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The demand for HVACR professionals in Texas is on the rise and has been for years. Texas needs people who are excited about an HVAC career, and the Lone Star State has everything to make this life-changing move possible and profitable.
The growing demand means you can feel confident that the time you put into training will pay off. Ten states in the United States collectively account for 61% of the entire U.S. construction market, according to Research and Markets, and Texas is one of them.
Also, the U.S. Department of Labor’s job search website, CareerOneStop, projects a 21% growth rate in Texas for Heating, Air Conditioning and Refrigeration Mechanics and Installers, as compared with 6% nationwide from 2022-2032.
There’s definitely evidence to support this on job boards. There are tens of thousands of HVAC installer jobs in Texas posted on Indeed.com and Zip Recruiter.
Read on to find out how you can get the training you need to find your place in this expanding workforce.
Accredited Texas HVAC Training Programs
According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), “Because HVACR systems have become increasingly complex, employers generally prefer applicants with post-secondary education or those who have completed an apprenticeship.”
Formal education is not required by law in Texas for entry-level HVAC workers, but it can help you land that first job in the field. Approved training courses through the state can also be used toward the experience requirement for licensing. In general, there’s a direct correlation between a degree and higher long-term earnings, so though it’s not required to go to HVAC school to get started in the field it could pay off in the long run.
Texas has a few programs accredited by either of the two main organizations that approve HVAC programs and schools nationwide: HVAC Excellence and the Partnership for Air-Conditioning, Heating, Refrigeration Accreditation (PAHRA). These organizations evaluate the programs based on the facilities, the faculty, and whether the curriculum meets or exceeds industry standards.
HVAC Excellence has accredited two programs in Texas, and PAHRA has accredited one.
HVAC Excellence Accredited Programs
Laredo College in Laredo
Lincoln College of Technology – Grand Prairie
PAHRA accredited programs
Vernon College in Wichita, Texas
The National Center for Construction Education & Research (NCCER) has also approved several HVAC programs offered through the Texas Community College System. NCCER lists the following programs on their website as accredited schools:
Alamo College — San Antonio
Alvin Community College — Alvin
Angelina College — Lufkin
Blinn College — Brenham
Brazosport College — Lake Jackson
Career and Technology Center — Tyler
Central Texas College — Killeen
Galveston College — Galveston
KISD Career Center — Killeen
Lone Star College North Harris — Houston
San Jacinto College Central Campus — Pasadena
According to the BLS, some craft workers enter apprenticeship programs after working as a helper. The Home Builders Institute offers a pre-apprenticeship certificate training (PACT) program for eight construction trades, including HVAC.
HVACR Degrees & Certificates
As you weigh the benefit of getting some formal training at a technical or community college, you may want to speak with people in the field in your state. The licensing requirements vary from state to state, and some insist on a minimum amount of education. Other states, like Texas, don’t have educational requirements to become licensed. If the return on investment is not there in your state, it may make more sense to simply get an entry-level position and get on-the-job training.
Regardless of the educational requirements by state, anyone who maintains, services, repairs, or disposes of equipment that could release refrigerants into the atmosphere needs Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) certification. More on that later.
In terms of college education for HVACR techs, there is a range of degree and certificate programs. The time it takes to complete them and the cost of each are the most significant differences. The most common HVAC programs are:
Certificate Program – three to six months
Diploma Program – one year
Associate’s Degree – two years
Bachelor’s Degree – four years
Obviously, the longer the program, the more it costs. Most HVAC professionals have some postsecondary training because the systems used to regulate our homes and businesses are becoming increasingly complex and technical. However, very few HVACR professionals choose to get a four-year bachelor’s degree unless they’re seeking an engineering degree to design and develop those complex heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration systems. If this is a path that interests you, you may want to explore the Mechanical Engineering Bachelor of Science degree at one of the four-year universities in Texas such as:
Texas Tech also offers an HVAC/R Technician Training Course, and the University of Texas at Austin has an Architectural Engineering program that allows seniors to focus on one of four technical topics including HVAC Systems.
