Introduction
Maryland is a state brimming with opportunities in the HVAC industry, renowned for its innovative technologies. According to the Baltimore Sun, more people in Maryland work in clean energy than in the state's iconic crab industry, underscoring Maryland's commitment to technological advancement and sustainability.
The Old Line State not only leads in HVAC technology but also hosts strong professional associations. For instance, the Heating & Air Conditioning Contractors of Maryland (HACC) based in Baltimore advocates for industry professionals, offers a competitive apprenticeship program, and conducts several training sessions annually. Networking within the trade is crucial due to Maryland's unique regulatory environment for HVAC workers.
The Maryland Board of Heating, Ventilation, Air Conditioning, and Refrigeration Contractors mandates that HVAC technicians and mechanics must be licensed to work in the state. This licensing process typically involves completing an apprenticeship, allowing apprentices to earn while they learn on the job. Maryland is one of the few states requiring HVAC workers to have at least an apprentice-level license from the Board to provide services.
HVAC technicians in Maryland perform various tasks as reported by the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS, 2023). These tasks include diagnosing and repairing heating, cooling, ventilation, and refrigeration equipment; inspecting HVAC systems regularly; providing preventative maintenance; staying updated on legislation and licensure requirements; and educating consumers on the latest technologies to enhance energy efficiency. The HVAC field is rapidly growing, promising ample job opportunities in Maryland and beyond.
Demand for HVAC Technicians in Maryland
The job prospects for HVAC installers and mechanics in Maryland are promising, especially for those seeking a career without the need for a four-year college degree. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) May 2023, the national average salary for the 379,200 HVAC workers was $58,980 annually. Additionally, the BLS projects a 5 percent growth in HVAC job openings nationwide from 2022 to 2032.
Maryland's projections are even more favorable. According to Projections Central, there is an expected 11.1 percent increase in HVAC positions across the state between 2020 and 2030.
HVAC technicians in Maryland work in diverse environments, such as offices, homes, schools, factories, stores, hospitals, and other buildings. While some maintain standard working hours, others may need to work evenings, weekends, holidays, or overtime to meet customer demands, particularly during extreme summer and winter temperatures.
Despite safety precautions, the HVAC industry has one of the highest rates of injury and illness among occupations (BLS 2023). Nevertheless, it offers stable employment opportunities, as many HVAC employers provide annual service contracts, ensuring a consistent workload for technicians, installers, and maintenance staff.
Schools in Maryland
All-State Career-Baltimore
2200 Broening Hwy Ste 160
Baltimore, Maryland 21224
Phone: (410) 631-1818
URL: www.allstatecareer.edu/
This school is a less than 2 year Private for-profit 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: 475
HVAC Worker Salaries in Maryland
As of May 2023, the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) reported that there were 379,200 HVAC mechanics and installers nationwide, earning an average annual salary of $58,980. In Maryland, there were 7,900 HVAC mechanics and installers with an average annual salary of $64,180. Here is a detailed breakdown of the salary percentiles:
| Percentile | United States | Maryland |
|---|---|---|
| Number of HVAC professionals employed | 379,200 | 7,900 |
| Annual mean wage | $58,980 | $64,180 |
| 10th percentile | $37,200 | $39,800 |
| 25th percentile | $45,500 | $48,240 |
| 50th percentile (median) | $52,920 | $62,630 |
| 75th percentile | $67,150 | $78,530 |
| 90th percentile | $84,380 | $95,670 |
Salary figures can vary by source. For instance, Payscale (October 2023) reported the following percentiles among its HVAC respondents nationwide:
- 10th percentile: $36,000
- 50th percentile (median): $54,628
- 90th percentile: $84,000
HVAC Certification and Licensing in Maryland
There are several established national certifications available in HVAC, including those from organizations such as North American Technician Excellence (NATE), HVAC Excellence, and the Refrigeration Service Engineers Society (RSES). A federally mandated credential for HVAC workers, particularly those dealing with refrigeration, is the EPA Section 608 certification. This certification is typically acquired during an apprenticeship program in Maryland.
In Maryland, the State Board of Heating, Ventilation, Air Conditioning, and Refrigeration Contractors regulates HVAC licenses and requires workers to have a contractor credential before working independently. In addition to the HVAC Apprenticeship license, there are currently four types of HVAC worker licenses available in Maryland:
Journeyman License
- Prerequisites: Hold an Apprentice license at the time of application, have at least 1,875 hours of experience in the year prior to the application, pass the Journeyman exam with a score of at least 70 percent, and fulfill insurance requirements.
Limited Contractor License
- Prerequisites: Hold a Journeyman license (or higher) with at least two years of experience under an HVAC-R master, have at least 1,000 hours of experience in the year prior to the application, pass the Limited Contractor exam with a score of at least 70 percent, and fulfill insurance requirements.
Master Restricted License
- Prerequisites: Hold a Journeyman license (or higher) with at least three years of experience under an HVAC-R master, have at least 1,875 hours of experience in the year prior to the application, pass the Master Restricted exam with a score of at least 70 percent, and fulfill insurance requirements.
Master License
- Prerequisites: Hold a Journeyman license (or higher) with at least three years of experience under an HVAC-R master, have at least 1,875 hours of experience in the year prior to the application, pass the Master exam with a score of at least 70 percent, and fulfill insurance requirements.
Only those with the Master license are authorized to perform work on all HVAC systems and components. Some journeymen licensees have “restricted status,” allowing them to work on particular aspects of HVAC systems (e.g., hydronic heating, forced air heating, air-conditioning, refrigeration, ventilation).
To connect with a local apprenticeship sponsor and learn more about starting an HVAC career in Maryland, please visit the Maryland Apprenticeship and Training Program (MATP).