How to Become an HVAC Technician in Idaho
An HVAC professional is a skilled worker who has been trained to work on cooling, air conditioning, refrigeration, and heating systems (HVAC systems) in buildings. They install new systems, maintain and inspect older systems, and diagnose problems, make repairs and replace parts as needed. [Leer en español]
Careers for HVAC techs are growing right now, at a rate of 16 percent, which is faster than average job growth. If you are interested in going through the training for this career in Idaho, you can look forward to great job stability.
Requirements for Becoming an HVAC Technician in Idaho
There are no specific requirements for education or training in order to become an HVAC technician in Idaho. However, most employers will require that you have a high school diploma or equivalent, and many will prefer that you have some formal training from a vocational school, community college, or trade school.
The skills needed to be an HVAC tech include:
- Good customer service skills
- Mechanical dexterity
- Skills in using hand tools and power tools
- Ability to read blueprints
- Knowledge of basic electricity
- Ability to lift heavy objects in small places
These skills can be learned on the job, but it will take longer to become fully proficient if you don’t have any formal training. Many people choose to complete a certificate or associate’s degree program in HVAC technology before they start looking for jobs.
Idaho has statewide licensing requirements for apprentices, journeymen and contractors working in the HVAC industry. In order to get started as an apprentice, your first step will be to enroll in an HVAC program at a college or an apprenticeship program through a local union or non-union organization. The state’s Division of Building Safety lists the approved programs throughout the state. These will provide you with the required classroom and hands-on training hours needed to work toward becoming a journeyman in Idaho.
HVAC Schools in Idaho
Any of the state’s approved HVAC programs are great options for those who wish to pursue this career path. Just one of them is accredited by HVAC Excellence, a national accreditation institute:
- College of Southern Idaho, Twin Falls. Southern Idaho’s HVAC program curriculum is accredited by HVAC Excellence.
- Idaho State University, Pocatello. Idaho State offers students an approved apprenticeship program for HVAC technicians. It is a four-year program that provides classroom learning as well as paid work and training on the job as an apprentice.
- Southwest Central Idaho Sheet Metal Joint Apprenticeship and Training Committee (JATC), Boise. This union program trains students to work in HVAC and to work with sheet metal in ventilation systems. As with most JATCs, you must be 18 and have a high school diploma or GED to qualify.
Certification and Licensing for Becoming an HVAC Technician in Idaho
In Idaho, licensing of HVAC workers is done through the state’s Division of Building Safety. There are several different licenses for HVAC professionals, including apprentice, journeyman, contractor and specialty apprentice, journeyman or contractor. Your first step to work in HVAC in Idaho will be to apply to be an apprentice. To qualify, you need to be at least 18 years old, be employed by a licensed HVAC contractor and be enrolled in a post-secondary academic program or an apprenticeship program.
Once you have completed an apprenticeship, you can apply to become a journeyman HVAC technician. To qualify, you must have a record of 8,000 hours of supervised work experience and four years of training in apprenticeship or school programs. With these qualifications you can take the journeyman exam.
Finally, you may choose to become a licensed HVAC contractor in the state. This requires that you have at least two years of work experience as a journeyman and that you pass the appropriate exam. You will also need to purchase a $2,000 compliance bond. Contractors can hire journeymen and train apprentices while heading up HVAC projects.
If you will be working with refrigerants in any state, you have to be certified according to federal rules. Under the Clean Air Act, you are required to achieve EPA certification. This requires passing an exam.
Please see the Environmental Protection Agency Section 608 certification page for more information.
Career Outlook and Salary Expectations
In Idaho, Heating, Air Conditioning, and Refrigeration Mechanics and Installers earn an average annual wage of $48,320, which is slightly below the national average of $51,390. The state’s wage distribution shows that the lowest 10% earn around $34,910, while the highest 10% earn over $65,870. This wage data is further detailed by region within Idaho, indicating variations in earnings across different areas.
National vs. Local Salaries (Annual)
| Location | Average Annual Wage |
|---|---|
| United States | $51,390 |
| Idaho | $48,320 |
Salaries and Percentiles by Region in Idaho (Annual)
| Region | 10th Percentile | Median | 90th Percentile |
|---|---|---|---|
| Boise City, ID | $36,600 | $48,390 | $67,670 |
HVAC Trends in Idaho
The employment for Heating, Air Conditioning, and Refrigeration Mechanics and Installers in Idaho is expected to see significant growth, with a 31% increase from 2020 to 2030, rising from 3,310 to 4,330 employees. This growth is notably higher than the national projection of 6% over a similar period. Idaho will have approximately 430 annual job openings in this occupation, reflecting both new job growth and the need to replace workers who leave the occupation (O*NET OnLine).
Employement Trends
| Location | 2020 Employment | 2030 Projected Employment | Projected Growth | Annual Job Openings |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Idaho | 3,310 | 4,330 | 31% | 430 |
| United States | 415,800 (2022) | 438,800 (2032) | 6% | 37,700 |
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 Idaho
As an HVAC worker in Idaho, you can expect to work for a contractor, although you may also be hired by government agencies, school districts or industrial employers. The work environment can be dangerous, and injuries and accidents are a risk. This is why it is important to know and follow safety regulations and to use safety gear.
You’ll find most HVAC job opportunities in and around Boise, Nampa and Idaho Falls. HVAC jobs are plentiful in these cities, and the average salary is higher than in other parts of the state.
FAQs
How to Become an HVAC Technician in Idaho
- 1. Meet the age requirement of 18 or older
- 2. Apply for an apprentice’s license issued by Idaho’s Division of Building Safety
- 3. Meet your apprenticeship requirements by taking classes, joining a state-approved apprentice program or working for a licensed HVAC contractor
Does Idaho require HVAC license?
Not all states require an HVAC license, but Idaho is one of them. In order to become a licensed HVAC technician in Idaho, you must complete an approved training program and then pass the state licensing exam.