How to Become an HVAC Technician in Alaska

Heating, ventilation, air-conditioning and refrigeration systems are more commonly known as HVACR or HVAC systems. These systems maintain a comfortable, climate-controlled atmosphere in buildings and homes. The mechanics who install, maintain and repair these systems are called HVAC technicians or HVAC techs. HVAC techs may do routine maintenance on air-conditioning systems, diagnose and repair problems or install new systems. Performance checks are done on systems during their off-season to ensure they are ready for the upcoming season. These systems frequently need to be serviced, sometimes need repairs and eventually need to be upgraded. Therefore, the profession of an HVAC technician remains high in demand. [Leer en español]

Requirements for Becoming an HVAC Technician in Alaska

All HVAC technicians are required to have EPA Section 608 certification to purchase and handle refrigerants. This is the only certification that is required nationally to work as an HVAC technician. However, many states require certification or licensing to work as an HVAC tech and Alaska is one of those states. In Alaska, the profession of HVAC technician falls under the division of mechanical administration and is regulated by the Alaska Division of Corporations, Business and Professional Licensing.

It varies by state, but many states do require either completion of a formal educational training program or an apprenticeship prior to taking the statewide certification exam. Work experience is preferred by many employers as well, so completing an apprenticeship or training program is a good idea.

The skills required to be an HVAC technician include:

• Basic understanding of electrical wiring and how it works

• Familiarity with hand and power tools

• Ability to read technical manuals

• Understanding of basic physics principles

• Basic math skills

• Good customer service skills

Good mechanical aptitude is also important, as is the ability to work with complex systems in tight spaces.

Most HVAC technicians complete a formal training program at a trade school or community college. Programs typically last between six and 24 months and lead to a certificate or associate degree. Many programs include an internship component to give students hands-on experience in the field.

Post Secondary Education or on-the-job training through an apprenticeship is recommended prior to taking the state certification exam. After passing the state certification exam, you will be licensed as an HVAC technician in Alaska.

Apprenticeships and HVAC Schools in Alaska

Before applying for statewide certification in Alaska, you must first complete an apprenticeship or an accredited HVAC training program. Apprenticeships generally last about five years, but you receive hands on experience as well as classroom and shop training while getting paid to work.

There are many options for post-secondary education for students interested in becoming HVAC technicians. Many trade or vocational schools offer certification programs that prepare students to take the statewide certification exam. These programs typically last between six and twelve months. There are also community colleges that offer two-year Associate’s of Applied Science Degree(AAS) programs in HVAC technology.

If you are considering an apprenticeship, Alaska has a few options for you:

The Local 367 Training Center. Located in Anchorage, The Local 367 Training Center has a very successful apprenticeship program. Before you can apply to the HVAC program you must pass a reading skills test, a locating information test and a math test. You must also be at least 18 years old and have a High School Diploma or GED. This program consists of 10,000 hours of on-the-job, hands on training, which is equivalent to at least five years. A minimum of six weeks of classroom training is required each year as well. The training costs are covered by the Joint Apprenticeship Training Committee, and students are responsible for book and licensing fees.

The Local 23 area union. The Local 23 area union has chapters in Anchorage and Fairbanks that offer apprenticeship and journeyman upgrade training programs. In the past five years, this program has doubled the number of apprentices trained. This is a four-year program. If neither of these unions are near you, consider looking for local unions in your area and see if they have apprenticeship programs available.

Other HVACR Certified Technician Programs include:

Avtec Institute of Technology. For those who would like to complete an educational program instead, Alaska has one program that is accredited by the Partnership for Air-Conditioning, Heating, Refrigeration Accreditation (PAHRA). This program is offered by the Alaska Vocational Technical Center in Seward. This full-time certificate program runs from January to May, annually. You can choose a focus in Refrigeration Technician, Refrigeration Repair or Refrigeration Assistant Repair. While in this program, students will also receive 10 hours in OSHA construction safety certification, training for EPA certification, first aid and CPR training, as well as basic industry safety practices.

Charter College. The HVAC program at Charter College in Anchorage, Alaska is designed to give students the skills and knowledge necessary to become certified HVAC technicians. The curriculum includes both classroom and hands-on instruction. Students will learn about tools, safety procedures, electrical theory, blueprint reading, and more. Upon completion of the program, students will be prepared to take the state certification exam.

