Introduction
The diverse weather patterns in Kentucky, known as the Bluegrass State, make it an excellent place to pursue a career in heating, ventilation, air conditioning, and refrigeration (HVAC-R). Kentucky (KY) experiences all four seasons, with hot summers and snowy winters. These temperature extremes necessitate the frequent use of heating and air conditioning systems, which require installation and regular maintenance by skilled HVAC-R professionals.
Beyond the climate, HVAC technicians in Kentucky benefit from strong support networks provided by numerous unions and local organizations. One prominent example is the UA Local 502, affiliated with the Plumbers, Pipefitters & Service Technicians United Association. This local union offers various benefits to skilled trade professionals, including networking opportunities, education and training programs, and political advocacy.
Another key organization for Kentucky HVAC technicians is the Plumbers & Steamfitters Local 452 in Lexington. Established in 1903, this local union provides valuable support to HVAC workers and other skilled professionals throughout the state. It offers numerous benefits, including a pension program to assist retirees.
Demand for HVAC Technicians in Kentucky
The HVAC industry is thriving both in Kentucky and across the United States, with significant growth projected in the coming years. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS, May 2023), there were approximately 415,800 HVAC technicians employed nationwide, with a median annual wage of $57,300. Employment for HVAC technicians is projected to grow 6 percent from 2022 to 2032, faster than the average growth rate for all occupations.
In Kentucky, the demand for HVAC technicians is expected to grow slightly faster than the national average. Projections Central (2023) estimates a 4.6 percent increase in HVAC positions in Kentucky between 2020 and 2030.
Several factors contribute to this anticipated growth:
- Construction Boom: The ongoing construction of new commercial buildings and residential homes in Kentucky necessitates the installation of heating and air conditioning systems.
- Routine Maintenance: HVAC systems require regular maintenance and need to be replaced every 10 to 15 years, driving consistent demand for skilled technicians.
- Regulatory Compliance: Evolving regulations governing the HVAC industry increase the need for knowledgeable technicians who can ensure compliance with the law.
Overall, the combination of a strong construction sector, the need for ongoing system maintenance, and regulatory requirements are key drivers of job growth for HVAC technicians in Kentucky.
Schools in Kentucky
Ashland Community and Technical College
1400 College Drive
Ashland, Kentucky 41101-3683
Phone: (606) 326-2000
URL: ashland.kctcs.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: 2515
- Total Faculty: 125
Southcentral Kentucky Community and Technical College
1845 Loop Dr
Bowling Green, Kentucky 42101-3601
Phone: (270) 901-1000
URL: southcentral.kctcs.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: 4732
- Total Faculty: 180
Campbellsville University
1 University Dr
Campbellsville, Kentucky 42718-2799
Phone: (270) 789-5000 x5000
URL: www.campbellsville.edu/
This school is a 4 year Private not-for-profit college that offers Less than one year certificate, One but less than two years certificate|Associate's degree, Bachelor's degree, Postbaccalaureate certificate, Master's degree|Post-master's certificate|Doctor's degree - research/scholarship|Doctor's degree - professional practice. The campus is located in a distant town with campus housing not offered.
- Total Student Population: 11775
- Total Faculty: 654
Bluegrass Community and Technical College
470 Cooper Drive
Lexington, Kentucky 40506
Phone: (859) 246-6200
URL: bluegrass.kctcs.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: 10318
- Total Faculty: 555
Elizabethtown Community and Technical College
600 College Street Rd
Elizabethtown, Kentucky 42701-3081
Phone: (270) 769-2371
URL: elizabethtown.kctcs.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: 5648
