Licensing Guides
Missouri HVAC License: How to Become an HVAC Contractor in Missouri
HVAC, MO
Table of Contents
How Long Does it Take to Get an HVAC Contractors License in Missouri?
What Are the Reciprocity Requirements for an HVAC License in Missouri
What Are the Penalties for Unlicensed HVAC Work in Missouri?
Learning a trade requires hard work and determination. You can’t rush the process, but the time you put into learning how to become an HVACR technician or contractor can lead to a career that is long-lasting, lucrative, and fulfilling. There are 425,200 heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanics and installers nationwide, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, and Missouri employs 8,360 of them.
Employment is projected to grow 8% from 2024 to 2034 throughout the country, adding more than 40,000 of these skilled workers to the ranks. In Missouri, that growth rate is expected to be lower — projected at 7% — according to CareerOneStop, the U.S. Department of Labor’s job search website.
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Contractors struggle to find skilled tradesmen like plumbers, electricians, and HVACR or mechanical professionals while the demand for them continues to grow. According to the Associated General Contractors of America, “Construction employment in Missouri in July 2025 totaled 150,300, an increase of 3,400 (2.3%) from July 2024 and an increase of 21,300 (17%) from February 2020.” So, if you get the training you need, you should have a variety of jobs to choose from when you’re ready.
A large part of what HVAC contractors and technicians do is repair existing air conditioner or heating systems, or complete HVAC installations. As more emphasis is placed on energy efficiency and reducing pollution, systems need to be retrofitted, upgraded or replaced entirely to comply with these new standards. The licensing prerequisites for HVAC workers and contractors vary from state to state and, in Missouri, from locality to locality.
Licensing Requirements for HVAC Contractors in Missouri
Is a license required for HVAC professionals in Missouri? Not at the state level, but in most cities or counties, there are local contractors license requirements.
Kansas City and St. Louis are the most populous cities in the state. Each has strict licensing requirements for HVAC technicians and mechanical contractors. Both require HVAC service workers in those jurisdictions to be certified.
The Kansas City Department of Planning & Development and the St. Louis County Department of Public Works issue certificates of qualification for HVAC professionals.
Types of HVAC Licenses in Missouri
There are no statewide HVAC licenses. Here are the license types in Kansas City and St. Louis.
Kansas City issues two types of mechanical contractor certificates of qualification:
Mechanical Supervisor: Allows the certificate holder to perform and oversee “installation, alteration, servicing, replacement, repair, or maintenance of heating, duct, ventilation and mechanical refrigeration systems; connection of a humidifier which is part of a heating system to an existing potable water supply system within a building; connection of gas piping from the nearest cutoff valve to the burner of a warm air heating system; connection of low voltage control wiring to an existing control box; electrical power connection from the equipment disconnect switch serving the equipment or the nearest existing junction box; and installation, alteration, servicing, replacement, removal, or repair of air conditioning units; and where refrigerant piping must be installed or where a refrigerant-containing part must be cut into for connection or assembly.”
Master Pipe Fitter: Allows the certificate holder to perform “installation, maintenance, repair, and servicing of refrigeration equipment; installation and servicing of low-pressure hot water and steam heating systems; installation of any system containing or connected to a boiler designed to operate under a steam pressure greater than 15 pounds per square inch; installation of any system containing or connected to an unfired pressure vessel designed to operate under pressure greater than 15 pounds per square inch; installation of industrial or chemical piping designed to operate under a pressure greater than 15 pounds per square inch; installation of pipe insulation; and installation of low-voltage wiring which does not exceed 48 volts when such wiring is not enclosed in conduit or raceway.”
The license requirements are the same for each license type, though the exam differs.
Must be at least 21 years of age and a high school graduate or GED holder.
Complete application and pay fee.
Must pass the required exam.
Must have at least three years of experience with two notarized references.
St. Louis offers three license types:
Mechanical Apprentice
Mechanical Journeyman
Mechanical Contractor
The process and requirements for each license type are listed online.
Steps to Get an HVAC License in Missouri
The steps to licensure differ based on the municipality, but in general include:
You must be at least 18 years of age to meet employer/apprenticeship requirements.
You need to have a high school diploma or GED equivalent.
You must get the proper training. There are two paths:
Attend community or technical college (usually two years) or trade school (usually six to nine months) to prepare for certification exams and be a good candidate for hire.
