How to Become an HVAC Technician in Louisiana
HVAC technicians are professionals who work on heating, ventilation, air conditioning, cooling and refrigeration systems(HVAC systems). HVAC techs perform tasks such as reading blueprints, repairing and replacing fuses and breakers, fitting pipes and adding freon to air conditioner units. They also install new heating and cooling systems. To work in the HVAC industry, you must be trained through formal education or working as an apprentice. [Leer en español]
Requirements for Becoming an HVAC Technician in Louisiana
By law, HVAC technicians are required to be certified in refrigerant handling by obtaining Section 608 EPA certification through the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency. There are no other national requirements to work on heating and cooling systems. But, many states do require state-level certification or licensure to work as an HVAC technician.
A license is mandatory to work as an HVAC tech in Louisiana. This license is regulated by the Louisiana State Board of Contractors’ Department of Examinations and Assessment. Completing an HVAC educational training program or apprenticeship is required to become licensed.
HVAC program topics may include:
- Heat pump systems
- Air distribution systems
- Electric heat
- Gas heat
- Piping systems
Apprenticeship and HVAC Schools in Louisiana
To become licensed as an HVAC technician in Louisiana, you will need to complete an apprenticeship program or a post-secondary educational program at an accredited tech school. If you complete an educational program, it must be accredited by HVAC Excellence or the Partnership for Air-Conditioning, Heating, Refrigeration Accreditation (PAHRA).
For those choosing the apprenticeship option, there are plenty of opportunities for HVAC tech apprenticeship in Louisiana. You can seek out a local union in your area, as these offer apprenticeship in many trades, including HVAC. Also, the Louisiana Workforce Commission has its own apprenticeship division. You must be at least 18 years of age and have a high school diploma or GED to work as an apprentice. Most apprenticeships in Louisiana last anywhere from two to five years. Classroom instruction is required along with work experience.
If you choose to complete an educational program instead, there are a few options to consider in Louisiana. HVAC training programs that are accredited by HVAC Excellence include:
- Delgado Community College. Delgado Community College offers a certificate of technical studies in Certified HVAC Technician and a Master HVAC/R technical diploma at their Sidney Collier and Jefferson campuses. The certificate program can be completed in about nine months, and the master program can be completed in 18 months.
- Northwest Louisiana Technical College. Northwest Louisiana Tech has four options for those pursuing education in the HVAC field. They offer a Technical Competency Area (TCA) certificate for an HVAC Helper I, a Certificate of Technical Studies (CTS) for an HVAC Helper II, a CTS for a Domestic A/C & Refrigeration and a technical diploma (TD) for a residential A/C & Refrigeration Technician. The HVAC Helper I TCA consists of 12 credit hours; the HVAC Helper II CTS consists of 24 credit hours; the Domestic CTS consists of 28 credit hours; and the Residential TD consists of 45 credit hours.
- Northshore Technical Community College. Northshore Technical Community College offers a technical diploma and certificate of technical studies in HVAC technology. The technical diploma program can be completed in four semesters, and the CTS program can be completed in three semesters.
Below is a list of additional Louisiana HVAC schools:
- Louisiana delta community college (West Monroe)
- Remington College (Shreveport)
Certification and Licensing for Becoming an HVAC Technician in Louisiana
In all states, any HVAC worker who will be handling refrigerants must have Section 608 EPA certification. There are four subtypes of this certification, based on what types of appliances you will be working on. Type I certification is for those who will be working on small appliances. Type II certification applies to those who will be working on high pressure appliances, and type III applies to those working on low pressure appliances. Type IV certification is universal, for techs who will be working on all appliances.
Not only do you need a license to work as an HVAC technician in Louisiana, but for projects that have a face value of more than $50,000 including labor and materials you will also need a commercial contractor or subcontractor license.
There are two exams given for licensing in Louisiana. The trade exam and the Business and Law exam. The trade exam is mandatory and consists of 100 multiple choice questions. You are given four hours to take the exam. The Business and Law exam is only required if you are getting a contractor license. It is an open-book, online exam. An application fee is required for these exams, which are overseen by the Louisiana State Board of Contractors’ Department of Examinations and Assessment.
Studying the following manuals will be essential for students who wish to pass the exams:
- Modern refrigeration and air conditioning
- The Trane Air Conditioning Manual
- The 2012 International Mechanical Code
Career Outlook and Salary Expectations
In Louisiana, Heating, Air Conditioning, and Refrigeration Mechanics and Installers have an average annual wage of $48,750, slightly lower than the national average of $51,390. The wage ranges from a low of $35,220 (10th percentile) to a high of $79,740 (90th percentile), indicating a broad range of earnings among professionals in this field within the state.
National vs. Local Salaries (Annual)
| Location | Average Annual Wage |
|---|---|
| United States | $51,390 |
| Louisiana | $48,750 |
Salaries and Percentiles by Region in Louisiana (Annual)
| Region | 10th Percentile | Median | 90th Percentile |
|---|---|---|---|
| Alexandria, LA | $30,960 | $46,350 | $59,520 |
HVAC Trends in Louisiana
In Louisiana, the employment for Heating, Air Conditioning, and Refrigeration Mechanics and Installers is projected to grow by 11% from 2020 to 2030, with the number of workers increasing from 3,990 to 4,430. This growth is faster than the national average growth rate of 6%. Annually, Louisiana is expected to see about 440 job openings in this field (O*NET OnLine).
Employement Trends
| Location | 2020 Employment | 2030 Projected Employment | Projected Growth | Annual Job Openings |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Louisiana | 3,990 | 4,430 | 11% | 440 |
| 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 Louisiana
Because of the climate, Louisiana is an ideal state for HVAC technicians to seek employment.
HVAC technicians can find work with either commercial or residential HVACR companies or with independent contractors.
Residential air conditioning is a must in the state, and with new home construction on the rise there is an increased demand for technicians who can install and maintain HVAC and refrigeration systems
HVAC technicians can find work with either commercial or residential HVACR companies or with independent contractors.
Baton Rouge has both the highest concentration of and highest paid HVAC technicians within the state. Some of the higher paying cities for HVAC technicians to seek employment in Louisiana include Hammond, the Houma-Thibodaux region, Lafayette and the Shreveport-Bossier City region. Besides Baton Rouge, other cities that have high employment numbers for HVAC technicians include Lafayette and the New Orleans-Metairie region.
With a steady job growth predicted over the coming years, now is the perfect time to consider working as an HVAC technician in Louisiana.
FAQs
How do you become an HVAC technician in Louisiana?
- 1. Earn a high school diploma or GED
- 2. Complete an HVAC educational training program or apprenticeship
- 3. Become licensed by the Louisiana State Board of Contractors’ Department of Examinations and Assessment
- 4. Get Section 608 EPA certification if you’ll be handling refrigerants
How much do heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanics and installers earn in the state of Louisiana?
According to the U.S Bureau of Labor Statistics, heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanics and installers in the state of Louisiana made an average of $47,630 per year in 2021. Entry-level heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanics and installers earned around $25,440 and some experienced professionals earned salaries as high as $75,410.