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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 service 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 Badger State.
The growing demand for HVAC professionals in Wisconsin, including HVAC apprentices, HVAC and HVACR technicians, HVAC qualifiers, HVAC installers, and licensed HVAC contractors who own their own businesses, 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 an 8% growth rate for heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanics and installers in Wisconsin, and a 5% growth rate nationwide, over the next decade.
There’s definitely evidence to support this on job boards. For instance, there are hundreds of HVAC jobs in Wisconsin posted on Indeed and ZipRecruiter.
In this complete guide, we’ve put together everything you need to know to get started on your career path as an HVAC professional in the State of Wisconsin.
Wisconsin HVAC Training Programs
According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), “Many HVAC/R 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.
It’s also important to note that the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), under section 608 of the Clean Air Act, requires any technician who maintains, services, repairs, or disposes of equipment that could release refrigerants into the atmosphere to earn a Section 608 technician certification. HVAC apprentices don’t need to hold an EPA 608 refrigerant certification as long as “they are closely and continually supervised by a certified technician,” according to the EPA.
Generally, HVAC license requirements vary from state to state and in some cases from locality to locality. In Wisconsin, you must navigate local, state, and federal licensing requirements. While there is no statewide licensing credential required to work as an HVAC technician in Wisconsin, many local jurisdictions, such as Milwaukee, Madison, and Kenosha, issue their own certification requirements.
In addition, the Wisconsin Department of Safety and Professional Services — Trades Credentialing Division issues an optional state-level HVAC Qualifier Certification that satisfies any local mandates. Individuals earn these certifications by demonstrating competency in the field through experience and successfully passing an exam. DSPS also issues an HVAC Contractor Registration, which is required for any HVAC business to operate legally in the state.
Wisconsin requires anyone applying for HVAC Qualifier Certification to demonstrate four years of experience or education, or a combination of the two:
Experience: At least 1,000 hours per year for at least four years of experience in supervising or performing the design, installation, servicing, or maintenance of HVAC systems or equipment.
Education: At least four years of attendance in a school of mechanical engineering or an accredited college, university, or technical, vocational, or apprenticeship school in an HVAC-related program.
It takes a minimum of four years to qualify to take the HVAC Qualifier license exam. An apprenticeship can take five years. Most people entering the HVAC industry in Wisconsin learn on the job as an apprentice or by working for an HVAC contractor and taking classes at a trade school or community college.
Wisconsin offers HVAC programs at several institutions. Although an HVAC degree is not required to operate in the state, many choose to pursue education before or during their required apprenticeship. Here are some top Wisconsin school districts with adult educational centers offering HVAC programs:
Chippewa Valley Technical College (CVTC) in Chippewa Falls and Eau Claire
Blackhawk Technical College in Janesville
Gateway Technical College in Kenosha
Moraine Park Technical College in Fond du Lac
Western Technical College in La Crosse
Northeast Wisconsin Technical College in Green Bay
Madison Area Technical College in Madison
Milwaukee Area Technical College in Milwaukee
Waukesha County Technical College in Pewaukee
Northwood Technical College (formerly known as Wisconsin Indianhead Technical College) in Shell Lake
Wisconsin Apprenticeships
Prospective HVAC technicians must gain hands-on work experience through apprenticeship training. Interested applicants can find a list of apprenticeship committees to apply to on the Wisconsin Department of Workforce Development website.
Registered apprenticeships for construction occupations are sponsored by local apprenticeship committees, not individual employers. Environmental Systems Technicians are sponsored by joint apprenticeship committees (JACs). HVAC Installer-Technicians are sponsored by Associated Builders & Contractors. Therefore, applicants apply directly to either JACs or the Associated Builders & Contractors.
Available apprenticeships listed include:
Associated Builders and Contractors of Wisconsin (ABC)
East Central WI Area Sheet Metal JAC
ELW Area Sheet Metal
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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. The licensing requirements for HVAC professionals vary from state to state, and some require a minimum amount of work experience and education through an apprenticeship, as in Wisconsin.
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 Wisconsin like:
University of Wisconsin - Madison in Madison, WI
Marquette University in Milwaukee, WI
Milwaukee School of Engineering in Milwaukee, WI
In many cases, but not always, formal education pays off in the form of higher wages. If you seek to become an HVAC journeyman or master HVAC contractor, a degree isn’t necessary.
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 earn technical diplomas or HVAC certifications and 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 technology
Gas heating
Air conditioners
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 Wisconsin community colleges is approximately $4,173 per year for in-state students and $6,317 for out-of-state students.
However, some of the educational programs may be part of apprenticeship programs, and tuition may be reimbursed by or paid for outright by the student’s employer or union. 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 chosen occupational 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
In Wisconsin, HVACR apprenticeships last four or five years, and consist of classroom instruction and on-the-job training. Wisconsin requires anyone applying for HVAC Qualifier Certification to demonstrate four years of experience (1,000 hours per year) or education, or a combination of the two.
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 Wisconsin adult education centers listed below offer HVAC programs to train students for a career in the HVAC industry. Let’s take a look at the different schools:
Chippewa Valley Technical College (CVTC), Eau Claire
Offers a one-year Air Conditioning, Heating & Refrigeration Technical Diploma, 33 credits. Covers gas, oil, electric, and hydronic heating systems, refrigeration and air conditioning systems, HVACR technical problem-solving, renewable and sustainable energy technology, geothermal and solar systems applications, equipment installation, servicing and troubleshooting equipment, and renewable energies.
