How to Become an HVAC Technician in Missouri

Have you ever thought about working as an HVAC in Missouri?

It’s a rewarding job, and there is always a need for HVAC workers in Missouri.

The pay is competitive, and you only need a few years of study to obtain your certificate to be well on your way to a successful career.

Check out my guide below on how to become an HVAC technician in Missouri and what you need to get there.

Steps to Becoming an HVAC Technician in Missouri

There are a few things you need to complete first before you can start working as an HVAC technician.

Check out the steps below to learn about what you need to do:

• You must be 18 years old to start an apprenticeship or study at a college
• You need your GED or a high school certificate.
• Proper education and training is a must:

You can attend college and study for two years or go to trade school, which only requires 6-9 months of schooling.

The other option is an apprenticeship through a sponsoring employer or a union organization:

• You must obtain an EPA 608 certificate before you can work as an HVAC technician and handle refrigerant.
• If you want to work for yourself as an HVAC technician, then you will need a state-issued business license. Remember, you will need to consider insurance, too.

Missouri does not require you to have a state license, but there may be times when your local municipalities will require a license.

Check your local municipalities rules and regulations to know what is required.

State statute requires those applying for the Master Plumber Certification and Journeyman to take an exam when working in areas with 15,000 or more in population.

EPA 608 Certificate

In most states, including Missouri, you must obtain an EPA 608 certificate.

It is required for all those working as an HVAC technician and dealing with refrigerants, whether for repair, installation, or disposal of the system.

HVAC Schools Located in Missouri

State Technical College of Missouri

https://statetechmo.edu/program/hvac/

The State Technical College of Missouri has an HVAC program that qualifies you for ventilation, air conditioning, and heating work.

The course prepares you to install and repair furnaces, air conditioning, air source heat pumps, and geothermal heat pumps.

The course will take 2-3 years to complete and will cost you $189 for each credit for people in-state and $378 for non-residents.

East Central College

https://www.eastcentral.edu/career-technical-education/hvac-r/

The East Central College has the primary certification for HVAC and the Associate of Applied Science.

In this course, you learn how to successfully install, maintain, and repair heating and air conditioning systems.

In this course, you must complete 33 credits: refrigerant A/C I and II, Heating and Equipment Installation I and II, Forced Air Heating I and II, Introduction I and II, and the HVAC Capstone Certificate II.

The main HVAC certificate will take two semesters to complete, and the Associate Applied Science course will take four semesters to finish.

In-district cost is $110 for each credit, and out-of-state will cost you $230 for each credit.

Metropolitan Community College

https://mcckc.edu/programs/hvac/

The Metropolitan Community College offers three certificate programs: The Energy Efficiency certificate, the HVAC certificate, and the Associate Applied Science certificate.

Students learn how to install, service, and repair air and heating systems.

You will learn about the different uses of tools, how to use them correctly, and how to maintain air and heating systems in commercial and residential settings.

It will take one year for the introductory HVAC course and two years for the HVAC associate course.

You can expect to pay $116 for each credit for those in-district and $307 for each credit for those who are out of state.

Here are a few other schools where you can study for your HVAC certificate:

Jefferson College, Hillsboro

https://www.jeffco.edu/

Hillyard Technical Center, St. Joseph

https://hillyardtech.sjsd.k12.mo.us/

Nichols Career Center

https://www.jcschools.us/nichols

Ozarks Technical Community College

https://www.otc.edu/

Rolla Technical Institute

https://rtirtc.rolla31.org/

Where to Find HVAC Apprenticeships in Missouri

https://jobs.mo.gov/moapprenticeships

Missouri Apprentice Connect is a great resource that can help you find apprenticeships within the Missouri area.

They can match you with employers willing to take on HVAC apprentices.

They will also help you connect with employers looking for staff after you have completed your apprenticeship.

You can also reach out on social media or visit businesses in person and discuss your interest in doing an HVAC apprenticeship and see if they have anything available.

Salary

The HVAC technicians and installers have an annual salary of $52,920, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics.

The salary can change based on your experience, what certifications you have obtained, and other factors, such as whether you are self-employed or working for a company.

Annual Salary Range: Annual Salary by Location:

Location	Avg. Annual Salary
Kansas City	$48,084
St. Louis	$48,275
Springfield	$48,817
Independence	$48,032
Columbia	$47,720
Lee's Summit	$50,793
O'Fallon	$55,118
St. Joseph	$47,620
St. Charles	$48,014
St. Peters	$47,910

Regional Salary in Missouri

* 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

What Are the Advantages of Working as an HVAC Technician in Missouri?

There are many advantages that you can benefit from, such as:

• Your pay will increase as you upgrade your skills
• Be your own boss and set up a business yourself
• Build a career that you can climb up the ladder and branch out to other options
• Job security as everyone needs air conditioning and heating, so there will always be demand for installers and repairers.

How Much Are the Fees For HVAC Technician Tech in Missouri?

There will be upfront costs that you have to pay for the course itself.

The average price in Missouri per credit is $189.00.

You will have your EPA certificate fees on top of this, which will be $120.

Is the HVAC Course in Missouri Worth Doing?

The hours work out to be ok, and if you are self-employed, then you can set the hours and days that you want to work.

The wages at first might not seem motivating, but once you earn more certificates and start to make your way up the ladder, your wage will increase.

The training is a small amount, and it takes 1-2 years to earn your certificate, which is a short period for a new career.

What Does the Job Outlook Look Like?

Everyone wants to live comfortably, including having heating and cooling available when needed.

These systems last ten years, so new ones will be coming in every few years, not to mention they need to be serviced every 12 months.

The projections central has predicted we will see an 11.2% increase in HVAC jobs statewide from 2018 to 2028.

HVAC Technician Info by State