Enroll in an apprenticeship program either through a union or trade organization or as an entry-level worker through a sponsoring employer.
You will need to get EPA Section 608 Certification by passing the exam before you are permitted to handle refrigerants.
You should check local licensing requirements for the area where you will be working. There is no statewide licensing process for HVAC technicians, so it’s all about meeting municipal regulations for all HVAC-related trades like gas fitter, warm air ventilation, etc.
You can earn additional certifications to improve your marketability and pay.
If you wish to own your own business in the HVAC field in Missouri after you’ve accumulated significant experience and are a licensed contractor at the local level, you’ll need a state-issued business license, workers’ compensation insurance, unemployment insurance, and either a cash deposit or surety bond. Check with your municipality for further requirements.
Benefits of Getting an HVAC License in Missouri
There are many benefits to getting your Missouri HVACR/Mechanical license:
Most importantly, it is required by law to be licensed in many municipalities to perform heating, ventilation, air conditioning, and refrigeration work at every level, beginning as an apprentice.
A trade license is proof of your experience and skill.
Having a license protects your company and customers.
A license gives you a competitive advantage in the job market.
It also increases your earning potential.
What Is the Mean Wage for an HVAC Technician in Missouri?
The annual mean wage for HVAC mechanics and installers in Missouri is $64,980, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. However, that salary can increase, as you might expect, as you acquire more experience. An HVAC technician salary database, shared with ServiceTitan by Payscale.com, projects the median HVAC technician salary will increase nationally in 2025 by 3.44% for entry-level workers, 3.46% for intermediate level, 3.62% for senior level HVAC professionals, and 3.53% for supervisors. In Missouri, those salary projections are:
Entry (<2 years): $52,300
Intermediate (2-4 years): $63,600
Senior (4-7 years): $74,600
Supervisor (>7 years): $87,800
The meaning of a “mean” and “median salary” can be confusing. Here is the difference:
Mean tells you the mathematical average.
Median salary tells you the point at which 50% of workers make less and 50% make more, and is usually a better indicator of what most people actually earn.
Salaries can vary widely depending on the city where you work and other factors like education, certifications, additional skills, and the number of years you have spent in your profession. If you choose to start an HVAC business, this blog can give you an idea of what you can expect to make and what factors will influence that number.
What Business Owners Need to Know
Getting the most out of an HVAC technician, no matter where they are in their licensing journey, takes work. ServiceTitan’s cloud-based, all-in-one HVAC software gives technicians and business owners the technology they need to do the work efficiently, and the data they need to do it smartly.
SMS communications that keep customers informed about the technician’s visit.
Location-specific service history, including recorded calls, accessible from the mobile app.
Required forms that ensure every job is done right, driving consistency.
The ability to build multi-option proposals with photos, on-site, in minutes.
Sales presentations that make conversations with customers easier and drive average tickets.
Mobile payment acceptance, eliminating lost checks and increasing cash flow.
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How Much Does It Cost to Get an HVAC License in Missouri?
How you get started will determine your upfront costs. If you start by getting some kind of college degree or certificate, you’ll have tuition expenses. You can expect to pay $225 per credit hour for in-state tuition at State Technical College of Missouri, abbreviated locally as State Tech. At Ozarks Technical Community College in Springfield, HVAC in-state students can expect to pay about $136 per credit hour, or about $8,500 for the 63-credit Associate of Applied Science certificate.
The cost to take the EPA Section 608 Certification Examination can be as low as $20 for the Type I exam and upwards of $150 for the Universal Exam. If you start with a program, the exam fee may be included.
There will also likely be a license fee from your locality and fees associated with taking certification exams. In Kansas City, for example, the license application fee is $60, and the fee for trade licenses is $181 for every four-year period.
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How to Get an HVAC License in Missouri
An HVAC career path refers to the different positions you can advance to as your skills and experience in HVAC develop. In the state of Missouri, becoming an HVAC/mechanical professional may differ depending on the municipality. However, it usually follows this process:
APPRENTICESHIP/WORK EXPERIENCE: To enter the HVAC field in Missouri, you need to learn and gain work experience. Missouri has common HVAC license requirements at the municipal level and to satisfy employer expectations. Most often, you’ll need to acquire some combination of classroom training and hands-on work experience. In St. Louis, for example, you can complete a four-year apprenticeship, which would combine 7,500 hours of documented on-the-job experience and related classroom education, or demonstrate a minimum of 7,500 hours of documented work experience before taking the county-mandated exam.
