How to Become an HVAC Technician in New York
Heating, ventilation and air conditioning (HVAC) technicians are responsible for installing, maintaining and repairing HVAC/R systems in a number of residential and business settings. These can range from furnaces and air filtration systems in hospitals to refrigerators and heaters in homes. [Leer en español]
A typical day in the life of an HVAC technician involves traveling to clients’ homes or businesses, diagnosing HVAC issues and performing any necessary maintenance or repairs. Repair and maintenance tasks can include installing or repairing electrical or mechanical parts, cleaning and replacing filters and testing HVAC systems to ensure they are in working order.
Requirements for Becoming an HVAC Technician in New York
In order to become an HVAC technician in New York, students must receive a GED or high school diploma prior to HVAC training.
Next, students attend a trade school or community college offering an HVAC certification program. Typically, these programs last for anywhere from six months to two years and award either associate’s degrees or HVAC certifications. Though New York does not require HVAC technicians to be licensed, attending programs that have been accredited by agencies like HVAC Excellence will open more doors for employment.
HVAC education topics may include:
- Heating systems and heat pumps
- Air Conditioning systems
- Basic refrigeration and Refrigeration principles
- Air distribution systems
- Gas Heating
Further, while there is no state requirement for practical experience, it is always best to check with your local jurisdiction. For example, New York City requires two years of experience in a registered apprenticeship and three years of experience working in the City.
Additionally, any HVAC professional who will be handling, purchasing or working with refrigerants must sit for an EPA exam. In short, there are four main certifications HVAC technicians can receive.
- Type 1 for service of small appliances
- Type 2 for service and disposal of high- or very high-pressure appliances, except for small appliances and MVACs
- Type 3 for service and disposal of low-pressure appliances
- Universal, which certifies an HVAC technician for the service and maintenance of all types of equipment
Trade organizations, like the North American Technician Excellence (NATE) and the ESCO Group, host the EPA exam and may have varying requirements before students can pursue certification. For example, if students wish to pursue technical certification through the ESCO Group, they must have two years of verifiable experience in the field plus a passing grade on the Core Exam.
HVAC Schools in New York
In order to receive training as an HVAC technician in New York, students can opt to take one of two routes: receive on-the-job training through an apprenticeship or attend an accredited certification program.
Typically, HVAC apprenticeships last anywhere from three to five years. These are very beneficial as they provide the necessary years of practical experience required to sit for EPA exams.
Some of the best places to seek apprenticeships are HVAC installation and repair companies, engineering firms and labor unions.
Some of the top schools that offer HVAC programs in New York include:
- Washington-Saratoga-Warren-Hamilton-Essex Board of Cooperative Educational Services (WSWHE BOCES). Located in Saratoga Springs, the WSWHE BOCES offers an HVAC technician course through its Employment Training for Adults (ETA) program. This program, which is HVAC Excellence-accredited, provides 96 hours of focused coursework, four sequential 24-hour modules and all the skills and knowledge requisite for entry-level HVAC careers. Preparation to sit for the EPA exam is offered by the ESCO Group.
- Isaac University. The HVAC contractor and technician training offered through Isaac University, which is accredited by the Partnership for Air Conditioning Refrigeration Accreditation (PAHRA), offers two years of general HVAC training plus two additional years of more specialized training for each technician, as well as continuing sessions after employment and North American Technician Excellence (NATE) certification. This program includes 21 modules, spanning topics from gas furnaces to self-leadership. Isaac University is the only school accredited by PAHRA.
Financial aid may be available to students who qualify. Contact the financial office at the institute you are interested in attending for more information.
HVAC/R Certification Requirements for Becoming a Certified Technician in New York
Though the state does not require a license for HVAC technicians, these requirements can vary from city to city. For instance, New York City requires a home improvement contractor license for any contractor who is involved in the construction, repair, remodel or addition to a residence. Check with your local consumer affairs department to be sure.
Job Opportunities and Salary Expectations
The salary data for Heating, Air Conditioning, and Refrigeration Mechanics and Installers (49-9021.00) in New York, as compared to the national average, showcases the state’s higher wages for this occupation. In New York, these professionals earn an average annual salary of $64,690, significantly above the national average of $51,390. The salary range in New York extends from $38,900 at the 10th percentile to $99,260 at the 90th percentile, indicating a broad range of earning potential based on experience, specialization, and other factors.
National vs. New York Salaries for HVAC Technicians
| Location | Annual Low (10%) | Annual Median | Annual High (90%) |
|---|---|---|---|
| United States | $36,170 | $51,390 | $82,630 |
| New York | $38,900 | $64,690 | $99,260 |
Salaries by Region in New York for HVAC Technicians
| Region | Annual Low (10%) | Annual Median | Annual High (90%) |
|---|---|---|---|
| New York-Newark-Jersey City, NY-NJ-PA | $39,880 | $73,320 | $102,190 |
| Buffalo-Cheektowaga-Niagara Falls, NY | $38,260 | $59,210 | $83,140 |
HVAC Trends in New York
In New York, the employment outlook for Heating, Air Conditioning, and Refrigeration Mechanics and Installers (49-9021.00) is highly positive, with a projected growth of 20% from 2020 to 2030. The number of employees in this occupation is expected to increase from 19,360 in 2020 to 23,170 by 2030. Annually, there are projected to be 2,380 job openings in New York for this occupation during this period, which includes openings due to both industry growth and replacements. This growth rate significantly exceeds the national average growth rate of 6% for the same period, indicating a robust demand for HVAC technicians within the state.
Employement Trends
| Aspect | New York | United States |
|---|---|---|
| Employment (2020 for NY, 2022 for US) | 19,360 employees | 415,800 employees |
| Projected Employment (2030 for NY, 2032 for US) | 23,170 employees | 438,800 employees |
| Projected Growth | 20% | 6% |
| Projected Annual Job Openings (2020-2030 for NY, 2022-2032 for US) | 2,380 | 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 New York
Once students have received their licenses, they can specialize in areas ranging from solar technician to HVAC engineer. As such, they can choose to start their own businesses or work for a number of HVAC-related businesses.
To look for entry-level employment in the HVAC field, try companies performing HVAC repairs and installations, refrigeration repair companies and labor unions.
When looking for HVAC work, New York City has plenty of vacancies. It employs the greatest number of HVAC technicians in any city in the United States.
In New York City, HVAC technicians may work for themselves or contract with companies to work in residential areas and corporate HVAC companies. Choosing a speciality, such as solar panels or commercial refrigeration, may make an HVAC technician more employable.
However, outside New York City, Rochester and Long Island will experience a high demand for HVAC technicians as well. Buildings in both cities are equipped with HVAC systems, and each new building constructed will need a new system installed. Additionally, existing HVAC units will need repair and maintenance. For the most job prospects, aim to develop a thorough knowledge of electronics, troubleshooting and tablet computers.
FAQs
What are the steps to become an HVAC technician in the state of New York?
- 1. Receive a high school diploma or GED
- 2. Check with your local jurisdiction for any HVAC training or licensing requirements they may have
- 3. Attend a trade school or college offering an HVAC certification or degree program
How much do heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanics and installers earn in the state of New York?
According to the U.S Bureau of Labor Statistics, heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanics and installers in the state of New York made an average of $59,660 per year in 2019. Entry-level heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanics and installers earned around $34,290 and some experienced professionals earned salaries as high as $93,110.