Becoming an HVAC Technician in Wyoming
HVAC technicians are responsible for servicing, maintaining and installing the systems that make indoor life safe and comfortable: air conditioning, heating and ventilation(HVAC systems). [Leer en español]
Learning a trade in Wyoming is more popular than ever. A career as an HVAC technician is a great choice for someone who enjoys using math and science while working with their hands. The HVAC industry is a hotbed of job growth, and even an inexperienced HVAC tech can earn a good living.
Requirements for Becoming an HVAC Technician in Wyoming
There are no statewide requirements to become an HVAC technician in Wyoming. In some of Wyoming’s larger cities, like Cheyenne, Sheridan and Casper, HVAC technicians may be required to obtain city-specific licenses or certifications. For example, Cheyenne’s local government has licensing guidelines for apprentice, journeyman and master HVAC technicians.
Because of the potentially hazardous materials involved, the EPA requires that anyone who will be servicing air conditioners must pass a certification exam.
Although no specific training is required to work as an HVAC technician in Wyoming, the quickest way to start a career in HVAC is by obtaining a certificate or degree. Many training programs are specifically designed to prepare students to meet the licensing criteria of local municipalities.
HVAC topics covered by general education courses may include:
- HVAC distribution systems
- Mechanical piping systems
- Light commercial refrigeration systems
- Automatic building controls
- Energy efficiency
- Refrigeration circuit components
- Electric motors
- Fluid dynamics
HVAC Schools in Wyoming
HVAC schools require either a high school diploma or a GED as a prerequisite. These HVAC training programs can last as little as six months. Students learn how to be an HVAC technician through a combination of hands-on training and classroom learning, with some schools offering apprenticeship programs that allow service technicians to get hands-on experience with businesses in their community. Online programs are an option for students who prefer self-directed lessons on a more flexible schedule.
- Penn Foster offers an online program where a HVACR certificate can be earned in just five months. The program focuses the mechanical aspects of HVAC while allowing students to learn at their own pace. The tuition cost is less than $800 and includes a voucher to take the EPA exam.
- Northwest College in Powell, Wyoming, offers a four-year apprenticeship program that prepares students to take the journeyman’s test. This program is open to students over the age of 16, and a diploma or GED is recommended but not required.
- Laramie County Community College gives students the choice between a basic nine-month certification or an advanced two-year degree in HVAC. The college has campuses in Cheyenne, Laramie and Pine Bluffs, as well as Warren Air Force Base.
HVAC Certification for Becoming a Technician in Wyoming
The state of Wyoming does not require any certifications or licenses for HVAC technicians; however, cities, towns and counties may have their own requirements.
Nationally, the EPA requires anyone who will buy, handle or use refrigerants to pass a safety exam. The Section 608 Technician Certification focuses on safely handling these potentially hazardous materials.
Job Market and Salary Expectations
An HVAC technician in Wyoming typically makes over $36,000 during their first year in the industry, according to figures by the United States Bureau of Labor Statistics. The highest-paid HVAC technicians make close to $76,000 per year.
Over a quarter million HVAC technicians are employed in the United States, but the demand for skilled professionals is growing. Over the next decade, there are expected to be 14 percent more jobs in the industry than there are today.
Working as an HVAC Technician in Wyoming
Nearly all HVAC technicians work full time. Some technicians specialize, focusing their expertise on one type of system or one type of client. Many HVAC professionals partner with homebuilders and general contractors, while others launch their own heating and cooling companies, providing service to home and business owners.
The state capital of Cheyenne, Wyoming, employs many HVAC technicians. In other cities, local governments, school districts, corporations and apartment complexes are likely to have HVAC professionals on staff to handle emergencies and maintenance.
Highly-trained HVAC technicians are in demand in Wyoming, and that need is expected to grow. This is the perfect time to start a career in the HVAC industry.
FAQs
How to Become an HVAC Technician in Wyoming
- 1. Be aware of any local regulations that apply to HVAC technicians
- 2. Fulfill any local requirements for training, formal education or apprenticeship
- 3. Gain knowledge in the field, even if it’s not specifically required
- 3. Obtain a refrigerant-handling certificate from the EPA
How much do heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanics and installers earn in the state of Wyoming?
According to the U.S Bureau of Labor Statistics, heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanics and installers in the state of Wyoming made an average of $47,920 per year in 2019. Entry-level heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanics and installers earned around $32,800 and some experienced professionals earned salaries as high as $62,630.