How to Become an HVAC Technician in Texas

Have you ever thought about a career working with air conditioning and heating systems?

Becoming an HVAC (heating, ventilation, and air conditioning) technician can be a rewarding and well-paying job, especially here in hot and humid Texas!

In this guide, we’ll break down the step-by-step process of entering this in-demand field.

By the end, you’ll have a clear understanding of the educational requirements, schools, apprenticeships, licenses, and more needed to keep Texans comfortable.

Let’s get started on your path to an exciting new career keeping people cool!

How to Become an HVAC Tech in TX: A Step-by-Step Guide

First, let’s begin by discussing the steps required to become an HVAC technician.

After that, I’ll introduce you to some of the top schools in Texas offering HVAC training.

Finally, I’ll share the findings from my research on salaries in this field.

Plan Ahead

Most HVAC technician jobs require a high school diploma or equivalent as the minimum education level.

However, having additional training or certifications makes you stand out more to potential employers.

Many technicians choose to complete a program at an HVAC school or community college.

HVAC programs usually last between 6-24 months depending on the certification you pursue.

Coursework covers topics like HVAC system design, electrical controls, HVAC math, and more.

Hands-on training is also a key part of the curriculum.

HVAC Training

There are two ways you can become an HVAC technician once you have finished High School.

Option one: Attend HVAC school

There are dozens of schools across Texas offering HVAC technician training programs approved by nationally recognized organizations.

These schools provide quality programs to help you gain the knowledge and skills needed to enter the field.

Financial aid may also be available to assist with the cost of attendance.

Option two: Do an HVAC technician apprenticeship

For those interested in an earn-while-you-learn approach, registered apprenticeship programs are a terrific choice.

Apprentices gain on-the-job work experience while attending related technical instruction classes, usually lasting 1–5 years.

You’ll earn a paycheck from Day 1 in the industry too.

Top programs in Texas include The Training Center for Air Conditioning and Heating and Trane Technologies.

Apprenticeships are a debt-free pathway to rewarding HVAC careers.

Licensing and Certification Requirements in Texas

While HVAC training programs are voluntary in Texas, obtaining an appropriate license is usually mandatory before working as a technician.

Requirements vary based on the specific job.

For example, a Universal Technician license requires passing a competency exam for light commercial work.

For more complex commercial and residential systems, acquiring an EPA Section 608 certification for handling refrigerants is also necessary.

Special licenses exist for other HVAC-related roles too, like installation or contracting.

Maintaining ongoing continuing education is important as well to keep licenses up-to-date.

Best HVAC Schools in Texas

Here is a list I put together of some of the popular HVAC technician schools located in Texas.

These institutes provide quality training programs to help you succeed in the HVAC field.

Let’s check them out:

Lincoln Tech

Lincoln College of Technology offers an AAS degree or diploma in air conditioning, refrigeration, and heating systems technology in Grand Prairie.

The 77-week AAS program costs $31,580, while the 52-week diploma is $28,030.

Courses cover heating, electricity, refrigeration, air conditioning, and energy efficiency.

Laredo College

Laredo College offers HVAC certificates in Laredo that take one, two, or three semesters.

The HVAC assistant certificate is 15 credits for one semester and costs $50–200 per credit, depending on residency.

The residential HVAC certificate is 28 credits over two semesters, while the commercial certificate is 41 credits over three semesters.

Vernon College

Vernon College provides HVAC certificates and an AAS in Wichita Falls.

The level 1 certificate takes 32 weeks and 24 credits to complete, while the advanced certificate takes 18 credits over 32 weeks.

The 2-year AAS degree costs $60–200 per credit, depending on residency.

Courses cover electricity, heating systems, refrigeration, and air conditioning.

North Central Texas College

North Central Texas College offers an HVAC OSA, certificate, and AAS that can be completed in Gainesville or Fort Worth.

The 15-credit OSA takes one semester, while the 30-credit certificate and 60-credit AAS take one to two years.

Tuition is $57–206 per credit, depending on residency.

Course topics include refrigeration, electrical systems, and heating and cooling equipment.

Lone Star College

Lone Star College’s program can result in an HVAC certificate or AAS degree in Houston.

The occupational certificate is 15 credits, while the residential and commercial certificates are 30 credits each.

The two-year AAS degree costs $103-290 per credit, depending on residency.

Core classes cover electricity, refrigeration, HVAC systems, and controls.

Some schools listed here could require a high school diploma or equivalent before entry.

Additionally, certain institutes offer tuition aid through financial aid or scholarships.

HVAC Technician Salary in Texas

As an HVAC technician in high-demand Texas, your career potential is significant.

According to CareerOnestop, the average annual wage for HVAC technicians in the state is around $48,000.

However, all experienced technicians with advanced skills and certifications can earn upwards of $70,000 per year.

Annual Salary Range: Annual Salary by Location:

Location	Avg. Annual Salary
Houston	$49,889
San Antonio	$47,285
Dallas	$48,712
Austin	$48,221
Fort Worth	$47,776
El Pas	$42,885
Arlington	$47,697
Corpus Christi	$46,020
Plano	$48,712
Laredo	$43,701

Regional Salary in Texas

* 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 I have to go to school to be an HVAC technician?

Formal training is usually required but not always mandatory.

Apprenticeships provide another option, combining on-the-job learning with classroom time.

What are the day-to-day tasks of an HVAC technician?

Common duties include installing, servicing, and repairing climate control systems; carrying out preventative maintenance checks; performing inspections and diagnostics; troubleshooting issues; and more.

How long does it take to become an HVAC technician?

With a non-degree technical college program, plan about 1-2 years.

Apprenticeships average 3-5 years of total time.

Consider your goals, schedule, and prior experience when deciding the best path.

I hope this detailed guide has provided you with all the information needed to decide if starting your career in HVAC technology is right for you.

With the growing demand and excellent earning potential, it’s a smart choice here in the Lone Star State.

Take that first step toward enrolling in school or applying to a program now—your future in the field starts today!

HVAC Technician Info by State