Apprenticeships are sometimes referred to as “The Other Four-Year Degree,” because it’s like college for the trades. If you get one of the coveted apprentice openings through your local United Association Union of Plumbers, Fitters, Welders, & Service Techs, it’s like getting a full-ride scholarship to college.
Missouri has eight UA local chapters that offer plumbing, pipefitting, HVAC, and welding apprenticeships. UA Local 178, based in Springfield, offers apprenticeships for plumbers, pipefitters, service technicians, welders, and HVACR. Apprentices are mentored on the job by journeymen and go to school to learn trade-specific subjects. It amounts to five years of training with each year consisting of a minimum of 1,700 hours of on-the-job training and a minimum of 224 hours of classroom instruction. UA Local 562, serving the St. Louis area, requires five years of training, with each year consisting of up to 2,000 hours of on-the-job training and a minimum of 216 hours of classroom instruction.
If you don’t get one of those sought-after union apprentice openings, you can apply for entry-level work and treat it as an informal apprenticeship to begin getting the practical experience while attending classes at night or on weekends to prepare for the trade-specific certifications and licenses. Employers will often give you the opportunity to earn while you learn as long as they see you are committed to getting licensed.
Some employers will act as a sponsor in a registered apprenticeship through Missouri’s Office of Apprenticeship, which maintains a list 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. You will be required to attend classes at night or on weekends to get the requisite theoretical training, but you’ll be getting your academic instruction in tandem with your practical experience, and you probably won’t be paying for all of it.
EDUCATION: One path to become a journeyman HVAC professional in Missouri is to attend community or technical college to learn what you need to earn the required certifications. For instance, the Missouri Community College System has HVACR programs at campuses throughout the state that prepare students for HVAC technician work, commercial refrigeration, fuel gas piping, sheet metal and duct work, welding, and more. At Metropolitan Community College in Kansas City, you’ll find a 61- to 63-credit hour Associate of Applied Science degree in HVAC and Refrigeration as well as a 39- to 41- credit hour Advanced Certificate, a 23-credit hour HVAC Certificate, and a 40-credit hour Energy Efficiency Certificate.
Through Missouri’s Career and Technical Education, some high schools offer vocational programs for juniors and seniors, combining the trade education with the high school curriculum. The Franklin Technology Center in Joplin is just one example. Students completing the HVAC program may earn two industry certifications, including EPA 608 and OSHA 10. They will also test for the HVAC Excellence certificate. All of these are offered at no cost to the student.
APPLY FOR EXAMINATION/LICENSE: Once you’ve completed the license requirements in terms of the amount of training and education for your locality, you may apply for examination for licensure. In St. Louis, for example, you’ll need to provide all of the documentation listed on the application, pay a $45 fee, and submit the application in person to the St. Louis County Department of Public Works Central office in Clayton at 41 South Central Ave., 6th floor. Again, you’ll need to check with your specific local licensing agency for the requirements in the area where you intend to work before you are eligible to sit for the exam.
CONSIDER BECOMING AN INDEPENDENT CONTRACTOR: If you wish to own your own business in the HVAC field in Missouri after you’ve accumulated significant experience and local licensing and certifications, you’ll need a state-issued business license from the Missouri Secretary of State’s Office, workers’ compensation insurance, liability insurance, and unemployment insurance.
How Long Does it Take to Get an HVAC Contractors License in Missouri?
The education and experience requirements for licensing varies from one municipality to another. It will take four to five years of schooling/work experience to complete most apprenticeships. It takes about two years to earn an associate degree. Typically you are sufficiently prepared for the EPA Section 608 Certification examination after about two years of either schooling or working under a licensed professional. The longer you work in the business, the more skilled and valued you will become as an employee and the more earning potential you will enjoy.
The great news is that as an apprentice, you begin earning a wage from the very beginning and that compensation goes up each year as you acquire more training and knowledge until you are fully licensed. As a licensed contractor you can start your own HVAC business, be your own boss, and grow your business as much as you want. The sky ’s the limit!
Missouri HVAC Training Programs and Schools
There are many programs to get the training you need to become an HVAC professional in Missouri, and they are located all over the state, in major cities and smaller communities.
