How to Become an HVAC Technician in Utah
Utah is home to many mountains and valleys, causing varying temperatures and weather conditions from season to season. Therefore, the residents of the state depend upon heating, ventilation, air conditioning and refrigeration systems (HVAC systems) all year to provide a comfortable home or work environment. The proficient trade workers who install and service these systems are called HVAC technicians. HVAC technicians may work in homes, factories, hospitals, office buildings, restaurants, schools or any building that relies on climate control. They may install new systems, remove older ones and diagnose and repair problems on systems that aren’t working properly. HVAC technicians must be familiar with all components of HVAC systems and how they function. They must also be able to read blueprints and be familiar with all local and federal codes and regulations regarding HVAC systems. [Leer en español]
Requirements for Becoming an HVAC Technician in Utah
HVAC certification, licensing and permitting varies by state. In Utah, a contractor’s license is required to assemble and install complete systems and to work on jobs that total more than $1,000 in value. This license can be obtained through Utah’s Division of Occupational and Professional Licensing. A license is not required for any work less than $1,000 or to service systems, and HVAC technicians may work on complete systems if that work is done under the supervision of a licensed contractor.
HVAC workers in Utah must also take the certification exam given by the Rocky Mountain Gas Association if they will be working on gas appliances. National certification from the Environmental Protection Agency is also required for any HVAC worker who plans to handle refrigerants, no matter their license status.
Topics covered by HVAC training programs may include:
- Heating and cooling systems
- Electronic control systems
- Air distribution systems
- Control systems for HVAC equipment
- Gas systems
- Water systems
HVAC Schools in Utah
HVAC systems are constantly evolving and becoming more complex. This career can also be dangerous if you don’t follow proper safety guidelines and aren’t up-to-date on your knowledge of HVAC systems and their components. These are good reasons for HVAC technicians to complete post-secondary and/or on-the-job training. There are two ways to train to become an HVAC technician: through the completion of an apprenticeship program or an HVAC program at an accredited school.
Apprenticeship programs combine classroom instruction with paid, on-the-job training. These programs typically last three to five years. There are plenty of choices for apprenticeship programs in Utah.
- The Utah Career Center has a five-year apprentice program sponsored by the Utah Mechanical Contractors Association. This program consists of 1,800 hours of on-the-job training per year from a certified journeyman. Students also attend classes three nights a week for the duration of this program. When they have completed the program, they will receive a journeyman certificate.
- Salt Lake Community College provides apprentices with the educational courses for their apprenticeship, while they are responsible for finding their own work sponsor (employer). This is a four-year program in which students will complete a minimum of 576 classroom hours and 8,000 work hours. This program prepares students to take the EPA Section 608 certification exam and the Rocky Mountain Gas Association (RMGA) exam.
- Mountainland Technical College also offers an apprenticeship program in which you can enroll in the educational courses but find your own sponsor. The program consists of 360 classroom hours and can be completed in about two years. Upon completion, students will receive an HVAC apprenticeship program certificate and be prepared to take the exams for both the EPA certification and the RMGA.
When looking for an educational program, many aspiring HVAC technicians choose to take training programs that are accredited. The two main organizations who accredit HVAC schools are HVAC Excellence and the Partnership for Air-Conditioning, Heating, Refrigeration Accreditation (PAHRA). At this time, Utah does not have any programs that are accredited by either of these organizations. However, there are a couple of programs in Utah that have been accredited by the Council on Occupation Education, which has also been authorized by the U.S. Department of Education to provide accreditation to schools. They are:
- Davis Applied Technology College. Davis Applied Technology College offers an HVAC certificate program that is taken through night classes and can be completed in two years. This program also prepares students to sit for the EPA Section 608 and RMGA certification exams.
- Fortis College. Fortis College has campuses across the United States, including one in Salt Lake City. This program prepares students for entry-level work as an HVAC technician.
Financial aid may be available to students who qualify. Contact the financial office at the institute you wish to attend for more information.
