Introduction
Arkansas, aptly named the Land of Opportunity, presents a thriving market for HVAC-R (heating, ventilation, air conditioning, and refrigeration) professionals. Licensed by the Arkansas state government, HVAC technicians are responsible for designing, installing, constructing, maintaining, servicing, repairing, altering, or modifying equipment used for heating, cooling, or ventilation.
HVAC professionals in Arkansas undertake various tasks, including calculating heat loads and losses, maintaining detailed customer service records, providing clients with efficiency recommendations, reading blueprints, and troubleshooting HVAC system components. These components include refrigerant controls, hermetic compressors, heat pumps, split systems, ductless splits, water pumps, intake and exhaust fans, unit heaters, electrical circuitry, motors, economizers, and humidifiers. Additionally, they utilize tools such as manifold gauge sets, temperature and pressure charts, multimeters, and soldering/brazing equipment.
To remain compliant, HVAC workers must maintain active licensure through the Arkansas HVAC/R Licensing Board, which requires annual renewal. They must also secure any regional permits or registrations as needed. Moreover, all technicians handling refrigerants must obtain the EPA Section 608 certification, a national credential. Some HVAC professionals opt to be generalists, while others may specialize in specific equipment types or techniques, such as commercial refrigeration systems.
The HVAC field in Arkansas offers ample employment opportunities and competitive salaries, further bolstered by a supportive professional environment. The Arkansas HVACR Association provides training programs, legislative advocacy, benefits like discounted insurance plans, and other resources to support HVAC professionals in the state.
Demand for HVAC Technicians in Arkansas
The HVAC industry is expected to experience significant growth both nationally and in Arkansas, making it an attractive career choice. The Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) projects a 5 percent increase in HVAC job openings across the United States from 2021 to 2031, which is comparable to the average growth rate for all occupations during that period. This equates to approximately 20,200 new HVAC positions nationwide, highlighting the increasing demand for skilled HVAC professionals.
In Arkansas, the outlook is even more promising. Projections Central reports a 16.3 percent increase in HVAC positions between 2020 and 2030, adding around 500 new jobs in the state. This robust growth underscores the promising career prospects for HVAC technicians in Arkansas.
Several factors contribute to the booming demand for HVAC workers:
- Climate Control Needs: Nearly all buildings, especially in regions with extreme seasonal temperatures like Arkansas, require climate control systems.
- System Replacement Cycles: HVAC systems typically need replacement every 10 to 15 years, ensuring a consistent need for skilled technicians.
- Maintenance and Service Contracts: Manufacturer warranties and service contracts provide regular, year-round work for HVAC professionals.
The demand for HVAC services in Arkansas is reflected in the numerous job postings on popular job boards. As of April 2023, Indeed had 156 HVAC job listings in Arkansas, including positions at Casey’s General Stores, Springfield Mechanical Services, Trane Technologies, Two Rivers Mechanical, and Sears Home Services. Monster reported 63 HVAC job openings at companies like Lennox International, Baptist Health Arkansas, and Paschal Air, Plumbing & Electric.
Schools in Arkansas
Arkansas State University-Beebe
1000 Iowa Street
Beebe, Arkansas 72012-1000
Phone: (501) 882-3600
URL: www.asub.edu/
This school is a 2 year Public college that offers Less than one year certificate, One but less than two years certificate|Associate's degree. The campus is located in a fringe town with campus housing not offered.
- Total Student Population: 2928
- Total Faculty: 157
Arkansas Tech University
Administration Bldg 200
1509 N Boulder Ave
Russellville, Arkansas 72801-2222
Phone: (479) 968-0389
URL: www.atu.edu/
This school is a 4 year primarily associate's Public college that offers Less than one year certificate, One but less than two years certificate, Associate's degree, Two but less than 4 years certificate|Bachelor's degree|Postbaccalaureate certificate|Master's degree|Post-master's certificate|Doctor's degree - research/scholarship. The campus is located in a remote town with campus housing not offered.
- Total Student Population: 9445
- Total Faculty: 548
University of Arkansas at Monticello
Highway 425 South
Monticello, Arkansas 71656
Phone: (870) 367-6811
URL: www.uamont.edu/
This school is a 4 year primarily associate's Public college that offers Less than one year certificate, One but less than two years certificate, Associate's degree, Two but less than 4 years certificate|Bachelor's degree|Postbaccalaureate certificate|Master's degree. The campus is located in a remote town with campus housing not offered.
