Introduction
Louisiana (LA) is an ideal location for HVAC careers due to the hot and humid summers. HVAC professionals install and maintain climate-control systems in commercial and residential buildings across the state.
According to U.S. Climate Data, Louisiana's average high in July and August is 91°F, and the average low in January is 45°F. This temperature range increases the demand for HVAC services.
Professional organizations like the Plumbers and Steamfitters Local Union 60 in New Orleans and Local Union 198 in Baton Rouge support HVAC workers with training, education, healthcare plans, and networking opportunities. These unions also offer apprenticeship programs and other benefits.
HVAC professionals in Louisiana typically:
- Educate customers on energy conservation
- Test HVAC equipment circuitry and components
- Ensure compliance with regulations
- Perform heat load and loss calculations
- Braze and solder parts
- Calibrate controls to manufacturer specifications
- Maintain necessary credentials
- Keep service records
- Read and interpret blueprints
- Travel to job sites
HVAC workers handling refrigerants need active EPA Section 608 Certification.
Starting an HVAC career in Louisiana requires solid skills training. The following sections explore HVAC programs in Louisiana, salary prospects, career outlook, and local credentialing.
Demand for HVAC Technicians in Louisiana
The job market for HVAC professionals in Louisiana is promising, with a projected 11 percent increase in HVAC positions between 2020 and 2030, according to Projections Central. This growth is driven by several factors, including the installation of climate-control systems in nearly all new buildings and the need to replace these systems every 10 to 15 years. Additionally, evolving laws and regulations related to climate-control technology require regular updates to equipment and systems.
An online job search illustrates the high demand for HVAC professionals in Louisiana. For example, Indeed (May 2024) lists 300+ job opportunities for HVAC technicians with companies like Aggreko, Dave Broussard A/C & Heating, Hall's Heating and Air Conditioning, and Surgi's Air Conditioning & Heating. Job postings include roles such as HVAC Service Technician, offering competitive salaries ranging from $25 to $40 per hour, with some positions offering up to $200,000 annually.
In summary, the demand for HVAC technicians in Louisiana is robust, driven by ongoing construction, maintenance needs, and regulatory compliance. The job market offers numerous opportunities with competitive wages and benefits.
Schools in Louisiana
Central Louisiana Technical Community College
516 Murray Street
Alexandria, Louisiana 71301
Phone: (318) 487-5443
URL: www.cltcc.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: 1226
- Total Faculty: 89
Ayers Career College
8820 Jewella Ave
Shreveport, Louisiana 71118
Phone: (318) 868-3000
URL: www.ayers.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 midsize city with campus housing not offered.
- Total Student Population: 128
Bossier Parish Community College
6220 East Texas
Bossier City, Louisiana 71111-6922
Phone: (318) 678-6000
URL: www.bpcc.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: 6312
- Total Faculty: 244
Delgado Community College
615 City Park Avenue
New Orleans, Louisiana 70119
Phone: (504) 671-5000
URL: www.dcc.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: 12377
- Total Faculty: 736
Nunez Community College
3710 Paris Rd
Chalmette, Louisiana 70043
Phone: (504) 278-6467
URL: www.nunez.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: 2393
- Total Faculty: 93
ITI Technical College
13944 Airline Hwy
Baton Rouge, Louisiana 70817
Phone: (225) 752-4233
URL: www.iticollege.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: 505
- Total Faculty: 84
Northwest Louisiana Technical Community College
9500 Industrial Drive
Minden, Louisiana 71055-0000
Phone: (318) 371-3035
URL: www.nltcc.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: 970
- Total Faculty: 82
Fletcher Technical Community College
1407 Highway 311
Schriever, Louisiana 70395
Phone: (985) 448-7900
URL: www.fletcher.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: 2047
- Total Faculty: 140
Remington College-Lafayette Campus
4021-A Ambassador Caffery Parkway
Suite 100A
Lafayette, Louisiana 70503
Phone: (337) 981-4010
URL: www.remingtoncollege.edu/locations/lafayette/
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: 270
- Total Faculty: 12
Northshore Technical Community College
65556 Centerpoint Blvd.
Lacombe, Louisiana 70445
Phone: (985) 545-1500
URL: northshorecollege.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: 5074
- Total Faculty: 157
South Louisiana Community College
1101 Bertrand Drive
Lafayette, Louisiana 70506-4109
Phone: (337) 521-9000
URL: www.solacc.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 midsize city with campus housing not offered.
