician to be certified to handle refrigerants, which means passing an exam.
Some states and cities require a license, and you may need a driver's license to get to job sites.
Apply to jobs near you
Pick the job and your ZIP code to see openings near you. Capstone Careers writes your resume for each one from what you give it and fills in the application.