The certification exam is offered by the NESCES and is administered by the International Code Council. The certification exam consists of two parts: a written exam and a practical exam. You must pass both parts of the exam to be certified in Alaska.

The practical portion of the examination is an eight-hour, hands-on test that evaluates your ability to install and troubleshoot HVAC systems.

Once you are certified, you must complete continuing education credits to maintain your certification. The number of credits required varies by state, but is typically between 10 and 20 per year.

There are many HVAC schools in Alaska that offer certification programs. Choosing the right school for you will depend on your schedule, budget, and location. Do some research to find a program that meets your needs.

Alaska HVAC Technician Certification and Licensing

Most HVAC training programs take about six months to a year to complete and result in a certificate or diploma. Some community colleges offer two-year associate’s degree programs in HVAC technology. These programs include coursework in general education topics, such as math and physics, in addition to HVAC-specific coursework.

All HVAC technicians who work with refrigerants must be certified by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). This certification has four subtypes, which determine what appliances you will be working on. Type 1 certification is for small appliances; Type 2 is for high pressure appliances; Type 3 is for low pressure appliances; and Type 4 is universal. To become certified, you must pass an EPA-approved examination.

This certification is provided by U.S. Environmental Protection Agency.

Once you are certified, you must complete continuing education credits to maintain your certification. The number of credits required varies by state, but is typically between 10 and 20 per year.

To apply for statewide certification, you must meet one of the following requirements:

• Have at least four years’ work experience as a journeyman in HVAC and sheet metal work
• Have a degree from an accredited college or university plus at least one-year of work experience in HVAC and sheet metal work
• Be registered in the state as a mechanical engineer

Additionally, applicants must pay a $50 application fee and show proof of completing an HVAC training and adequate work experience. They must then take and pass the mechanical administrator exam. This exam will test the applicant’s ability, knowledge and technical skills as well as their familiarity of statewide codes. A passing score is 70 percent. The license fee is $250 and must be renewed biannually.

There are many HVAC schools in Alaska that offer certification programs. Choosing the right school for you will depend on your schedule, budget, and location. Do some research to find a program that meets your needs.

Career Outlook and Salary Expectations

The salary data for Heating, Air Conditioning, and Refrigeration Mechanics and Installers (49-9021.00) in Alaska, as compared to the national average, highlights the significantly higher wages for this occupation in the state. In Alaska, these professionals earn an average annual salary of $71,800, substantially above the national average of $51,390. The salary range in Alaska extends from $39,490 at the 10th percentile to $99,880 at the 90th percentile, indicating a broad range of earning potential based on experience, specialization, and other factors.

National vs. Alaska Salaries for HVAC Technicians

Salaries by Region in Alaska for HVAC Technicians

HVAC Trends in Alaska

In Alaska, the employment outlook for Heating, Air Conditioning, and Refrigeration Mechanics and Installers (49-9021.00) is promising, with a projected growth of 9% from 2020 to 2030. The number of employees in this occupation is expected to rise from 330 in 2020 to 360 by 2030. Annually, there are projected to be 40 job openings in Alaska for this occupation during this period, which includes openings due to both industry growth and replacements. This growth rate is higher than the national average growth rate of 6% for the same period, indicating a strong demand for HVAC technicians within the state.

Employement Trends

Sources of data:

• For employment trends and projections: Projections Central’s 2020-2030 long-term projections.
• For national employment and wage data: The Bureau of Labor Statistics’ (BLS) 2022-2032 employment projections.

Working as an HVAC Technician in Alaska

Alaska is known for its cold and dark winters and humid and warm summers, making a climate-controlled system highly popular in Alaska residents homes throughout the state. These systems will need to be maintained and updated in the coming years, creating a continued need for HVAC technicians in the state.

In Alaska, the highest numbers of HVAC workers can be found in Anchorage with the national average being 17 percent of the workforce. HVAC jobs are expected to grow by about 9 percent in Anchorage in the next decade, which is higher than the average for all other occupations.

The state with the second highest number of HVAC workers is Juneau. The top-paying areas in the state are Anchorage and Fairbanks. While the growth rate for HVAC technicians in Alaska is not as high as it is most states, the need for HVAC techs in the state is there and will continue to be there in the future.

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