- Total Student Population: 2719
- Total Faculty: 208
East Arkansas Community College
1700 Newcastle Rd
Forrest City, Arkansas 72335-2204
Phone: (870) 633-4480 x200
URL: www.eacc.edu/
This school is a 2 year Public college that offers Less than one year certificate, One but less than two years certificate|Associate's degree. The campus is located in a distant town with campus housing not offered.
- Total Student Population: 1179
- Total Faculty: 105
University of Arkansas Community College-Batesville
2005 White Drive
Batesville, Arkansas 72503-3350
Phone: (870) 612-2000
URL: www.uaccb.edu/
This school is a 2 year Public college that offers Less than one year certificate, One but less than two years certificate|Associate's degree. The campus is located in a remote town with campus housing not offered.
- Total Student Population: 1008
- Total Faculty: 92
Arkansas Northeastern College
2501 S Division
Blytheville, Arkansas 72316-1109
Phone: (870) 762-1020 x1114
URL: www.anc.edu/
This school is a 2 year Public college that offers Less than one year certificate, One but less than two years certificate|Associate's degree. The campus is located in a fringe rural area with campus housing not offered.
- Total Student Population: 1502
- Total Faculty: 62
North Arkansas College
1515 Pioneer Drive
Harrison, Arkansas 72601-5508
Phone: (870) 743-3000
URL: www.northark.edu/
This school is a 2 year Public college that offers Less than one year certificate, One but less than two years certificate, Associate's degree, Two but less than 4 years certificate. The campus is located in a remote town with campus housing not offered.
- Total Student Population: 1856
- Total Faculty: 140
Northwest Technical Institute
709 S Old Missouri Rd
Springdale, Arkansas 72764
Phone: (479) 751-8824 x0
URL: www.nwti.edu/
This school is a < 2 year Public college that offers One but less than two years certificate. The campus is located in a small city with campus housing not offered.
- Total Student Population: 201
Arkansas State University Three Rivers
One College Circle
Malvern, Arkansas 72104-0816
Phone: (501) 337-5000 x1100
URL: www.asutr.edu/
This school is a 2 year Public college that offers Less than one year certificate, One but less than two years certificate|Associate's degree. The campus is located in a fringe town with campus housing not offered.
- Total Student Population: 1832
- Total Faculty: 100
University of Arkansas Community College-Morrilton
1537 University Blvd.
Morrilton, Arkansas 72110
Phone: (501) 977-2000
URL: www.uaccm.edu/
This school is a 2 year Public college that offers Less than one year certificate, One but less than two years certificate|Associate's degree. The campus is located in a distant town with campus housing not offered.
- Total Student Population: 1888
- Total Faculty: 89
Phillips Community College of the University of Arkansas
1000 Campus Drive
Helena, Arkansas 72342-0785
Phone: (870) 338-6474
URL: www.pccua.edu/
This school is a 2 year Public college that offers Less than one year certificate, One but less than two years certificate|Associate's degree. The campus is located in a fringe rural area with campus housing not offered.
- Total Student Population: 1234
- Total Faculty: 86
Southeast Arkansas College
1900 S Hazel Street
Pine Bluff, Arkansas 71603
Phone: (870) 543-5900
URL: www.seark.edu/
This school is a 2 year Public college that offers Less than one year certificate, One but less than two years certificate|Associate's degree. The campus is located in a small city with campus housing not offered.
- Total Student Population: 898
- Total Faculty: 81
University of Arkansas-Pulaski Technical College
3000 W Scenic Dr
North Little Rock, Arkansas 72118-3347
Phone: (501) 812-2200
URL: uaptc.edu/
This school is a 2 year Public college that offers Less than one year certificate, One but less than two years certificate|Associate's degree. The campus is located in a small city with campus housing not offered.
- Total Student Population: 4245
- Total Faculty: 233
University of Arkansas Hope-Texarkana
2500 S Main
Hope, Arkansas 71801
Phone: (870) 777-5722
URL: www.uaht.edu/
This school is a 2 year Public college that offers Less than one year certificate, One but less than two years certificate|Associate's degree. The campus is located in a distant town with campus housing not offered.
- Total Student Population: 1188
- Total Faculty: 78
Southern Arkansas University Tech
6415 Spellman Road
Camden, Arkansas 71701-1906
Phone: (870) 574-4500
URL: www.sautech.edu/
This school is a 2 year Public college that offers Less than one year certificate, One but less than two years certificate|Associate's degree. The campus is located in a distant rural area with campus housing not offered.
