How to Become an HVAC Technician in Oklahoma

A career in HVAC in Oklahoma could be just a few classes and a couple years of paid on-the-job training away. Technicians who can install, maintain, repair and inspect heating, air conditioning and ventilation systems in homes and businesses are in high demand. In this career you’ll enjoy good job stability and your choice of positions, as well as a good salary. [Leer en español]

Requirements for Becoming an HVAC Technician in Oklahoma

Oklahoma licenses HVAC apprentices, journeymen and contractors. Apprentice licensing requires that you have a position secured with a licensed contractor. To become a journeyman, you must work for at least three years as an apprentice or in a similar work experience position. Classroom instruction can count for one or two of those years. Contractors in the state must meet the same educational and training requirements as journeymen, plus one additional year of work experience.

HVAC technician program topics may include:

Refrigeration systems
Heating systems such as heat pumps and heat transfer
Load calculations
Ventilation
Information technology
Indoor air quality

Some programs may offer certification from the Environmental Protection Agency in refrigerant handling, which is required by federal law. The type of license you need to work as an HVAC technician in Oklahoma depends on the tasks you’ll be performing.

Skills needed to become an HVAC/R technician include:

Ability to use power tools
The ability to read and interpret technical manuals and blueprints
Troubleshooting skills
Math skills to calculate load requirements

HVAC Schools in Oklahoma

To begin a career in HVAC in Oklahoma you have two options: complete an academic degree or diploma program or enroll in and complete an apprenticeship program. Academic programs are accredited by HVAC Excellence or the Partnership for Air Conditioning, Heating, and Refrigeration Accreditation (PAHRA). In addition to completing one of these programs, you will need to also have some work experience to qualify for licensing as a journeyman.

For those who wish to attend an HVAC school, consider the following educational programs:

Red River Technology Center, Duncan. Like many of the academic programs in Oklahoma, Red River trains both high school and adult students. This adult program in HVAC and refrigeration is accredited by HVAC Excellence and costs just $811.
Tulsa Technology Center, Tulsa. Tulsa Tech has a PAHRA-accredited program that takes nine months to complete for adult students. Graduates can apply credits to college programs and are prepared for several types of HVAC certification.
Indian Capital Technology Center, Talequah. Indian Capital trains students to work in residential and commercial settings and with refrigerants. Graduates are eligible to apply and test for several types of certification.

Other Oklahoma HVAC schools include:

Moore Norman Technology Center
Southern Oklahoma Technology Center

Rather than completing an academic program, you may choose to enroll in an apprenticeship program that provides both coursework and hands-on training. You can check out Oklahoma Works to find available registered apprenticeships or apply directly to local unions and professional construction organizations that offer training programs.

Certification and Licensing for Becoming an HVAC Technician in Oklahoma

Oklahoma’s Construction Industries Board is responsible for licensing HVAC workers in the state. HVAC apprentices, journeymen and contractors are licensed under the general mechanical heading. Apprentices must register and have an application signed by a supervising contractor. Journeymen must have three years of work experience, or one or two years of experience plus classroom hours, as well as a passing score on an exam. Contractors need one additional year of experience and must pass another test.

If you will be working with refrigerants, and many HVAC workers do, you will also need Environmental Protection Agency Section 608 technician certification. Most apprenticeships and academic programs will prepare you to pass the examination for this certification that is mandated by the federal Clean Air Act.

Job Opportunities and Salary Expectations

In Oklahoma, Heating, Air Conditioning, and Refrigeration Mechanics and Installers earn an average annual wage of $47,750, with the lower 10% earning $30,230 or less and the upper 10% earning $70,010 or more. This is compared to the national average annual wage for this occupation.

National vs. Local Salaries (Annual)

Location	Average Annual Wage
United States	$51,390
Oklahoma	$47,750

Salaries and Percentiles in Oklahoma (Annual)

Percentile	Low (10%)	High (90%)
Annual Wage	$30,230	$70,010

HVAC Trends in Oklahoma

In Oklahoma, the employment for Heating, Air Conditioning, and Refrigeration Mechanics and Installers is forecasted to grow by 7% from 2020 to 2030, increasing from 4,600 to 4,900 employees. This trend suggests a healthy job market with an estimated 480 annual job openings due to growth and replacements.

Employement Trends

Location	2020 Employment	2030 Projected Employment	Projected Growth	Annual Job Openings
Oklahoma	4,600	4,900	7%	480
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 Oklahoma

Most HVAC technicians are hired by HVAC or other mechanical contractors. Some of these companies are small, while others are large; some focus on residential buildings, and others do commercial work. Look for the most opportunities in Oklahoma’s biggest cities and surrounding suburbs, including Oklahoma City, Tulsa, Norman and Broken Arrow.

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