How to Become an HVAC Technician in Pennsylvania

If you’re interested in becoming an HVAC technician, there aren’t many better places to make a name for yourself than in Pennsylvania.

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, PA is home to more than 17,700 heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanics and installers.

Only four other states (Texas, California, Florida, and New York) employ more HVAC technicians and contractors in the United States.

How to Become an HVAC Technician in Pennsylvania: A Step-by-Step Guide

Pennsylvania doesn’t require HVAC technicians or contractors to obtain a state-issued license, but there are license requirements and regulations at the local level – for example, both Pittsburgh and Philadelphia issue their own HVAC licenses.

Technicians are also expected to obtain an EPA Section 608 certification.

If you’re wondering how to get started with a career in the HVAC industry, don’t worry – we’re going to break it all down for you below:

Gain an Education

Anyone interested in becoming an HVAC technician will need a high school diploma or GED to get started in the industry – so that’s an excellent place to start.

Beyond that, aspiring technicians must complete a combination of educational training and on-site experience to obtain a license.

HVAC schools and other accredited training programs are designed to give technicians all the tools they need to succeed in the HVAC industry.

While there are ways around receiving a formal education, it’s heavily recommended for those who want to hone their skills and knowledge from the beginning.

Obtain EPA Certification

To better control pollution and improve air quality, President Lyndon B. Johnson signed the Clean Air Act into federal law in 1963.

Section 608 prohibits anyone from intentionally venting ODS refrigerants while maintaining, servicing, or repairing air-conditioning and/or refrigeration equipment.

As a result, aspiring HVAC technicians are required to obtain an EPA Section 608 certification by passing one of four different exams, depending on the work you’re interested in:

• Type I – obtain this certification if you plan on servicing and installing small appliances with less than five pounds of refrigerant.
• Type II – obtain this certification if you plan on servicing and installing high-pressure systems with more than five pounds of refrigerant.
• Type III – obtain this certification if you plan on servicing and installing low-pressure systems
• Universal – this certification combines the Type I, Type II, and Type III certifications.

This certification is necessary for anyone who plans on conducting refrigerant line-pressure tests or plans on handling or adding refrigerant to air-conditioning units.

Considering how dangerous refrigerants can be when mishandled or misused, the EPA wants to minimize the risk by ensuring technicians are trained.

Complete Apprenticeship

Formal education and in-classroom learning is a great way to introduce yourself to any topic, but it means nothing until you put that knowledge to the test in the real world.

An apprenticeship allows you to hone your skills while working under a licensed contractor, giving you the experience needed to get a license.

One of the most popular apprenticeship programs in Pennsylvania is the Air Conditioning Contractors Western Pennsylvania (ACCWPA) – a four-year program that exposes technicians to 3,200 classroom hours/lab training and 8,000 on-the-job hours.

Of course, there are dozens of other programs available.

Obtain a Local HVAC License

While the state of Pennsylvania doesn’t issue an HVAC license, certain local jurisdictions do, and they each have a unique set of requirements and regulations technicians must follow.

For example, there are three primary types of HVAC licenses available in the state – let’s take a closer look at each one:

• Home Improvement Contractor Registration – for those who plan on doing HVAC installations and repairs as part of a home improvement project.
• Grade B Refrigeration Engineer License – for those who plan on working with, operating, and maintaining refrigeration equipment, HVAC systems, and storage units.
• HVAC Contractor License – for those who plan on working as an HVAC contractor and providing installation, maintenance, and repair services to commercial and residential properties.

Candidates in Philadelphia have four options to choose from when obtaining an HVAC license:

• Sheet Metal Apprentice License – permits an individual to install, maintain, and service HVAC systems under the supervision of a registered sheet metal technician.
• Sheet Metal Systems Technician – permits an individual to install, maintain, and service HVAC systems without the supervision of another trained professional (must pass the exam first).
• Engineer License – permits an individual to maintain steam or high-temperature hot water boilers, steam engines, hosting engines, and refrigeration machinery (must pass ICC exam).
• Home Improvement Contractor License – allows an individual or business to perform home improvement work on one- or two-family dwellings (electricians and plumbers are exempt).

Likewise, Pittsburgh requires an HVAC contractor license for anyone installing, erecting, enlarging, repairing, altering, removing, converting, or replacing a mechanical system within city limits.

The Pittsburgh Department of Permits, Licenses, and Inspections is responsible for issuing these licenses.

Other Certifications & Licenses to Consider

Although not required, we recommend aspiring HVAC contractors and technicians pursue the following licenses and certifications:

• NATE Certification (North American Technician Excellence)
• ASHRAE (American Society of Heating, Refrigerating, and Air-Conditioning Engineers)
• RSES (Refrigeration Service Engineers Society)
• BPI (Building Performance Institute)

The above-mentioned certifications will help supplement the licenses and certifications already required by state and local municipalities.

HVAC Schools in Pennsylvania

For those looking to get their feet wet in the HVAC industry, Pennsylvania is home to several schools, programs, and apprenticeships designed to give aspiring technicians all the tools, skills, and knowledge needed to succeed.