- Total Student Population: 943
- Total Faculty: 79
NorthWest Arkansas Community College
One College Drive
Bentonville, Arkansas 72712-5091
Phone: (479) 986-4000
URL: www.nwacc.edu/
This school is a 2 year Public college that offers Less than one year certificate, One but less than two years certificate|Associate's degree. The campus is located in a small city with campus housing not offered.
- Total Student Population: 7593
- Total Faculty: 567
Arkansas State University-Mountain Home
1600 South College Street
Mountain Home, Arkansas 72653
Phone: (870) 508-6100
URL: www.asumh.edu/
This school is a 2 year Public college that offers Less than one year certificate, One but less than two years certificate|Associate's degree. The campus is located in a fringe rural area with campus housing not offered.
- Total Student Population: 1247
- Total Faculty: 80
Arkansas State University-Newport
7648 Victory Blvd
Newport, Arkansas 72112
Phone: (870) 512-7800
URL: www.asun.edu/
This school is a 2 year Public college that offers Less than one year certificate, One but less than two years certificate|Associate's degree. The campus is located in a distant rural area with campus housing not offered.
- Total Student Population: 1592
- Total Faculty: 138
HVAC Worker Salaries in Arkansas
HVAC technicians in Arkansas earn competitive salaries, particularly given the level of education required. According to recent data from Salary.com, the average annual salary for HVAC technicians in Arkansas is approximately $57,842 as of February 2024, with typical salaries ranging from $51,503 to $65,077.
Here is a detailed breakdown of HVAC salaries in Arkansas compared to national averages (BLS May 2022):
| Percentile | United States | Arkansas |
|---|---|---|
| Number of HVAC professionals employed | 344,020 | 3,090 |
| Annual mean wage | $57,460 | $57,842 |
| 10th percentile | $36,170 | $37,280 |
| 25th percentile | $44,100 | $47,480 |
| 50th percentile (median) | $51,390 | $61,400 |
| 75th percentile | $65,630 | $96,510 |
| 90th percentile | $82,630 | $100,280 |
It is important to consider the cost of living when evaluating these figures. The cost of living in Arkansas is lower than the national average, which means that HVAC technicians in Arkansas can enjoy a higher relative standard of living compared to their peers in more expensive states.
HVAC Certification and Licensing in Arkansas
Before securing employment as an HVAC installer or mechanic in Arkansas, it's essential to ensure you have the required credentials. One mandatory national certification for all professionals handling refrigerants is the EPA Section 608 certification. This certification is available in four types:
- Type 1: Small appliances
- Type 2: High-pressure appliances
- Type 3: Low-pressure appliances
- Type 4: Universal
Most HVAC certificate and degree programs in Arkansas provide preparation for this certification.
There are additional national certifications available through organizations such as:
- North American Technician Excellence (NATE): Offers certifications like Industry Competency Exams (ICE).
- HVAC Excellence: Provides various certifications in HVAC technology.
- Refrigerating Engineers and Technicians Association (RETA): Offers certifications for HVAC professionals.
For more information on pursuing these certifications, visit the HVAC certifications page.
In Arkansas, all HVAC professionals must also obtain a license from the Arkansas HVAC/R Licensing Board, which is part of the Department of Health. Entry-level HVAC professionals must register for a fee of $25 and gain at least two years of experience before applying for one of several contractor licenses. Here is a summary of the types of licenses available in Arkansas and their costs:
- Class A: Unrestricted
- Class B: Restricted to less than 15 tons of cooling capacity or one million BTUs (heating), and less than 15 horsepower
- Class C: Restricted to repair and servicing only (not installation); systems with less than 15 tons of cooling capacity or one million BTUs (heating), and less than 15 horsepower
- Class D: Allows the licensee to perform sheet metal work on HVAC/R ducts
- Class E: Unrestricted refrigeration-specific license
- Class L: Unrestricted license for those 65 and older
These licenses are valid for one year, and although the state currently does not require continuing education (CE) hours for renewal, this may change as the Arkansas HVACR Association has advocated for ongoing training requirements for license renewal.
Finally, HVAC professionals in Arkansas may need additional credentials based on the city or county where they work. They are encouraged to verify all necessary credentialing with local administrative authorities before starting any projects.