Blackhawk Technical College, Janesville
Offers a one-year Associate Degree in Air Conditioning, Heating, and Refrigeration Technology, 61 credits. Covers HVAC service and maintenance, the laws of thermodynamics, pressure and temperature relationships, safety procedures, wiring, and electrical distribution, and retrofitting older systems. This program also features the Residential HVAC embedded technical diploma, which can be earned while taking courses within the main program.
Gateway Technical College, Kenosha
Offers a one-year Refrigeration, Air Conditioning and Heating Service Technician technical diploma program, 38 credits. Students gain hands-on experience installing, troubleshooting, and repairing units with industry-standard equipment and tools.
Moraine Park Technical College, Fond du Lac
Offers a two-year Associate of Applied Science Degree program, 63 credits over six semesters. Students gain hands-on training in commercial refrigeration, supermarket applications of refrigeration, hot water/steam heating, geothermal heating and air conditioning, building controls, fundamentals of electricity, electric motors and controls, and studies in the movement of air specific to HVACR applications.
Western Technical College, La Crosse
Offers a two-year Associate of Applied Science Degree in Air Conditioning, Heating & Refrigeration, 64 credits. Covers HVAC design, sales, installation, maintenance, and service of commercial heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration equipment.
Northeast Wisconsin Technical College, Green Bay
Offers a two-year Heating, Ventilation, Air Conditioning, and Refrigeration (HVACR) Technician technical diploma. HVACR technicians install, service, troubleshoot, and repair HVACR systems used for the environmental control of buildings and product processes.
Madison Area Technical College, Madison
Offers a two-year Associate Degree in Air Conditioning, Heating, and Refrigeration Technology, 63 credits. Covers skills necessary to program, assemble, install, troubleshoot, repair, and modify machinery; hands-on training on residential and commercial heating ventilation and air conditioning/refrigeration (HVAC/R) systems; training in Programmable Logic Controllers (PLC); and sizing and designing HVACR systems used in residential and commercial applications.
Milwaukee Area Technical College, Milwaukee
Offers a one-year Refrigeration, Air Conditioning and Heating Service Technician technical diploma, 30 credits. The curriculum provides instruction in all types of air conditioning and refrigeration equipment, including room air conditioners, ice cube makers, and display freezer and refrigeration units. The operation, repair, and installation of gas- and oil-fired heating units also are taught.
Waukesha County Technical College, Pewaukee
Offers a one-year Refrigeration, Air Conditioning & Heating Service Technician technical diploma, 28 credits. Students learn to safely install, maintain and service HVAC equipment.
Northwood Technical College (formerly known as Wisconsin Indianhead Technical College), Superior
Offers a two-year Heating, Ventilation & Air Conditioning/Refrigeration (HVACR) technical diploma, 54 credits. Students learn skills in the areas of electricity, heating, residential air conditioning, refrigeration, geothermal, sheet metal fabrication, direct digital controls (DDC), and commercial HVAC applications.
Steps for Enrollment in Wisconsin
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 Wisconsin
Wisconsin requires no statewide license application to work as an HVAC technician, but many local jurisdictions issue their own HVAC certification requirements.
An optional state-level HVAC Qualifier Certification will satisfy any local mandates. The Wisconsin Department of Safety and Professional Services — Trades Credentialing Division issues that certification to individuals who demonstrate competency in the field through experience and pass an exam.
DSPS also issues an HVAC Contractor Registration, required for any HVAC business to operate legally, so if you want to own your own HVAC business you will need to get your 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. For more on EPA requirements and for a detailed explanation of Wisconsin’s HVACR licensing requirements and how to fulfill them, check out our essential guide to getting your Wisconsin HVAC License.
Salaries for HVAC Technicians in Wisconsin
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 Wisconsin? Payscale.com data provides an answer based on your experience. The median HVAC technician salary in Wisconsin for 2023 is:
Entry level <2 years: $49,900
Intermediate 2-4 years: $59,100
Senior 4-6 years: $65,900
Supervisor > 7 years: $85,000
For more information about HVAC salaries,visit this state-by-state guide.
Industry Apprenticeships
In Wisconsin, HVAC apprenticeships last four to five years, and combine hands-on training with classroom instruction. Registered apprenticeships for construction occupations are sponsored by local apprenticeship committees, not individual employers.
The Wisconsin Department of Workforce Development maintains a website of Registered Apprenticeships that meet national standards for registration with the U.S. Department of Labor. Apprenticeships through the Department of Labor are recognized nationwide, so your credentials will move with you. To apply, you must be at least 18 years old and have a high school diploma or a GED.
Available apprenticeships listed include:
Associated Builders and Contractors of Wisconsin (ABC)
East Central WI Area Sheet Metal JAC
ELW Area Sheet Metal
Other School Options
In addition to the training programs and schools already mentioned, there are training centers in neighboring Minnesota and Iowa:
Kirkwood Community College in Cedar Rapids, Iowa
Northland Community & Technical College in Thief River Falls, Minnesota
Northwest Technical College in Bemidji, Minnesota
You can find the training you need to excel in a career as an HVAC technician in Wisconsin. The opportunities are all around you.
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