There are currently two main organizations that approve HVAC programs and schools nationwide: HVAC Excellence and the Partnership for Air-Conditioning, Heating, Refrigeration Accreditation (PAHRA).
PAHRA has accredited one school in Missouri:
State Technical College in Linn
HVAC Excellence has accredited three schools in Missouri:
Jefferson College in Hillsboro
Ozarks Technical Community College in Springfield
State Technical College in Linn
Here's a list of the best HVAC schools in Missouri:
Niche: 2026 Best Colleges with HVAC and Refrigeration Engineering Technician Degrees in Missouri
Tuition: Community College Review shows tuition at Missouri community colleges on average is $4,393 per year for in-state students and $6,050 for out-of-state students.
Apprenticeship: As mentioned earlier, the alternative to a college education program is to look for an apprenticeship. There are several formal apprenticeship opportunities to get the training you need in Missouri. Several are through local United Association unions like Local 8 out of Kansas City.
Many employers hiring entry-level HVAC technicians follow an apprentice model — pairing new employees with others who are licensed in the local jurisdiction to begin hands-on training while requiring the beginner to attend HVAC classes. You can simply look for an entry-level position on Indeed, ZipRecruiter, or another job board and work for a licensed contractor. Employers will often pay for the instruction if you maintain a certain grade point average, or will reimburse you after a certain amount of time on the job.
On-the-Job Experience: While on the job you will need good customer service skills, be detail-oriented, have some mechanical capability, and be physically fit because the job can include some heavy lifting and hours of walking, standing, and working in tight spaces.
For more detailed information about HVAC school options in Missouri, check out our Ultimate Guide to HVAC Schools in Missouri.
Missouri HVAC Mechanical Licensing Exam Details
Exams vary based on licensing requirements per locality. In Kansas City, mechanical supervisors can take the heating, air conditioning, refrigeration and ventilation (31325) examination administered by Prometric or the standard master mechanical (W29) examination administered by ICC.
How Can I Prepare for the HVAC License Exam in Missouri?
The Prometric HVAC exam consists of 100 questions and has a four-hour time limit. You must score a 75% or higher on the open-book exam to pass. Question topics include:
General Knowledge
Low Pressure Boilers and Solar
Warm Air Heating
Refrigeration
Ventilation
Fuel Gas Systems
Controls
Piping
Load Calculations
Insulation
Questions are based on the International Fuel Gas Code and International Mechanical Code.
Who Issues HVAC Licenses in Missouri?
There are no licenses issued at the state level for HVAC contractors/technicians in Missouri. However, there are many municipalities that have licensing requirements. The Kansas City Department of Planning & Development and the St. Louis County Department of Public Works issue licenses for their respective areas. Each city or county throughout the state has slightly different licensing requirements and application processes. Be sure to check with local governments to know what is required in the area you intend to work.
Does My Missouri HVAC License Work in Any Other State?
No. Since licensing is regulated at the local level in Missouri, there are no reciprocity agreements with other states.
What Are the Reciprocity Requirements for an HVAC License in Missouri?
Since there are no statewide reciprocity requirements, out-of-state license holders will have to meet the requirements for the municipality in which they intend to operate. However, there are many reciprocity agreements between the local jurisdictions.
HVAC Specific Requirements: EPA Certification
Throughout the country, including in Missouri, federal-level EPA regulations under Section 608 of the Clean Air Act require that technicians who maintain, service, repair, or dispose of equipment that could release refrigerants into the atmosphere must be certified. EPA Section 608 HVAC Certification is required for any professional who conducts refrigerant line-pressure tests or handles or adds refrigerant to existing air conditioning systems.
Most training programs can direct you to how and where to get that certification, or your employer will require you to get it before handling refrigerant. You can also go to EPA.gov and key in 608 Certification in the search bar to find out which institutions in your state offer certification programs. All apprenticeships will include this preparation and testing.
Take Certification Exam: You must acquire your EPA Certification from an approved organization. A list of these organizations can be found on the EPA’s website. There are four types of EPA Certifications for Refrigerants. They allow for different levels of certification for different scopes of work.
Type I – for servicing small appliances containing five pounds of refrigerant or less.
Type II – for servicing high-pressure units that contain five pounds or more of refrigerant (including most small commercial and residential systems).
Type III – for servicing or disposing of low-pressure appliances.
