Introduction
Colorado's cold winters and diverse microclimates create a strong demand for HVAC services, supported by a rich network of trade associations. HVAC professionals in Colorado have access to numerous resources and support systems.
The Colorado Association of Mechanical & Plumbing Contractors (CAMPC), now known as the Rocky Mountain Mechanical Contractors Association (RMMCA), has been around since 1889. It represents over 160 member companies, providing legal advocacy, business marketing tools, continuing education, and networking events. CAMPC also partners with the Colorado Safety Association to offer discounted training.
The Pikes Peak Mechanical Contractors Association offers technician training, monthly meetings, energy efficiency incentive programs, and community service opportunities. The Mechanical Contractors Association of Colorado provides educational conferences, professional networking, and a comprehensive list of regional and national resources, including the Building Jobs for Colorado Coalition, the Colorado Association of Commerce & Industry, and the Denver Metro Economic Development Corporation.
HVAC technicians in Colorado install, troubleshoot, and repair HVAC systems and components, interpret blueprints, maintain records, make energy efficiency recommendations, calibrate systems, and maintain appropriate licensure. Some specialize in specific equipment or environments, while others offer a range of services across residential and commercial settings. HVAC professionals typically need to lift at least 40 lbs and work in various weather conditions.
The demand for trained HVAC professionals in Colorado is expected to grow significantly. Read on to learn more about career outlook, salary prospects, accredited HVAC schools, and licensing requirements in Colorado.
Demand for HVAC Technicians in Colorado
In Colorado, the demand for HVAC professionals is expected to grow significantly. Projections Central anticipates a ~30 percent increase in HVAC job openings from 2020 to 2030, reflecting the state’s high need for skilled technicians.
HVAC technicians in Colorado work in various environments, particularly in high-growth cities like Denver. HVAC professionals may need to work evenings, weekends, and holidays, especially during peak seasons. The physical nature of the job and exposure to chemicals like refrigerants mean a higher-than-average rate of injury, but proper safety training can mitigate these risks.
Schools in Colorado
Lincoln College of Technology-Denver
11194 E 45th Ave
Denver, Colorado 80239
Phone: (303) 722-5724 x43000
URL: www.lincolntech.edu/campus/denver-co
This school is a 2 year Private for-profit 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 large city with campus housing not offered.
- Total Student Population: 1155
- Total Faculty: 53
Emily Griffith Technical College
1860 Lincoln Street
Denver, Colorado 80203
Phone: (720) 423-4700
URL: www.emilygriffith.edu/
This school is a < 2 year Public college that offers Less than one year certificate, One but less than two years certificate. The campus is located in a large city with campus housing not offered.
- Total Student Population: 5313
Front Range Community College
3645 W 112th Ave
Westminster, Colorado 80031
Phone: (303) 404-5000
URL: www.frontrange.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|Bachelor's degree. The campus is located in a large suburb with campus housing not offered.
- Total Student Population: 19449
- Total Faculty: 1007
Pikes Peak State College
5675 S Academy Blvd
Colorado Springs, Colorado 80906-5498
Phone: (719) 502-2000
URL: www.pikespeak.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|Bachelor's degree. The campus is located in a large suburb with campus housing not offered.
- Total Student Population: 11899
- Total Faculty: 575
Pickens Technical College
500 Airport Blvd
Aurora, Colorado 80011-9307
Phone: (303) 344-4910 x27734
URL: www.pickenstech.org/
This school is a 2 year Public college that offers Less than one year certificate, One but less than two years certificate|Two but less than 4 years certificate. The campus is located in a large city with campus housing not offered.
- Total Student Population: 960
Intellitec College-Colorado Springs
2315 East Pikes Peak Avenue
Colorado Springs, Colorado 80909-6096
Phone: (719) 632-7626 x1101
URL: intellitec.edu/
This school is a 2 year Private for-profit college that offers One but less than two years certificate|Associate's degree. The campus is located in a large city with campus housing not offered.
- Total Student Population: 691
- Total Faculty: 28
Intellitec College-Grand Junction
772 Horizon Dr.
Grand Junction, Colorado 81506
Phone: (970) 245-8101
URL: intellitec.edu/
This school is a 2 year Private for-profit 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: 1105
- Total Faculty: 65
HVAC Worker Salaries in Colorado
HVAC mechanics and installers in Colorado earn a relatively generous salary, particularly for a profession that typically requires only one to two years of postsecondary training. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) May 2022 data, there were 6,990 HVAC workers in Colorado, with an annual average salary of $59,370, higher than the national average of $57,460.
Here is a detailed comparison of salary percentiles for HVAC workers in the United States and Colorado:
| Percentile | United States | Colorado |
|---|---|---|
| 10th | $36,170 | $37,810 |
| 25th | $44,100 | $47,580 |
| 50th | $51,390 | $57,450 |
| 75th | $65,630 | $69,580 |
| 90th | $82,630 | $81,340 |
Payscale (2023) also reported self-reported salaries with the following percentiles: 10th percentile at $35,000, median at $54,687, and 90th percentile at $84,000.
HVAC Certification and Licensing in Colorado
HVAC professionals in Colorado need to obtain the necessary credentials before starting work. This includes the mandatory national EPA Section 608 certification for those working with refrigerants, with four subtypes: Type I (small appliance), Type II (high-pressure appliances), Type III (low-pressure appliances), and Universal (Type IV).
National certifications, which indicate mastery in specific skills, are offered by organizations such as North American Technician Excellence (NATE), HVAC Excellence, and the Refrigerating Engineers and Technicians Association.
While the Colorado Department of Regulatory Agencies (DORA) does not require statewide HVAC licensure, local regulations vary. For instance, the Pikes Peak Regional Building Department in Colorado Springs requires separate licenses for commercial and residential HVAC contractors, with annual renewals contingent on completing six hours of continuing education.
Aspiring HVAC professionals should check local requirements by contacting city administrators.