When looking for a school that fits your needs, ensure it’s accredited by the Partnership for Air-Conditioning, Heating, Refrigeration Accreditation (PAHRA) or HVAC Excellence – the two primary organizations known for accrediting HVAC programs across the United States.

Let’s take a look at some of the most prominent schools in the area:

Pennsylvania College of Technology

Location: 1 College Ave, Williamsport, PA 17701

Program: Heating, Ventilation & Air Conditioning Engineering Technology

Accredited By: Partnership for Air-Conditioning, Heating, Refrigeration Accreditation (PAHRA)

Course Length: 4 years (B.S. degree); 2 years (A.A.S. degree)

Tuition Cost: $598 per credit (in-state); $856 per credit (out-of-state)

Situated along the West Branch Susquehanna River and located just two hours northwest of Allentown, PA, the Pennsylvania College of Technology offers two degrees in the HVAC space – a Bachelor of Science (B.S. degree) and an Associate of Applied Science (A.A.S. degree).

Berks Career and Technology Center

Location: 3307 Friedensburg Rd, Oley, PA 19547

Program: HVAC/Refrigeration

Accredited By: HVAC Excellence

Course Length: 3 years (195 hours per year)

Tuition Cost: contact BCTC for a custom assessment

Located just 45 minutes southwest of Allentown and one-hour northwest of Philadelphia, the Berks Career and Technology Center (East Campus) offers an accredited HVAC program that’s accredited through HVAC Excellence and the National Center for Construction Education and Research (NCCER).

Bucks County Technical High School

Location: 610 Wistar Rd, Fairless Hills, PA 19030

Program: Heating, Ventilation, Air Conditioning and Refrigeration (HVAC/R)

Accredited By: HVAC Excellence

Course Length: n/a

Tuition Cost: contact BCTHS for a custom assessment

Located just 10 minutes southwest of Trenton, NJ, and 30 minutes northeast of Philadelphia, PA, the Bucks County Technical High School is much more than just a high school.

In 2019, its HVAC/R program was granted accreditation by HVAC Excellence – allowing students to get started in the industry early.

Greater Altoona Career & Technology Center

Location: 1500 4th Ave, Altoona, PA 16602

Program: HVAC/R (Courses 7140, 7150)

Accredited By: HVAC Excellence

Course Length: one year

Tuition Cost: $13,300 total

Located roughly 100 miles east of Pittsburgh, the Greater Altoona Career & Technology Center offers an HVAC program accredited by HVAC Excellence and the National Association of Home Builders.

They’re led by Ed Campbell (HVAC/R Teacher), and students will receive an EPA 608 certification.

Somerset County Technology Center

Location: 281 Technology Dr, Somerset, PA 15501

Program: Heating, Ventilation, Air Conditioning, & Refrigeration (HVAC/R)

Accredited By: Partnership for Air-Conditioning, Heating, Refrigeration Accreditation (PAHRA)

Course Length: 3 years

Tuition Cost: contact SCTC for a custom assessment

Located roughly 70 miles southeast of Pittsburgh, PA, the Somerset County Technology Center offers an accredited HVAC program that teaches you how to read blueprints, piping practices, basic electricity, tools for HVAC/R, cooling and heating, air distribution systems, heat pumps, and much more. 

United Association of Steamfitters Local 449 Technology Center

Location: 230 Wise Rd, Harmony, PA 16037

Program: HVAC/R Services Program

Accredited By: HVAC Excellence

Course Length: 5 years

Tuition Cost: n/a

Located just 30 minutes north of Pittsburgh, PA, the United Association of Steamfitters Local 449 Technology Center offers an accredited HVAC program with a 10-week accelerated service training (AST) course and five years of on-the-job and weekly classroom training on HVAC systems.

HVAC Technician Salary in Pennsylvania

According to Salary.com, the average salary for an HVAC technician in the United States is $49,321 (between $42,615 and $58,114) – which is right on par with Pennsylvania’s average of $49,223 (between $42,530 and $57,998).

Several factors could impact a technician’s salary, including their experience level, the city they work in, level of education and/or training, and who they’re working for.

Annual Salary Range: Annual Salary by Location:

Location	Avg. Annual Salary
Philadelphia	$52,031
Pittsburgh	$48,295
Allentown	$49,413
Erie	$45,289
Reading	$48,774
Scranton	$45,512
Bethlehem	$49,413
Lancaster	$48,035
Harrisburg	$47,691
Altoona	$45,696

Regional Salary in Pennsylvania

* 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 a certified and licensed HVAC technician in Pennsylvania?

Most aspiring technicians will spend six months to two years in an HVAC program and 2-5 years in an apprenticeship before becoming a licensed HVAC contractor.

Can I use my Pennsylvania HVAC license in any other nearby states?

Since Pennsylvania doesn’t issue state-level licenses in the HVAC field, you can’t use a local license in any other state.

What are the benefits of getting licensed in the HVAC industry?

Some benefits include working in a high-demand industry with competitive salaries, getting to help people in vulnerable situations, and feeling secure in a stable industry.

HVAC Technician Info by State