Introduction
Georgia has a promising outlook for HVAC professionals, with projected job growth exceeding national averages. The Georgia Department of Labor anticipates a significant increase in HVAC job openings, driven by new building constructions, retrofitting older systems, and evolving environmental laws. The state's hot and humid climate also boosts demand for HVAC services, especially during summer months.
HVAC workers in Georgia typically install, repair, and maintain HVAC systems, ensuring optimal performance and energy efficiency. They also need to stay updated with industry standards and safety practices due to the physical nature of the job, which involves risks such as electrical shocks, burns, and muscular strains.
As of 2024, Georgia employs thousands of HVAC technicians who receive support from various industry associations, including the Air Conditioning Contractors of America (ACCA) and the Associated General Contractors of America (AGC).
Demand for HVAC Technicians in Georgia
The demand for HVAC technicians in Georgia is expected to grow significantly. The Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) projects a 5 percent increase in HVAC job openings nationwide between 2021 and 2031. This growth rate aligns with the average increase for all occupations during the same period. Nationally, this translates to an additional 20,200 HVAC positions, indicating a positive outlook for this field.
In Georgia, the growth rate for HVAC job openings is even higher. According to Projections Central, the state anticipates a 5.6 percent increase in HVAC jobs from 2020 to 2030, which amounts to approximately 600 new positions.
Several factors contribute to the high demand for HVAC workers in Georgia:
- HVAC systems typically last 10 to 15 years, requiring regular maintenance and repairs to remain functional.
- Many areas in Georgia are upgrading or retrofitting their HVAC systems, leading to steady employment opportunities.
- Nearly all modern structures have climate control systems, so employment grows with the population.
- Georgia has a high rate of construction, particularly for HVAC installers.
According to the BLS, 7 percent of HVAC workers nationwide were self-employed in 2021, and 67 percent worked for HVAC contracting associations. Many HVAC professionals in Georgia work beyond regular business hours, especially during the busy summer season.
Schools in Georgia
Interactive College of Technology-Chamblee
5303 New Peachtree Rd
Chamblee, Georgia 30341
Phone: (770) 216-2960
URL: www.ict.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 suburb with campus housing not offered.
- Total Student Population: 543
- Total Faculty: 20
Albany Technical College
1704 South Slappey Boulevard
Albany, Georgia 31701
Phone: (229) 430-3500
URL: www.albanytech.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 small city with campus housing not offered.
- Total Student Population: 2577
- Total Faculty: 226
Atlanta Technical College
1560 Metropolitan Pkwy SW
Atlanta, Georgia 30310-4446
Phone: (404) 225-4400
URL: atlantatech.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 large city with campus housing not offered.
- Total Student Population: 3125
- Total Faculty: 289
Augusta Technical College
3200 Augusta Tech Drive
Augusta, Georgia 30906
Phone: (706) 771-4000
URL: www.augustatech.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 midsize city with campus housing not offered.
- Total Student Population: 3970
- Total Faculty: 214
West Georgia Technical College
176 Murphy Campus Blvd.
Waco, Georgia 30182
Phone: (678) 821-3800
URL: www.westgatech.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 fringe rural area with campus housing not offered.
- Total Student Population: 6140
- Total Faculty: 365
Columbus Technical College
928 Manchester Expressway
Columbus, Georgia 31904-6572
Phone: (706) 649-1800
URL: www.columbustech.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 midsize city with campus housing not offered.
- Total Student Population: 3134
- Total Faculty: 155
Georgia Northwestern Technical College
One Maurice Culberson Drive
Rome, Georgia 30161
Phone: (706) 295-6963
URL: www.gntc.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 small city with campus housing not offered.
- Total Student Population: 6141
- Total Faculty: 328
Southern Crescent Technical College
501 Varsity Rd
Griffin, Georgia 30223-2042
Phone: (770) 229-3327
URL: www.sctech.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 large suburb with campus housing not offered.
