How to Become an HVAC Technician in Arizona

During summer, Arizona temperatures frequently soar to the triple digits.

With climate change starting to have a more dramatic impact, heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) professionals are going to be more essential than ever.

That makes this the perfect time to become an HVAC technician in Arizona.

In this post, I am going to explain how you can study and earn your license to work as an HVAC professional in this state.

How to Become an HVAC Technician in AZ – Step-by-Step

Let’s start out by going over the steps to become an HVAC technician.

Next, I will introduce you to some top schools for HVAC training in AZ.

Then, I will share my salary research with you.

1. Get your HVAC education

You have two options for becoming an HVAC technician in AZ.

You can either attend HVAC school or you can complete an apprenticeship.

Option 1: Attend HVAC school.

If you wish to attend HVAC school, you can earn an associate’s degree or a certificate by completing a program through a community college or trade school.

As you will need four years of experience prior to obtaining your license, you will enter an apprenticeship after completing HVAC school. 

Option 2: Complete an apprenticeship.

If you prefer to go the pure apprenticeship route, you can do so through a trade organization, union, or sponsoring employer.

You must be overseen by a licensed contractor to legally perform this work.

2. Obtain your EPA certificate.                                        

In order to handle refrigerants as part of your job, you have to obtain the EPA Section 608 HVAC Certification from the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA).

To receive this certification, you need to take and pass an exam.

3. Apply for your license.

You must successfully apply for a contractor license to be an HVAC technician in the state of Arizona.

There is an exception if you are employed by a person who has that license (i.e. for your apprenticeship).

Check with the Arizona Registrar of Contractors for full details on the application process.

See this page for a breakdown of the relevant licenses (Specialty Commercial C-39 Air Conditioning and Refrigeration, Specialty Residential R-39 Air Conditioning and Refrigeration, including Solar, and Specialty Dual CR-39 Air Conditioning and Refrigeration).

Depending on the city where you will be performing HVAC services, additional licensing may be required.

As an example, you can see the Phoenix building code for information about HVAC licensing within the city’s jurisdiction.

To obtain your license(s), you will need to take and pass the applicable exams and pay your exam fees.

A background check will be required.

You also will need to form your business and complete all associated requirements.

Once you have your license, remember to keep up with the renewal requirements every other year.

HVAC Schools in Arizona

Based on my research, these are some of the top educational programs for HVAC technicians in AZ.

1. National Technical Institute

https://phoenixhvacschool.com/

First up, we have the National Technical Institute (NTI) HVAC school in Phoenix.

This set of three programs offers flexible scheduling so you can take classes around an existing job on-site or online.

You can complete any of the programs within four months or less, and the cost is under $7,000.

This is one of the best options to choose if you are on a tight budget or schedule.

2. Maricopa Community Colleges

https://www.maricopa.edu/degrees-certificates/hvac

With ten different campuses, Maricopa Community College offers HVAC training in multiple locations.

You can either train for an Air Conditioning/Refrigeration/Facilities Associate Degree or any of the following Certifications:

HVAC Commercial Installation and Service Technician, HVAC Residential Installation and Service Technician, or HVAC Residential and Service Technician (Day).

A full-time student can complete the Associate Degree program in four terms.

A certificate program takes two terms.

View the tuition and fees for Maricopa Community Colleges.

3. The Refrigeration School

https://www.rsi.edu/programs/refrigeration-technologies/

You will find this school in Phoenix. HVAC programs available include Refrigeration Technologies, Electro-Mechanical Technologies, and Mechanical Maintenance.

The Refrigeration Technologies program takes six months to complete,

If you are willing to attend for three additional months, you can complete the nine-month Electro-Mechanical Technologies program instead.

For more comprehensive training, complete the 15-month Mechanical Maintenance Engineering program.

Tuition ranges from $16,900 for the Refrigeration Technologies course up to $19,700 for Electro-Mechanical Technologies.

4. UEI College

https://www.uei.edu/trade-school/arizona/phoenix/heating-ventilation-and-air-conditioning-hvac-in-phoenix/

You can attend UEI College at the Phoenix or Mesa campus.

The program also incorporates online components and takes 10 months total to complete.

For whatever reason, UEI does not list the tuition for the program on its site, but the number I found through research is $21,500.

5. Pima Community College

https://www.pima.edu/academics-programs/degrees-certificates/industry-manuf-

construction/building-construction/hvac-r-technician-cert/index.html

6. Arizona Automotive Institute

https://www.aai.edu/programs/hvac-refrigeration/

7. Arizona Western College

https://www.azwestern.edu/degrees-and-certificates/air-conditioning-and-hvac

8. East Valley Institute of Technology

https://www.evit.com/adult_career_training_programs/heating_ventilation_air_conditioni

ng_refrigeration

9. West-MEC

https://www.west-mec.edu/hvac/

HVAC Technician Salary in Arizona

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), this field is growing at a rate of 6%, which is faster than average.

Not surprisingly, a skilled HVAC technician can command a competitive salary.

Salary.com provides salary information for HVAC technicians working in Arizona:

• Average HVAC technician salary in Arizona: $48,165
• Typical range: $41,615-$56,749

Where you work can impact what you earn, as does your specialization, your role in the company, and additional factors.

Annual Salary Range: Annual Salary by Location:

Location	Avg. Annual Salary
Phoenix	$48,435
Tuscon	$46,510
Mesa	$48,442
Chandler	$48,442
Scottsdale	$48,442
Glendale	$48,442
Gilbert	$44,226
Tempe	$48,442
Peoria	$48,337
Surprise	$48,010

Regional Salary in Arizona

* Salary information based on the May 2023 Occupational Employment Statistics (OES) Survey for Heating, Air Conditioning, and Refrigeration Mechanics and Installers, OCC Code 49-9021, BLS.
* Employment conditions in your area may vary.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long is HVAC school in Arizona

Programs vary in length.

Some are as short as several months, while others may take up to 2 years.

How much is HVAC school in Arizona?

I have seen prices as low as $6,000 and as high as $24,000.

The individual school, the type of program, the length of the program, and additional factors can all impact your costs.

What are the top-paying HVAC technician jobs in AZ?

According to ZipRecruiter, the most highly-paid HVAC jobs in AZ include HVAC Vice President, Mobile HVAC Building Engineer, HVAC Owner, HVAC Systems Engineer, and Master HVAC.

HVAC Technician Info by State