How to Become an HVAC Technician in Kansas

Are you ready for an in-demand career that keeps communities comfortable?

Becoming an HVAC technician in Kansas is one of the most satisfying paths that combines problem-solving, skills training, and helping others.

As the only professionals capable of installing and repairing essential heating, ventilation, and air conditioning systems, HVAC technicians play a vital role in ensuring homes and businesses have clean, temperature-controlled air throughout the year.

Want to join the in-demand field of HVAC but are not sure where to start in Kansas?

This article has all the secrets to success as I reveal the top training options, career opportunities, salaries you can expect, and everything else required to become a top-notch heating and cooling pro in the Sunflower State!

How to Become an HVAC Technician in Kansas, Step by Step

Educational Requirements

Those looking to enter the HVAC field in Kansas have several formal education options available.

Coursework covers topics like building systems, HVACR equipment, welding, and more.

To meet industry standards, it is critical to enroll in a PAHRA-accredited program.

Apprenticeships also provide an education path.

Apprentices combine classroom education with paid on-the-job training.

Kansas additionally supports registered apprenticeship programs directly with employers.

HVAC Schools in Kansas

Find everything you need to become a successful HVAC technician in Kansas through the following list of training schools in Kansas.

Johnson County Community College (Overland Park, KS)

Offers an AAS degree and certificate in HVAC technology.

PAHRA accredited. Programs take a certificate (two semesters) and an AAS degree (four semesters) to complete and prepare students for entry-level jobs.

Tuition costs are for Johnson County residents ($94 per credit), Kansas County residents ($112 per credit), and out-of-state residents ($223 per credit)

Kansas City Kansas Community College (Kansas City, KS)

Provides a heating and refrigeration certificate program.

The duration is typically one year.

Tuition costs are, Wyandotte County Residents ($82 per credit); in-state ($88 per credit); and out-of-state ($195 per credit)

Manhattan Area Technical College (Manhattan, KS)

Offers certificate and AAS degree programs.

Coursework covers topics in heating, ventilation, and air conditioning.

The certificate takes nine months, and the degree takes two years.

Tuition costs: Certificate ($12,455); AAS degree ($17,410)

Salina Area Technical College (Salina, KS)

Offers technical certificate and associate degree programs in HVAC/R-FeHVAC and credited programs.

The certificate takes (nine months) and an AAS degree (24 months).

Tuition costs: Certificate ($10,528); AAS degree ($13,591)

Seward County Community College (Liberal, KS)

HVAC/R programs combine classroom and hands-on training.

Certificates and degrees can be earned in 1–2 years.

The expected time to complete the certificate is 10 months; an AAS degree is 24 months.

Tuition costs: Seward County residents ($113 per credit); in-state ($114 per credit); out-of-state ($151 per credit)

Washburn Institute of Technology (Topeka, KS)

Provides an HVAC certificate and online HVAC/R training options.

Certification takes one year full-time.

Tuition costs: high school students ($170 per credit); adults ($148 per credit).

Wichita State University Tech (Wichita, KS)

The certificate program focuses on climate and energy control technologies.

The time to complete is: Certificate (12 months); AAS degree (24 months) Tuition costs: Certificate ($9,525); AAS degree ($11,995)

Wichita Technical Institute (Wichita, KS)

Offers an HVAC/R technician program with hands-on lab work.

The certificate takes 48 weeks.

Tuition costs: $4,100 per quarter.

Apprenticeship Programs in Kansas

HVAC apprenticeships allow individuals to earn while learning through a combination of on-the-job training and classroom instruction.

Apprentices are sponsored by employers and receive structured hands-on experience with an experienced mentor.

Several organizations across the state offer apprenticeship opportunities.

One such program is through Kansas Plumbers & Pipefitters Local Union 441, based in Wichita.

Their five-year apprenticeship includes 280 hours of coursework per year,  plus supervised work responsibilities.

Apprentices receive training in various HVAC installation and service techniques.

Local 441 helps place apprentices with sponsoring employers where they can begin gaining experience in both commercial and residential HVAC fields.

All related training costs are covered by a small annual fee paid by the apprentices.

Upon completion, journey-level certification and higher wage opportunities open up.

Licensing and Certification Requirements in Kansas

To work as an HVAC technician in Kansas, all technicians are required to hold EPA Section 608 certification, which involves passing a multiple-choice exam with 80 questions within 3 hours.

HVAC Technician Salaries in Kansas

According to the latest wage statistics, HVAC technicians in Kansas can expect to earn a competitive salary.

The average yearly wage for these professionals statewide is reported at around $54,294 or an hourly rate of $26.09.

Specific metropolitan areas tend to offer higher compensation levels, however, data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics shows the average HVAC technician salary in Kansas City, KS, is $65,000 per year, or $32 per hour.

The average hourly wage of $24.77 in Kansas overall and $25.07 in Kansas City, MO, specifically.

Experience plays a role in determining pay as it increases throughout a career.

CareerExplorer reports the typical salary range for HVAC technicians in Kansas as being between $30,730 for newcomers and $76,010 for highly experienced individuals.

Additional factors like union membership, specialized certifications obtained, and type of employer (commercial vs. residential focus) can also influence exact wage levels.

Still, salaries remain competitive for HVAC technicians throughout the state and metro regions.

Annual Salary Range: Annual Salary by Location:

Location	Avg. Annual Salary
Wichita	$46,236
Overland Park	$47,932
Kansas City	$48,074
Olathe	$47,802
Topeka	$45,348
Lawrence	$46,314
Shawnee	$47,932
Manhattan	$44,858
Lenexa	$49,323
Salina	$45,745

Regional Salary in Kansas

* 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 does it take to become an HVAC technician?

The time it takes can vary depending on the path chosen, but most programs offer certification within 1–2 years.

HVAC technician certificate programs are usually completed in one year, while associate’s degrees take two years.

Apprenticeships last 3-5 years, combining on-the-job training and classroom study.

What types of skills and qualifications are required to be an HVAC technician?

Core requirements include mechanical skills, problem-solving abilities, physical fitness for installation and repair work, and communication skills for client interactions.

A high school diploma is the minimum education level, but many employers prefer candidates to also have an associate’s degree or industry certifications.

What is the job outlook for HVAC technicians in Kansas?

The employment outlook is very positive.

As infrastructure ages and building systems need upgrades, demand is expected to increase.

The BLS projects a 20% growth rate in HVAC technician jobs nationally through 2030, which is much faster than average.

Opportunities should remain strong for trained technicians, especially those with a wide skill set.

HVAC Technician Info by State