- Total Student Population: 5018
- Total Faculty: 223
Gwinnett Technical College
5150 Sugarloaf Parkway
Lawrenceville, Georgia 30043-5702
Phone: (770) 962-7580 x0
URL: www.gwinnetttech.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 large suburb with campus housing not offered.
- Total Student Population: 8450
- Total Faculty: 543
Lanier Technical College
2535 Lanier Tech Drive
Gainesville, Georgia 30507
Phone: (770) 533-7000
URL: www.laniertech.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 fringe rural area with campus housing not offered.
- Total Student Population: 5599
- Total Faculty: 350
Chattahoochee Technical College
980 S Cobb Drive Dr SE
Marietta, Georgia 30060
Phone: (770) 528-4545
URL: www.chattahoocheetech.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 large suburb with campus housing not offered.
- Total Student Population: 9017
- Total Faculty: 390
North Georgia Technical College
1500 Georgia Hwy 197 N
Clarkesville, Georgia 30523
Phone: (706) 754-7700
URL: northgatech.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 fringe rural area with campus housing not offered.
- Total Student Population: 2449
- Total Faculty: 180
Savannah Technical College
5717 White Bluff Rd
Savannah, Georgia 31405-5594
Phone: (912) 443-5700
URL: www.savannahtech.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 midsize city with campus housing not offered.
- Total Student Population: 3642
- Total Faculty: 300
South Georgia Technical College
900 South GA Tech Parkway
Americus, Georgia 31709
Phone: (229) 931-2394
URL: www.southgatech.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 fringe rural area with campus housing not offered.
- Total Student Population: 1799
- Total Faculty: 131
Wiregrass Georgia Technical College
4089 Val Tech Rd
Valdosta, Georgia 31602-0929
Phone: (229) 333-2100
URL: www.wiregrass.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 small suburb with campus housing not offered.
- Total Student Population: 4003
- Total Faculty: 183
Georgia Piedmont Technical College
495 N Indian Creek Dr
Clarkston, Georgia 30021-2397
Phone: (404) 297-9522 x1282
URL: www.gptc.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 large suburb with campus housing not offered.
- Total Student Population: 2874
- Total Faculty: 232
Athens Technical College
800 U.S. Hwy 29 North
Athens, Georgia 30601
Phone: (706) 355-5000
URL: www.athenstech.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 midsize city with campus housing not offered.
- Total Student Population: 3865
- Total Faculty: 284
Ogeechee Technical College
One Joseph E. Kennedy Blvd
Statesboro, Georgia 30458
Phone: (912) 681-5500
URL: www.ogeecheetech.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 distant town with campus housing not offered.
- Total Student Population: 2045
- Total Faculty: 140
Southeastern Technical College
3001 E First St
Vidalia, Georgia 30474
Phone: (912) 538-3100
URL: www.southeasterntech.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: 1757
- Total Faculty: 140
Fortis College-Smyrna
2140 South Cobb Drive
Smyrna, Georgia 30080-1348
Phone: (770) 980-0002
URL: fortis.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 suburb with campus housing not offered.
- Total Student Population: 450
- Total Faculty: 43
United Education Institute-Morrow
1564 Southlake Parkway
Morrow, Georgia 30260-2941
Phone: (678) 422-4500
URL: www.uei.edu/
This school is a less than 2 year Private for-profit college that offers One but less than two years certificate. The campus is located in a large suburb with campus housing not offered.
- Total Student Population: 1276
Oconee Fall Line Technical College
1189 Deepstep Rd
Sandersville, Georgia 31082
Phone: (478) 553-2050
URL: www.oftc.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 fringe rural area with campus housing not offered.
- Total Student Population: 1819
- Total Faculty: 132
Lincoln College of Technology-Marietta
2359 Windy Hill Road
Marietta, Georgia 30067
Phone: (770) 226-0056
URL: www.lincolntech.edu/campus/marietta-ga
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 suburb with campus housing not offered.