As stated earlier, formal education can pay off in the form of higher wages.
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Typical Courses in Technical College Programs
HVAC programs at technical colleges are all intended to prepare students for careers in the refrigeration, air conditioning and heating industries. All combine theory and the practical skills needed to do the job. Most encourage students to work in their field of interest while attending school if pursuing a longer degree, and many are designed with that in mind. One-semester programs typically prepare students to find entry-level work upon completion.
For the certificate programs, the coursework is specialized. Broader programs of study for lengthier diploma programs would incorporate classes on blueprint reading, gas heat, heat pumps and related systems, refrigeration fundamentals, principles and practices and system components. Air Conditioning certificates or diploma programs would also include classes on air conditioning systems application and installation and troubleshooting air conditioning systems.
Students pursuing an Associate in Applied Science degree will need to fulfill general education coursework in addition to the specialized HVACR classes to meet the more rigorous requirements for that associate degree.
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 Texas community colleges on average is $4,287 per year for in-state students and $6,528 for out-of-state students. There will be some variations in fees at each school, though, so be sure to review all of the costs involved.
There are also always costs for books and tools, but those tools are yours to keep as you enter your field. All students who are interested in receiving federal (Pell Grant) and any state grants apply by completing the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) form online.
Program Length
As noted above, you can choose from a specialized certificate or a broader diploma or associate degree. The certificates are predominantly 12 to 16 credit hours and will take one semester to complete. There are a couple that are even as many as 45 credits and will typically take three semesters but can be done within a year if students continue through the summer sessions. Associate’s degree programs typically take two years.
Benefits
There are many benefits to getting some kind of formal education if you want to join the HVACR profession. Though in Texas there is no educational requirement to get started in the field, many employers will choose an applicant with a certificate or degree over one without credentials. Having some basic knowledge helps you to hit the ground running and secure your place in a shop full of professionals. Technical training is also usually rewarded with higher starting pay and lifelong earnings.
Online vs in-person
You may choose to get HVAC training through an online certificate program. Only you know if this type of independent curriculum will work for you. Both Penn Foster and Ashworth College offer online HVAC classes.
Online programs are ideal for people looking for entry-level HVAC jobs or for entry-level workers who are looking to increase their salary. HVACClasses.org gives a detailed description of some of the top online programs nationwide. If you know your learning style relies on personal instruction, more traditional in-person classes are accessible throughout the state.
Level of difficulty
HVACR programs are designed to prepare graduates for entry-level positions in the HVAC industry in commercial, industrial, or residential sectors. Curriculum includes an understanding of mathematics and physics.
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.
The BLS describes the many duties of HVAC mechanics and installers this way: Install, clean, and maintain HVACR systems; Install electrical components and wiring; Inspect and test HVACR systems and components; Discuss system malfunctions with customers; Repair or replace worn or defective parts; Recommend maintenance to improve system performance; Keep records of work performed. And, of course, especially in residential HVAC work, customer service is key.
School Comparison: At a Glance
Many of the accredited training schools listed above are part of the Texas Community College System. They all offer students financial aid in the form of grants and loans and have a 100% acceptance rate. Let’s begin with the schools accredited by HVAC Excellence and PAHRA.
Laredo College Residential Air Conditioning and Refrigeration | Certificate | 40 credits HVAC - Commercial Air Conditioning and Refrigeration | Certificate | 38 credits Heating, Ventilation, Air Conditioning and Refrigeration Technology (HVACR Assistant) | Certificate | 15 credits
Lincoln College of Technology in Grand Prairie Air Conditioning, Refrigeration, and Heating Technology | Diploma | 45 credits
Vernon College in Wichita Heating, Ventilation and Air Conditioning | Associate’s Degree | 60 credits Heat, Ventilation and Air Conditioning | Level 1 Certificate | 24 credits Heating, Ventilation and Air Conditioning | Advanced Certificate | 18 credits
The other programs highlighted above are accredited by NCCER. They include:
Alamo College in San Antonio Air Conditioning and Refrigeration | Associate’s Degree | 60 credits Refrigeration | Level 1 Certificate | 24 credits
Alvin Community College does not have a specific HVAC program but rather offers a series of pipefitting coursework and explains on the school’s website that “Pipefitters are in demand in many different settings, including HVAC, manufacturing, hydraulics, refineries, chemical plants, ships and shipbuilding, power plants, pipe lines, construction, and other steam systems.”