- Total Student Population: 5677
- Total Faculty: 290
River Parishes Community College
925 West Edenborne Parkway
Gonzales, Louisiana 70737
Phone: (225) 743-8500
URL: www.rpcc.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: 2339
- Total Faculty: 93
Baton Rouge Community College
201 Community College Drive
Baton Rouge, Louisiana 70806
Phone: (866) 217-9823
URL: www.mybrcc.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 midsize city with campus housing not offered.
- Total Student Population: 9284
- Total Faculty: 398
Blue Cliff College-Lafayette
120 James Comeaux Rd.
Lafayette, Louisiana 70508
Phone: (337) 269-0620
URL: bluecliffcollege.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|Two but less than 4 years certificate. The campus is located in a midsize city with campus housing not offered.
- Total Student Population: 245
Fortis College-Baton Rouge
14111 Airline Hwy
Suite 101
Baton Rouge, Louisiana 70817
Phone: (225) 248-1015
URL: www.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: 375
- Total Faculty: 24
Remington College-Baton Rouge Campus
4520 South Sherwood Forrest Boulevard
Baton Rouge, Louisiana 70816
Phone: (225) 236-3200
URL: www.remingtoncollege.edu/baton-rouge-career-college
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: 152
- Total Faculty: 8
Remington College-Shreveport Campus
2106 Bert Kouns Industrial Loop
Shreveport, Louisiana 71118
Phone: (318) 671-4000
URL: www.remingtoncollege.edu/locations/shreveport/
This school is a 4 year primarily associate's 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. The campus is located in a midsize city with campus housing not offered.
- Total Student Population: 352
- Total Faculty: 11
Louisiana Delta Community College
7500 Millhaven Rd
Monroe, Louisiana 71203
Phone: (866) 500-5322
URL: www.ladelta.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: 4105
- Total Faculty: 190
HVAC Worker Salaries in Louisiana
In Louisiana, 3,920 HVAC professionals earned an average annual salary of $52,880 in 2023, which is below the national average. Detailed salary percentiles for HVAC professionals in the US and Louisiana are as follows:
| Percentile | United States | Louisiana |
|---|---|---|
| Annual Mean Wage | $57,460 | $52,880 |
| 10th Percentile | $36,170 | $35,220 |
| 25th Percentile | $44,100 | $39,530 |
| 50th Percentile (Median) | $51,390 | $48,750 |
| 75th Percentile | $65,630 | $60,460 |
| 90th Percentile | $82,630 | $79,740 |
Payscale, a site aggregating self-reported salaries, found the following percentiles among its HVAC respondents nationwide in September 2023:
- 10th percentile: $36,000
- 50th percentile (median): $54,628
- 90th percentile: $84,000
HVAC Certification and Licensing in Louisiana
In Louisiana, HVAC workers handling refrigerants must obtain the EPA Section 608 Certification. This certification has four subtypes: Type 1 (small appliances), Type 2 (high-pressure appliances), Type 3 (low-pressure appliances), and Universal. Most HVAC educational programs prepare graduates to pass at least one of these exams.
Additionally, various skill-specific certifications are available for Louisiana HVAC workers. These include:
- HVAC Excellence: Certifications in Heating, Electrical, Air Conditioning Technology Plus, and more.
- North American Technician Excellence (NATE): Industry Competency Exams (ICE) and other certifications.
- Refrigerating Engineers and Technicians Association: Certifications like the Certified Assistant Refrigeration Operator.
These certifications enhance job prospects and can help in negotiating higher pay.
Aspiring HVAC workers should also be aware of regional licensing requirements. The Louisiana State Licensing Board for Contractors requires HVAC applicants to pass a 100-question multiple-choice test, the outline of which is available online.
Commercial HVAC contractors must demonstrate a minimum net worth of $10,000. This license is required for commercial projects valued at $50,000 or more. Residential licenses are needed for residential projects worth $75,000 or more, with the application process being the same.
HVAC professionals in Louisiana should research licensure requirements thoroughly. Obtaining all necessary certifications and licenses ensures compliance with the law and supports career advancement.