- Total Student Population: 431
- Total Faculty: 27
Helms College
3145 Washington Road
Augusta, Georgia 30907
Phone: (706) 651-9707
URL: www.helms.edu/
This school is a 2 year Private not-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 midsize city with campus housing not offered.
- Total Student Population: 170
- Total Faculty: 11
Central Georgia Technical College
80 Cohen Walker Drive
Warner Robins, Georgia 31088
Phone: (478) 757-3400
URL: www.centralgatech.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 small city with campus housing not offered.
- Total Student Population: 9683
- Total Faculty: 578
Coastal Pines Technical College
1701 Carswell Ave
Waycross, Georgia 31503
Phone: (912) 287-5818
URL: www.coastalpines.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: 3747
- Total Faculty: 145
Southern Regional Technical College
15689 US Hwy 19 North
Thomasville, Georgia 31792
Phone: (229) 225-4096
URL: southernregional.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 distant town with campus housing not offered.
- Total Student Population: 4657
- Total Faculty: 251
United Education Institute-Stone Mountain
971 North Hairston Road
Stone Mountain, Georgia 30083-2871
Phone: (877) 463-4472
URL: www.uei.edu/
This school is a less than 2 year Private for-profit college that offers One but less than two years certificate. The campus is located in a large suburb with campus housing not offered.
- Total Student Population: 595
HVAC Worker Salaries in Georgia
For HVAC technicians in Georgia, the salaries are quite competitive, especially considering the typical educational requirements for the field. According to recent data from May 2024, the average annual salary for HVAC technicians in Georgia is approximately $61,733, with salaries typically ranging from $54,967 to $69,457.
Here is a detailed comparison of salary percentiles for HVAC professionals in the United States and Georgia:
| Percentile | United States | Georgia |
|---|---|---|
| 10th percentile | $36,170 | $30,960 |
| 25th percentile | $44,100 | $38,800 |
| 50th percentile | $51,390 | $48,580 |
| 75th percentile | $65,630 | $62,570 |
| 90th percentile | $82,630 | $76,460 |
In Georgia, the HVAC industry employs approximately 12,210 technicians. The state's lower cost of living compared to other states can make these salaries go further, providing a relatively high standard of living for HVAC professionals.
HVAC Certification and Licensing in Georgia
Before working as an HVAC professional in Georgia, it's essential to obtain the proper credentials. Here are the key certifications and licenses needed:
National Certification:
- EPA Section 608 Certification:
- Type I: Small appliances
- Type II: High-pressure refrigerants
- Type III: Low-pressure refrigerants
- Universal (Type IV): Covers all types
Type II or higher is required for all conditioned air contractors seeking state licensure in Georgia.
Several organizations offer national certifications for HVAC professionals:
- HVAC Excellence:
- Heating, Electrical, Air Conditioning Technology (HEAT)
- HEAT Plus
- Green Awareness
- Heat Pump Service
- Residential Air Conditioning
- North American Technician Excellence (NATE):
- Hydronics Gas
- Hydronics Oil
- Gas Heating
- Air Distribution
- Refrigeration Service Engineers Society (RSES):
- Commercial Air Conditioning
- HVAC-R Electrical Controls
- Dynamic Compression
State-Specific Licensing:
Georgia Board of Conditioned Air Contractors License:
- Class 1 – Restricted: Requires four years of qualifying experience.
- Class 2 – Unrestricted: Requires five years of experience, including proof of having installed systems with at least 175,000 BTU (net) of heating and 60,000 BTU of cooling.
Qualification Requirements:
- Submit three notarized references from credentialed individuals.
- Show proof of at least a Type II EPA Section 608 certification.
- Pass a comprehensive examination with a score of at least 70 percent.
The exam is open-book and includes 100 questions covering business, law, and technical aspects of HVAC systems. Georgia has reciprocal agreements with Louisiana, South Carolina, and Texas, allowing licensed professionals from these states to work in Georgia without taking the exam. Licenses in Georgia are valid for two years, and licensees must complete at least eight hours of continuing education (CE) for each renewal period.