Download the Guide!
We all want to stay warm in the winter and cool in the summer. When our furnaces or air conditioners break, we rely on a heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) mechanic, installer, or technician to fix them. There’s a lot to learn if you want a job in this essential workforce, and training is available throughout the Great Lakes State.
The growing demand for HVAC professionals in Michigan means you can feel confident that the time you put into training will pay off.
The U.S. Department of Labor’s job search website, CareerOneStop, projects a 9% growth rate in Michigan for Heating, Air Conditioning, and Refrigeration Mechanics and Installers as compared with 6% nationwide over the next decade.
There’s definitely evidence to support this on job boards. For instance, there are hundreds of HVAC technician jobs in Michigan posted on Indeed.com and ZipRecruiter.com.
In this complete guide, we’ve put together everything you need to know about HVAC trade schools and apprenticeships to get started as an HVAC professional in Michigan.
Michigan HVAC Training Programs
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), “Many HVACR technicians receive post secondary instruction from technical and trade schools or community colleges that offer programs in heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration. These programs generally last from six months to two years and lead to a certificate or an associate’s degree.”
The BLS says new HVAC techs work alongside experienced technicians, though some gain experience from an apprenticeship program, which lasts between three and five years. Apprenticeship programs include learning about safety practices, blueprint reading, how to use tools, and gaining knowledge about the various systems used to heat and cool buildings.
HVAC license requirements vary from state to state and, in some cases, from locality to locality. Performing HVAC or refrigeration work in the state of Michigan requires individuals to hold a Mechanical Contractor license issued through the Michigan Department of Licensing and Regulatory Affairs (LARA) or work as a technician apprentice under someone who holds a license.
The following Michigan trade schools offer HVAC programs:
Macomb Community College in Clinton Township and Warren
Washtenaw Community College in Ann Arbor
Kellogg Community College in Battle Creek
Delta College in University Center
Northwestern Michigan College in Traverse City
Lansing Community College in Lansing
Ferris State University in Big Rapids
Grand Rapids Community College in Grand Rapids
Dorsey College at multiple Dorsey Schools locations (Roseville, Saginaw, Wayne, and Woodhaven)
Wayne Community College District in Detroit
Kirtland Community College in Grayling and Gaylord
Mott Community College in Flint
Oakland Community College in Southfield
HVAC Degrees & Certificates
As you weigh the benefits of formal training at a technical or community college or online, you may want to speak with people in the field in the state where you plan to work. Licensure requirements for HVAC professionals vary from state to state. In Michigan, advanced education isn’t required to become an HVAC professional, although it can count toward one year of the experience requirements.
Because of the complexity of today’s HVAC systems, many employers prefer to hire people who have completed both technical school courses and on-the-job training, as well as those who have field experience. In some cases, formal education pays off in the form of higher wages.
There’s typically a range of certificate and degree programs, as well as apprenticeships that combine classroom learning with hands-on experience. Some HVAC contractors may allow you to train with them while also attending a college program at night or on the weekend. If you choose to start at a trade school, the time it takes to complete each kind of program and the cost of each are the most significant differences. The most common programs are:
Certificate Program – three to six months
Associate’s Degree – two years
Bachelor’s Degree – four years
Obviously, the longer the program, the more it costs. If you seek a degree in mechanical engineering technology, you’ll need a two-year Associate of Applied Science degree. If you want to be a mechanical engineer, you’ll need a four-year Bachelor of Science Degree in Mechanical Engineering. If these paths interest you, you may want to explore other schools in Michigan such as:
The #1 newsletter for the trades.
Typical Courses in Technical College Programs
HVAC programs at technical colleges are intended to prepare students for careers in commercial, industrial, or residential HVAC applications. Most technical school graduates leave prepared to accept entry-level positions as an HVAC technician.
HVAC technicians must be knowledgeable in heating, ventilation, air conditioning, and refrigeration systems and be prepared to diagnose, troubleshoot and repair cooling and heating systems including heat pumps, commercial refrigerators, gas heaters, air conditioners, and more.