Pipefitting | Certificate | 160 hours NCCER Core NCCER Level 1 NCCER Level 2 NCCER Level 3
Angelina College in Lufkin HVAC and Refrigeration Commercial | Level 1 Certificate | 32 credits HVAC Residential | Level 1 Certificate | 19 credits
Blinn College in Brenham HVAC | Associate’s Degree | 60 credits HVAC | Level I Certificate | 24 credits HVAC | Level II Certificate | 39 credits
Brazosport College in Lake Jackson Heating, Air Conditioning, and Refrigeration | Associate’s Degree | 60 credits Heating, Air Conditioning, and Refrigeration Advanced | Certificate | 32 credits Heating, Air Conditioning, and Refrigeration Basic | Certificate | 16 credits
Career and Technology Center in Tyler offers an HVAC and sheet metal program to high school students that includes NCCER Core Level 1 and dual credit (college credit) for an HVAC and Refrigeration Technology certificate.
Central Texas College in Killeen Heating, Air Conditioning and Refrigeration Mechanic and Repairer | Associate’s Degree | 60 credits Heating, Air Conditioning and Refrigeration | Certificate | 1056 clock hrs Residential Heating, Air Conditioning and Refrigeration | Certificate | 480 clock hrs Air Conditioning and Refrigeration Technicians Assistant | Certificate | 480 clock hours
Galveston College in Galveston Heating, Ventilation, Air Conditioning & Refrigeration | Associate’s Degree | 60 credits Heating, Ventilation, Air Conditioning & Refrigeration | Adv Level 2 Certificate | 45 credits Heating, Ventilation, Air Conditioning & Refrigeration | Adv Level 1 Certificate | 30 credits Heating, Ventilation, Air Conditioning & Refrigeration | Entry Level 1 Certificate | 15 credits
Gilbreath – Reed Career and Technical Center in Garland offers a pathway to technology magnet for high school students. One of those pathways is HVAC as part of a Construction Technology program.
Houston Community College Southeast College in Houston Heating, Air Conditioning and Refrigeration | Associate’s Degree | 60 credits Heating, Air Conditioning and Refrigeration Advanced | Level 1 Certificate | 42 credits Heating, Air Conditioning and Refrigeration Basic | Level 1 Certificate | 21 credits
KISD Career Center in Killeen also offers an HVAC program for high school students to help prepare them to be HVAC apprentices.
Lone Star College North Harris in Houston Heating, Ventilation, Air Conditioning | Associate’s Degree Heating, Ventilation, Air Conditioning Residential | Certificate Heating, Ventilation, Air Conditioning | Entry Certificate
San Jacinto College Central Campus in Pasadena HVAC, Air Conditioning Technology | Associate’s Degree | 60 credits HVAC, Air Conditioning Technology | Certificate | 36 credits HVAC, Air Conditioning Technology | Occupational Certificate | 16 credits HVAC, Commercial Air Conditioning Technology | Associate’s Degree | 60 credits HVAC, Commercial Air Conditioning Technology | Certificate | 32 credits HVAC, Commercial Air Conditioning Technology | Level 2 Certificate | 45 credits HVAC, Commercial Air Conditioning Technology | Occupational Certificate | 16 credits
Steps for Enrollment in Texas
Every college has its own way of doing things, but in general the process begins with applying for admission online. Some require that you pay an application fee and provide several documents. Many colleges in Texas don’t charge an application fee though. 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 Texas
As mentioned earlier, Texas does not have an educational requirement to legally perform entry-level HVACR work in the state. Entry-level professionals just need to meet employer expectations to get started working for a licensed contractor. However, approved training courses through the state can be used in place of part of the experience requirement for certified technician licensing and/or contractor licensing.
