How to Become an HVAC Technician in Nevada

Working as an HVAC technician means being an important part of making homes and other buildings comfortable. HVAC workers install and repair systems that supply heat, cooling and ventilation.(HVAC systems) To do this, they have to be skilled and must go through training. With a few years of education and work experience, you can be ready to enjoy a great HVAC career in Nevada with a good salary and job stability. [Leer en español]

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Requirements for Becoming a Certified HVAC Technician in Nevada

Entry-level, apprentice and journeymen HVAC workers do not need to be licensed by the state of Nevada. HVAC contractors do need to be licensed, though, as do journeymen HVAC technicians working in Clark County.

The right HVAC training is essential to becoming a certified technician. Air conditioning technology program topics may include:

  • Heating systems
  • Refrigeration systems
  • electrical theory
  • Computer fundamentals

Generally, there are two requirements for getting into an HVAC career in the state: taking HVAC classes and getting on-the-job training. You can either enroll in a post-secondary program or an apprenticeship program to meet these requirements.

HVAC Schools in Nevada

One path to becoming an HVAC tech in Nevada is to begin a community college or technical college program. These offer the necessary classroom hours and many have hands-on training as well. Nevada is home to two schools with accreditation from HVAC Excellence. There are also some programs that are not accredited but still provide a good start to a career in HVAC.

For those who wish to attend an HVAC School, consider the following options:

  • Advanced Training Institute, Las Vegas. The 42-week program at ATI costs about $14,000 in tuition and fees. Students learn in the classroom and in a hands-on setting. Graduates are prepared to become certified for working with air conditioning and refrigerants and to begin entry-level HVAC jobs.
  • College of Southern Nevada, Las Vegas. At this Las Vegas campus, students can earn a degree in air conditioning technology, which includes all aspects of HVAC, including refrigeration. Completing the program prepares students for jobs in HVAC and to be refrigerant certified.
  • National Technical Institute, Henderson. NTI offers a short program that takes just a few months to finish. It is not accredited but provides a good introduction to help students learn the basics and find out if HVAC is a career they really want to pursue.

Financial aid may available to qualifying students. Contact the financial office at the institute that you are interested in attending for more information.

Another path to an HVAC career is Nevada is to apply for an apprenticeship program through a local union or non-union organization. These programs can be competitive but provide all instruction and paid training necessary to begin an HVAC career. Some examples of apprenticeship programs include the Local 350 Plumbers, Pipefitters and HVAC apprenticeship and training center in Sparks and the Reno- or Las Vegas-based program offered through the Nevada Chapter of the Associated Builders and Contractors.

HVAC Certification and Licensing for Becoming a Technician in Nevada

The state of Nevada does not require HVAC technicians to be licensed. However, HVAC contractors must be licensed through the State Contractors Board. Requirements for contractor licensing include four years of work experience beyond an apprenticeship (three of those years can come from an academic program), a passing score on an examination and purchase of a bond.

While there is no statewide licensing for HVAC techs, you do have to pass an exam set by the Contractors Board. It is a test in refrigeration and air conditioning. Furthermore, any HVAC worker in the state whose work will involve refrigerants must be certified by federal law. The Clean Air Act requires workers handling refrigerants get certified through the Environmental Protection Agency section 608, which requires passing an exam.

Clark County, which is home to Las Vegas and many of the state’s HVAC jobs, does require that journeyman HVAC technicians be licensed. Licensing is through the county’s Building Inspection Services and requires passing a test. The exam is administered through the International Code Council.

Career Outlook and Salary Expectations

In Nevada, the average annual wage for Heating, Air Conditioning, and Refrigeration Mechanics and Installers is $57,120, higher than the national average of $51,390. The lowest 10% earn $35,830 or less, while the top 10% earn $77,520 or more.

National vs. Local Salaries (Annual)

Location Average Annual Wage
United States $51,390
Nevada $57,120

Salaries by Region in Nevada (Annual)

Region Low (10%) High (90%)
Las Vegas-Henderson-Paradise, NV $35,840 $78,000
Reno, NV $35,360 $77,300

HVAC Trends in Nevada

In Nevada, the employment for Heating, Air Conditioning, and Refrigeration Mechanics and Installers is expected to grow by 21% from 2020 to 2030, from 3,250 to 3,940 employees. This growth rate significantly exceeds the national average of 6%. Nevada anticipates approximately 410 annual job openings in this field​ (O*NET OnLine)​.

Employement Trends

Location 2020 Employment 2030 Projected Employment Projected Growth Annual Job Openings
Nevada 3,250 3,940 21% 410
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 Nevada

You can expect to get your first job in HVAC with a contractor, although it may be a small business with one or two other workers or a large company with hundreds of employees. Most HVAC techs work for contractors, but some go on to be contractors themselves and to own their own businesses. Look for the most job opportunities in and around Nevada’s largest cities: Las Vegas, Reno and Carson City.

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FAQs

How do I become an HVAC tech in Nevada?

  • 1. Enroll in an educational program, or find an apprenticeship to meet training requirements.
  • 2. If working in Clark County, earn journeyman licensure through Building Inspection Services.
  • 3. For those wanting to become an HVAC contractor, after meeting requirements, get licensed through the State Contractors Board.

How much do heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanics and installers earn in the state of Nevada?

According to the U.S Bureau of Labor Statistics, heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanics and installers in the state of Nevada made an average of $54,010 per year in 2019. Entry-level heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanics and installers earned around $31,500 and some experienced professionals earned salaries as high as $76,840.

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