Universal – for servicing all systems and appliances covered under Types I, II, and III. Generally more useful than targeting any one specific certification.
Core Exam
For all certifications, you must pass the “Core Section” of the EPA certification exam. It covers the following topics:
Ozone depletion
Clean Air Act and the Montreal Protocol
Section 608 regulations
Substitute refrigerants and oils
Refrigeration
The Three R’s (Recover, Recycle, Reclaim)
Recovery techniques
Dehydration evacuation
Safety
Shipping
National HVAC Certifications
Other certifications can help you demonstrate your proficiency to potential employers and clients. North American Technical Excellence (NATE) certification, ASHRAE (American Society of Heating, Refrigeration and Air-Conditioning Engineers) certification, and other professional certifications are not required but can add to your marketability as a service provider and therefore increase your opportunity to make more money.
Other Requirements Unique to Missouri
Localities each have their own schedules for license renewal. In St. Louis, HVAC licenses must be renewed every three years. Kansas City certificates of qualification must be renewed every two years.
Are There HVAC Scholarships in Missouri?
Yes, there are HVAC scholarships available in Missouri. Options include:
Mechanical Contractors of Eastern Missouri: Offers a one-time $2,500 award for students attending an accredited technical or trade school, with any field of study, including HVAC.
Building Bright Futures Scholarship: Designed to support students pursuing vocational and technical training in construction-related fields such as HVAC. The program offers scholarships up to $5,000.
In addition to these scholarships, HVAC students in Missouri can explore financial aid opportunities by completing the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). Submitting the FAFSA gives you access to federal grants like the Pell Grant, subsidized student loans, and work-study programs—all of which can help cover tuition, tools, and other training costs. Many Missouri community colleges and trade programs also use FAFSA data to award institutional aid or state-based grants.
How Can Someone Verify My HVAC License in Missouri?
Licenses must be verified in each locality. For example, you can verify an HVAC license by visiting the Kansas City Department of Planning & Development or St. Louis County Department of Public Works. Users can search by name, business name, or license number.
When Can an HVAC License Be Suspended in Missouri?
A suspended HVACR/Mechanical license means that the license holder is temporarily prohibited from practicing their trade legally. Some of the common reasons that Iowa HVACR/Mechanical licenses can be suspended are:
Fraud
Professional incompetence
Misleading or deceptive practices
Criminal convictions
Aiding unlicensed individuals
Failure to comply with regulations
Practicing on a lapsed license
Willful or repeated violations of regulations governing HVACR professionals
Note: The information above should not be considered legal advice. For detailed and specific information about Missouri HVAC license regulations, you can refer to the official Revised Statutes of Missouri or each jurisdiction.
What Are the Penalties for Unlicensed HVAC Work in Missouri?
According to the St. Louis Municipal Code on licensing, violating licensing requirements can result in:
A fine between $100 and $500, and/or
Imprisonment in the City Workhouse for up to 90 days.
Additional penalty of $100 for every 10 days the individual remains without the proper license.
In Kansas City, violating the Zoning and Development Code can lead to stop work orders, denial of further work permits, and penalty fees. The first violation in a 12-month period can incur a fee up to $200, with each day counting as an additional offense.
Note: The information above should not be considered legal advice. For detailed and specific information about Missouri HVAC license regulations you can refer to the official Revised Statutes of Missouri or each jurisdiction.
Continuing Education
Although Missouri does not require continuing education at the state level for HVAC, some municipalities do. St. Louis requires 24 hours of continuing education units within the three-year licensing period. You’ll want to check in the area where you will be practicing to be sure to keep your license current. Also, you will want to stay informed about emerging technology in the HVAC industry.
There are many ways to keep yourself current in regard to the technology used in HVAC systems and appliances. Distributors want you to know about their company’s latest offerings and will often hold training sessions about new and changing equipment and parts.
HVAC manufacturers offer training, too, including online. For example, according to HVACSchool.org, Carrier has something they call Carrier University, an elaborate training system that includes classroom and online courses and symposiums and seminars covering all aspects of the HVACR industry and all of the people involved in it.
Resources
You can stay up to date on all HVAC industry news several ways:
Check top HVAC blogs, including ServiceTitan’s blog.
Read about the latest industry trends.
Listen to top HVAC podcasts like ServiceTitan’s “Toolbox for the Trades” podcast.
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