Texas does require licensing for HVACR contractors. To be an “Air Conditioning and Refrigeration Contractor,” (ACR) as they are called in Texas, you must be licensed through the state after meeting a minimum number of years of experience working for a licensed contractor and passing a state level test. If you want to own your own HVAC business or you just want to be a more attractive hire for someone who does, you will want to get your license. To do that you’ll need to work at least 48 months under a licensed ACR’s supervision in the past 72 months, OR hold a Texas ACR Technician Certification for the past 12 months and have at least 36 months practical experience under a licensed ACR’s supervision in the past 48 months. For a detailed explanation of Texas’s HVACR licensing requirements and how to fulfill them, check out our essential guide to getting your Texas HVAC License.
No matter what state you live in, there are Environmental Protection Agency requirements at the federal level for technicians who maintain, service, repair, or dispose of equipment that could release refrigerants into the atmosphere. According to EPA regulations under Section 608 of the Clean Air Act, this applies to any professional who conducts refrigerant line-pressure tests or handles or adds refrigerant to existing air conditioning systems. EPA certification is often part of HVAC degree programs. If you choose a shorter certificate program, you may need to get EPA certification on your own. Your employer should be able to guide you to resources, or you can find them in our Texas HVAC License guide.
Salaries for HVAC Technicians in Texas
Before paying for technical education and getting started in the HVAC field you’ll want some idea of what you can expect in terms of the return on your investment of time, effort, energy, and money. In other words, what can you expect to make as an HVAC professional in Texas? Payscale.com data provides an answer based on your experience. The median HVAC salary in Texas for 2023 is:
Entry level <2 years : $48,800
Intermediate 2-4 years: $56,000
Senior 4-6 years: $64,700
Supervisor > 7 years: $85,400
For more information about HVAC salaries, visit this state-by-state guide.
Industry Apprenticeships
Another way to get the training you need to become an HVAC mechanic or installer is through a formal apprenticeship. Most apprenticeships are three to five years long and require you to be at least 18 years old, have a high school diploma or a GED, a valid driver’s license and have passed high school algebra or an equivalent post-high school algebra class with a C or better.
The Plumbing Heating Cooling Contractors Association of Texas (PHCC) has a four-year apprentice program approved by the U.S. Department of Labor. Union HVAC apprenticeships are also offered in Texas through the United Association local union chapters — LU 286 Austin, LU 211 Houston, LU 146 Fort Worth, LU 68 Houston, LU 404 Northwest Texas, LU 100 Dallas, LU 142 San Antonio, LU 529 Waco. They are five years long. Each year includes 1,700 to 2,000 hours of on-the-job training and a minimum of 246 hours of classroom courses, including basics such as mathematics, science, drafting, welding and other trade-related courses. Apprentices work for member contractors with an opportunity for increased wages each year until reaching journeyman status.
Some HVAC companies will hire applicants who have had no previous training and provide the training themselves — creating an in-house apprenticeship. A pretty typical model of that is pairing a new employee with an experienced technician for the hands-on part of training and then requiring new hires to attend classes at night at a local community college or sometimes taught through the company itself. This typically includes getting EPA Certification and other HVAC certification such as North American Technical Excellence (NATE) certification to demonstrate your proficiency. The state also has a website dedicated to registered apprenticeships for job seekers.
According to the BLS, some craft workers enter apprenticeship programs after working as a helper. The Home Builders Institute offers a pre-apprenticeship certificate training (PACT) program for eight construction trades, including HVAC.
Other School Options
Accredited programs aren’t your only option. There are so many other programs throughout the state that may be more accessible to you based on where you live. There are just too many to list them all here, but to get you started each of the schools below has HVAC programs.
Texas has hundreds of college campuses across the state. If one of the schools above isn’t in your area, check this list to see where else you can look for HVACR training in Texas.
You can find the training you need to excel in a career in HVACR in Texas. The opportunities are all around you!
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