To help guarantee future employment, you might consider attending an accredited program through an agency, such as the Partnership for Air Conditioning, Heating, Refrigeration Accreditation (PAHRA) or HVAC Excellence.
Typical HVAC courses teach fundamentals including:
Safety
Computer concepts (diagnosing and repairing complex systems)
Heat pumps
Commercial HVAC and refrigerators
Basic electricity for HVAC
Basic refrigeration
Gas heating
Air conditioners
Refrigeration equipment
HVAC customer soft skills and job-seeking skills
Refrigeration applications
Residential HVAC applications
Troubleshooting ventilation systems
School Selection Criteria
There are a lot of things to consider when picking the right school and program.
Cost
Cost is, of course, at the top of the list. According to Community College Review, tuition at Michigan community colleges on average is $4,944 per year for in-state students and $6,878 for out-of-state students. There will be some variations in fees at each school, too, so be sure to review all of the costs involved.
You will also incur costs for books and tools, but those tools are yours to keep as you enter your field. All students who are interested in receiving financial aid or federal (Pell Grant) and state grants apply by completing the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) form online.
Program Length
Program length varies depending on the school and degree or certificate earned. If an individual completes a two-year HVAC program by a recognized trade school, community college, or university, or a two-year HVAC training program approved by the United States Department of Labor, they can receive one year (2,000 hours) of credit toward the three-year experience requirement for Mechanical Contractor licensure in Michigan.
Level of Difficulty
HVAC training programs are designed to prepare graduates for entry-level positions in commercial, industrial, or residential sectors as HVAC installers or technicians. HVAC technicians have to learn to do a lot of different things to be successful, including how to follow blueprints or other design specifications to install or repair HVAC systems, connect systems to fuel and water supply lines and air ducts, install electrical wiring and controls, proper techniques of refrigerant recovery, reclaiming and recycling, run diagnostics, and so much more.
School Comparison: At a Glance
The Michigan training centers listed below offer HVAC programs to prepare students for a career in the HVAC industry. Let’s take a look at the different schools:
Macomb Community College
Offers an Associate of Applied Science degree in Building Performance and Energy Management
Offers an Associate of Applied Science degree in Climate Control Technology
Washtenaw Community College
Offers a Bachelor of Science degree in Heating, Ventilation, A/C, and Refrigeration (Program is designed for transfer students who already hold an Associate of Applied Science degree.)
Offers an Associate in Applied Science degree in Heating, Ventilation, A/C, and Refrigeration
Offers an Advanced Certificate in Heating, Ventilation, A/C, and Refrigeration - Commercial Trade
Offers a Certificate in Heating, Ventilation, A/C, and Refrigeration - Residential
Kellogg Community College
Delta College
Offers an Advanced Certificate in HVAC/R - Commercial Refrigeration
Offers an Advanced Certificate in HVAC/R - Heating
Offers an Associate in Applied Science degree in HVAC/R - Service Technology
Northwestern Michigan College
Offers a Certificate in Construction Technology - HVAC/R Technology
Offers an Associate in Applied Science degree in Construction Technology - HVAC/R
Lansing Community College
Offers a Certificate in Building Maintenance
Offers an Associate of Applied Science degree in Heat and Air Conditioning
Offers an Associate of Applied Science degree in HVAC/R - Energy Management Engineering Technology
Ferris State University
Offers an Associate in Applied Science degree in HVACR Technology
Offers a Bachelor of Science degree in HVACR Engineering Technology and Energy Management
Grand Rapids Community College
Dorsey College
Offers an HVAC Systems Technician training program
Wayne Community College District
Offers an Associate of Applied Science degree in Heating, Ventilation, and Air Conditioning
Offers a Certificate in Heating, Ventilation, and Air Conditioning
Kirtland Community College
Offers a Certificate in HVAC/R
Mott Community College
Offers a Certificate in Heating, Ventilation, Air Conditioning & Refrigeration Technology
Offers an Associate in Applied Science degree in Heating, Ventilation, Air Conditioning & Refrigeration
Oakland Community College
Steps for Enrollment in Michigan
Every college has its own way of doing things, but in general the process begins with applying for admission on the school’s website. Some require that you pay an application fee and provide several documents. In general, the application process has the following steps:
Complete your application.