- Total Faculty: 204
Hazard Community and Technical College
One Community College Drive
Hazard, Kentucky 41701-2402
Phone: (606) 487-3503
URL: hazard.kctcs.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: 2556
- Total Faculty: 123
Hopkinsville Community College
720 North Dr.
Hopkinsville, Kentucky 42240
Phone: (270) 707-3700
URL: hopkinsville.kctcs.edu/index.aspx
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: 2028
- Total Faculty: 87
Jefferson Community and Technical College
109 East Broadway
Louisville, Kentucky 40202
Phone: (502) 213-2200
URL: jefferson.kctcs.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: 12053
- Total Faculty: 385
Madisonville Community College
2000 College Drive
Madisonville, Kentucky 42431
Phone: (270) 821-2250
URL: madisonville.kctcs.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: 3493
- Total Faculty: 175
Maysville Community and Technical College
1755 U.S. Hwy 68
Maysville, Kentucky 41056
Phone: (606) 759-7141
URL: maysville.kctcs.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: 3974
- Total Faculty: 140
Gateway Community and Technical College
500 Technology Way
Florence, Kentucky 41042
Phone: (859) 441-4500
URL: gateway.kctcs.edu/index.aspx
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: 4440
- Total Faculty: 221
West Kentucky Community and Technical College
4810 Alben Barkley Drive
Paducah, Kentucky 42001
Phone: (270) 554-9200
URL: westkentucky.kctcs.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: 5309
- Total Faculty: 244
Big Sandy Community and Technical College
1 Bert Combs Dr
Prestonsburg, Kentucky 41653
Phone: (606) 886-3863 x0
URL: bigsandy.kctcs.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: 2576
- Total Faculty: 210
Somerset Community College
808 Monticello Street
Somerset, Kentucky 42501-2973
Phone: (877) 629-9722
URL: somerset.kctcs.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: 5529
- Total Faculty: 274
Southeast Kentucky Community & Technical College
700 College Rd
Cumberland, Kentucky 40823
Phone: (606) 589-2145
URL: southeast.kctcs.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: 2625
- Total Faculty: 108
Sullivan University
3101 Bardstown Rd
Louisville, Kentucky 40205
Phone: (502) 456-6504
URL: www.sullivan.edu/
This school is a 4 year primarily associate's Private for-profit college that offers Less than one year certificate, One but less than two years certificate|Associate's degree, Bachelor's degree, Postbaccalaureate certificate, Master's degree|Doctor's degree - research/scholarship|Doctor's degree - professional practice. The campus is located in a large city with campus housing not offered.
- Total Student Population: 2309
- Total Faculty: 274
Owensboro Community and Technical College
4800 New Hartford Rd
Owensboro, Kentucky 42303
Phone: (270) 686-4400
URL: owensboro.kctcs.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: 4621
- Total Faculty: 183
Interactive College of Technology-Newport
76 Carothers Road
Newport, Kentucky 41071
Phone: (859) 282-8989
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: 119
- Total Faculty: 8
HVAC Worker Salaries in Kentucky
According to recent data, HVAC professionals in Kentucky earn competitive salaries. As of May 2024, the average annual salary for HVAC technicians in Kentucky is $49,968, with an hourly wage of approximately $24.02. Salaries for HVAC technicians in Kentucky typically range between $40,000 (25th percentile) and $57,800 (75th percentile), with the highest earners making around $69,482 annually. This positions Kentucky slightly below the national average salary of $58,782 for HVAC technicians.
Here are the detailed salary percentiles for HVAC professionals in the United States and specifically in Kentucky:
| Percentile | United States | Kentucky |
|---|---|---|
| 10th | $34,120 | $29,780 |
| 25th | $41,220 | $37,260 |
| 50th | $53,410 | $47,620 |
| 75th | $67,810 | $60,010 |
| 90th | $85,550 | $74,340 |
The average annual salary figures from different sources align closely, reflecting the stable earning potential for HVAC technicians in Kentucky. The consistent demand for HVAC services, driven by the need for installation and maintenance of climate control systems, supports this earning potential.
HVAC Certification and Licensing in Kentucky
In Kentucky, all technicians who handle refrigerants are required to obtain the EPA Section 608 Certification. This certification includes four subtypes based on the type of equipment serviced: Type 1 (small appliances), Type 2 (high-pressure appliances), Type 3 (low-pressure appliances), and Type 4 (universal). Most HVAC training programs incorporate EPA certification into their curriculum.
HVAC technicians can also pursue various skill-specific certifications to demonstrate their expertise in different areas. These certifications are offered by several organizations, including:
- Refrigerating Engineers and Technicians Association (RETA) - e.g., Certified Assistant Refrigeration Operator.
- North American Technician Excellence (NATE) - e.g., Industry Competency Exams (ICE).
- HVAC Excellence - e.g., Heating, Electrical, Air Conditioning Technology Plus.
For more detailed information on national certifications, technicians are encouraged to visit the main HVAC credentialing page of each organization.
Additionally, all HVAC professionals in Kentucky must obtain a license from the Kentucky Department of Housing, Buildings & Construction. The available licenses include:
- Apprentice
- Limited Journeyman HVAC Duct Mechanic
- Limited Journeyman HVAC Installer Mechanic
- Journeyman HVAC Mechanic
- Master HVAC Contractor
To apply for any of these licenses, applicants must provide proof of experience, pass an examination on business and law, and have general liability insurance of at least $500,000. The specific requirements for each license type may vary, so aspiring technicians should carefully research the criteria before applying.
Lastly, municipal permitting and credentialing requirements can vary. HVAC workers should contact local city offices before beginning any HVAC work to ensure compliance with all regulations.