Certification and Licensing for Becoming an HVAC Technician in Utah
It is important to remember that if you are working for a licensed HVAC contractor or on jobs that total less than $1,000, a Utah contractor’s license is not necessary. There may also be county or regional permits within the state, so you should check that before you begin working. The Division of Occupational and Professional Licensing in Salt Lake City regulates the contractors’ licenses for the state. Those applying for this license must pay an application fee, provide proof of liability and workers compensation insurance and take the required exams. You will also have to pay exam fees. This license must be renewed every two years, and six hours of continued education must be taken prior to renewal.
Furthermore, there are two specific certifications HVAC workers in the state must hold if they are planning to work on gas appliances and refrigerants. Within the state, anyone who performs work on gas appliances must pass the exam administered by the Rocky Mountain Gas Association. Anyone handling refrigerants, regardless of the state they work in, is required to pass the exam to gain Section 608 Certification from the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency. Most accredited training programs and apprenticeship programs in Utah prepare HVAC technicians to take these exams.
Career Outlook and Salary Expectations
- In Utah, the average annual wage for this occupation is $49,440. The lowest 10% earn $35,670 or less, while the highest 10% earn $77,780 or more.
- Nationally, the average annual wage is $51,390. Here, the lowest 10% earn $36,170 or less, and the highest 10% earn $82,630 or more.
Comparison of National vs. Local Salaries
| Location | Average Annual Wage | Annual Wage for Bottom 10% | Annual Wage for Top 10% |
|---|---|---|---|
| United States | $51,390 | $36,170 | $82,630 |
| Utah | $49,440 | $35,670 | $77,780 |
Salaries and Percentiles by Region in Utah
| Region | Annual Low (10%) | Annual QL (25%) | Annual Median (50%) | Annual QU (75%) | Annual High (90%) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Salt Lake City, UT | $36,790 | $46,380 | $51,790 | $64,010 | $80,900 |
| Ogden-Clearfield, UT | $35,950 | $45,620 | $50,760 | $61,400 | $79,330 |
| Provo-Orem, UT | $31,850 | $37,060 | $48,170 | $56,930 | $64,650 |
HVAC Trends in Utah
- Current Employment (2020): There were 4,960 employees in this occupation in Utah.
- Projected Employment (2030): It is expected to rise to 7,250, showing a substantial growth.
- Projected Growth (2020-2030): The field is expected to experience a 46% growth in Utah, which is significantly higher than the national average growth rate.
- Projected Annual Job Openings (2020-2030): There are expected to be about 800 job openings each year in Utah, due to both new positions and replacement needs.
This robust growth in Utah compared to a national growth rate of 6% over a similar period highlights a strong demand for these professionals in the state.
Employement Trends
| Location | Employment (2020) | Projected Employment (2030) | Projected Growth (2020-2030) | Projected Annual Job Openings (2020-2030) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Utah | 4,960 | 7,250 | 46% | 800 |
| United States | 415,800 | 438,800 | 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 Utah
The steadily growing population and variant temperatures make Utah an ideal place to work as an HVAC technician. You can expect to work for a contractor until you get your own contractor license. You may work for an independent contractor who only employs a few people or for a larger contracting company. Salt Lake City employs almost half of the HVAC professionals in the state, and it is also the highest paying city. Other places in the state to consider working are Clearfield, Ogden, Orem and Provo. If you are interested in a job that pays well and offers steady work, working as an HVAC technician in Utah is a smart career move.
FAQs
What are the steps to become an HVAC technician in Utah?
- 1. Complete a post-secondary program in HVAC studies, an apprenticeship or combination of both.
- 2. Take the certification exam required for working on gas appliances or handling refrigerants if applicable.
- 3. Get a contractor’s license to install complete systems and to work on jobs totaling more than $1,000.
How much do heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanics and installers earn in the state of Utah?
According to the U.S Bureau of Labor Statistics, heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanics and installers in the state of Utah made an average of $50,210 per year in 2019. Entry-level heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanics and installers earned around $29,760 and some experienced professionals earned salaries as high as $74,760.