Pay the application fee (if applicable).
Provide proof of residency to qualify for in-state tuition.
Have sealed official high school transcript or GED scores sent.
Submit placement test scores.
If applicable, apply for on-campus housing.
If you choose to start with an apprenticeship, you will want to contact the Local Union or non-union trade organization chapter closest to you. Each organization has a slightly different application process, but the application requirements in general are:
Must be at least 18 years of age.
Must be a high school graduate, senior scheduled to graduate or have earned a GED certificate. Applicants will be required to provide a copy of their diploma or GED certificate, and an official transcript of their grades following submission of the application.
Must have a valid driver’s license.
Have passed high school algebra or an equivalent post-high school algebra class with a “C” or better or pass an aptitude test.
Pass a drug screen and criminal background checks.
HVAC Career Requirements in Michigan
Performing HVAC or refrigeration work in the state of Michigan requires individuals to either hold a Mechanical Contractor license issued through the Michigan Department of Licensing and Regulatory Affairs (LARA) or work as a technician apprentice under someone who holds a license.
Before filling out the application and taking the exam, Mechanical Contractor candidates must demonstrate a minimum of three years (6,000 hours) of experience in the work classification for which they are seeking licensure. If you want to own your own HVAC business you need to get your license.
If an individual completes a two-year HVAC program by a recognized trade school, community college, or university, or a two-year HVAC training program approved by the United States Department of Labor, they can receive one year (2,000 hours) of credit.
The different license classifications include:
Hydronic heating and cooling and process piping
HVAC equipment (includes ductwork, gas piping and venting)
Ductwork
Refrigeration
Limited heating service
Unlimited heating service
Limited refrigeration and air conditioning service
Unlimited refrigeration and air conditioning service
Fire suppression
There are also speciality licensing classifications, which include:
Solar heating and cooling
Solid fuel equipment and vented decorative gas appliances
LP distribution piping
Fuel gas piping
Fuel gas piping and venting
HVAC professionals anywhere in the country, including Michigan, must obtain an EPA HVAC certification if they conduct refrigerant line-pressure tests, or handle or add refrigerant to existing air conditioning systems, according to EPA regulations under Section 608 of the Clean Air Act.
For a detailed explanation of EPA certification and Michigan’s HVACR licensing requirements and how to fulfill them, check out our essential guide to getting your Michigan HVAC License.
Salaries for HVAC Technicians in Michigan
Before paying for technical education or completing a lengthy apprenticeship to become an HVAC technician or licensed contractor, you’ll want some idea of the potential return on your investment of time, effort, energy, and money. In other words, what can you expect to make as an HVAC professional in Michigan? Payscale.com data provides an answer based on your experience. The median HVAC technician salary in Michigan for 2024 is:
Entry level <2 years: $49,700
Intermediate 2-4 years: $59,800
Senior 4-6 years: $65,600
Supervisor > 7 years: $84,600
For more information about HVAC salaries, visit this state-by-state guide.
Industry Apprenticeships
To get the required HVAC hands-on training, individuals must complete apprenticeship training, either through a sponsoring employer as an entry-level worker or through a local union or trade organization.
The Michigan Workforce Development Agency provides a list of available apprenticeships, as does the Michigan Apprenticeship Steering Committee.
Other School Options
In addition to the training programs and schools already mentioned, there are skilled trades training centers in neighboring Indiana and Ohio.
Indiana Plumbing-Heating-Cooling Contractors Association with chapters throughout the state
Columbus State Community College in Columbus, Ohio
You can find the training you need to excel in a career as an HVAC technician in Michigan. The opportunities are all around you.
ServiceTitan HVAC Software
ServiceTitan is a comprehensive HVAC business software solution built specifically to help service companies streamline their operations, boost revenue, and achieve growth. Our award-winning, cloud-based platform is trusted by more than 100,000+ contractors across the country.
