How to Become an HVAC Technician in Maryland

Are you a self-starter who enjoys troubleshooting complex problems with your hands?

As an HVAC technician in Maryland, no two workdays will be the same.

From commercial high-rises to residential homes, heating and cooling systems throughout the state rely on skilled service professionals to keep temperatures comfortable year-round.

By undergoing a state-approved training program and gaining industry certifications like EPA Universal and NATE, you’ll be fully prepared to tackle any service call with confidence.

In return, you’ll enjoy competitive pay, steady demand for your talents, and the satisfaction that comes from preventing breakdowns and keeping families warm during bitter cold snaps.

Are you ready to maintain critical systems and deliver relief during hot summers and freezing winters?

In the following guide, I will show you how to go about launching a fulfilling career in HVAC.

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

Educational Requirements

Most HVAC technicians in Maryland obtain a postsecondary certificate or associate’s degree from a technical or trade school.

The following are the primary admission requirements for HVAC technician programs in Maryland:

• Completion of high school or an equivalent qualification (GED or HiSET)
• Minimum age of 18
• Prerequisites in math, science, or technology courses may be required for some programs.

Certificate programs typically require 6-18 months of full-time study, whereas associate’s degrees usually require two years.

HVAC theory, equipment installation and repair, building systems, and hands-on skill development are all covered in the curriculum.

HVAC Schools in Maryland

There are several schools available in Maryland for HVAC technicians seeking industry-related training:

Community College of Baltimore County

• Location: Baltimore, MD
• Accreditation: Middle States Commission on Higher Education (MSCHE)
• Time to Complete: Certificates (one to two semesters); AAS (four semesters)
• Tuition Costs: Baltimore County, Maryland residents, in-county ($122 per credit); Maryland residents, in-state, out-of-county ($241 per credit)

North American Trade Schools

• Location: Baltimore, MD
• Accreditation: Accrediting Commission of Career Schools and Colleges (ACCSC)
• Time to Complete: Daytime classes (39 weeks); evening classes (44 weeks)
• Tuition Costs: $18,500 total tuition

Lincoln College of Technology

• Location: Columbia, MD
• Accreditation: Accrediting Commission of Career Schools and Colleges (ACCSC)
• Time to Complete: Day classes (40 weeks); evening classes (74 weeks)
• Tuition Costs: $25,704 total tuition

Wor-Wic Community College

• Location: Salisbury, MD
• Accreditation: Middle States Commission on Higher Education (MSCHE)
• Time to Complete: 24 months
• Tuition Costs: In-county ($129 per credit); out-of-county ($258 per credit); out-of-state bordering county ($259 per credit); out-of-state ($323 per credit)

Carroll Community College

• Location: Westminster, MD
• Accreditation: Middle States Commission on Higher Education (MSCHE)
• Time to Complete: 24 months
• Tuition Costs: In-county ($136 per credit); out-of-county ($238 per credit); out-of-state ($319 per credit)

Online Options: Completely online HVAC programs from schools like Penn Foster Career School offer flexible, self-paced study for working students.

Apprenticeships

There are two steps to becoming an HVAC apprentice in Maryland.

Before you can begin an approved apprenticeship, you must first obtain an HVACR apprentice license.

You must enroll in a state-approved HVAC apprenticeship program once you have your license.

The Maryland Apprenticeship and Training Program (MATP) registers apprenticeship programs across the state.

Apprentices learn on the job while attending trade-focused classes.

The state of Maryland offers a portal on its website to assist students and new HVAC professionals in locating a paid HVAC apprenticeship program.

Licensing and Certification Requirements

While HVAC technicians themselves do not need to hold an HVAC license in Maryland, all technicians are required to obtain and maintain an industry certification.

EPA Section 608 Certification (compulsory): This involves passing a test on safe refrigerant handling practices, which has four subsets depending on the type of equipment worked on.

Most HVAC training programs in Maryland include EPA certification preparation.

NATE Certification (optional but recommended): The North American Technician Excellence certification demonstrates competency across eight technical areas through online exams.

It validates proficiency in the installation, service, and maintenance of HVAC systems for both potential employers and homeowners.

Continuing education is necessary to maintain certifications.

EPA certification requires approved courses every 5 years, while NATE certification demands earning continuing education units every 3 years.

This ensures technicians stay up-to-date as technologies advance.

Certification highlights a technician’s commitment to quality work and adheres to national standards, which can lead to higher employment opportunities and earning potential.

Employers often prefer to hire NATE-certified technicians.

Salary Information

HVAC technicians in Maryland earn competitive wages; the annual mean wage is reported as $59,958. Median hourly wages are $29.91.

Salaries can vary depending on factors like:

• Experience level: Technicians with several years of experience and additional certifications tend to earn more.
• Location: Wages may be higher in more urban areas with greater costs of living, like Baltimore City.
• Specialization: Focusing on skills in areas like controls, commercial refrigeration, or custom installation can increase earnings potential.

As with other skilled trades, hourly rates increase over a career as HVAC technicians take on leadership roles in companies or management positions.

The opportunity for overtime also augments annual take-home pay.

Annual Salary Range: Annual Salary by Location:

Location	Avg. Annual Salary
Baltimore	$50,403
Columbia	$50,321
Germantown	$52,975
Silver Spring	$54,581
Waldorf	$54,434
Glen Burnie	$50,403
Ellicott CIty	$50,370
Frederick	$52,665
Dundalk	$50,403
Rockville	$54,515

Regional Salary in Maryland

* 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

Do HVAC technicians work year-round in Maryland?

Yes, since HVAC systems are critical for heating, cooling, and ventilation, technicians are needed throughout the year.

While summer is busy for AC repairs, work also includes installation, maintenance, and repairs for indoor winter heating systems.

What is the difference between commercial and residential HVAC work?

Commercial HVAC work focuses more on large building systems like boilers, chillers, rooftop units, and building automation controls.

Residential involves smaller equipment like furnaces, heat pumps, and ductwork in family homes.

Commercial often pays more, but residential offers a better work-life balance.

Is it possible to become an HVAC technician with an associate's degree?

Yes, many community colleges offer accredited 2-year HVAC degree programs that fulfill the education requirements.

While certificates are also viable, associate degrees allow for expanded career options, like management roles that require a higher education credential.

HVAC Technician Info by State