Introduction
Residents of Minnesota understand the critical need for climate-control systems to endure the state's severe weather conditions.
For those pursuing an HVAC career in Minnesota, numerous professional organizations and unions across the state offer valuable benefits to their members.
For instance, Minneapolis is home to Pipefitters Local 539, a union that has been in operation since the early 1900s. Union members gain access to extensive training and education programs, including a detailed apprenticeship program mentioned in the following sections. Additional benefits for union members include networking opportunities and a calendar of events throughout the year.
Another notable organization for HVAC professionals in the state is the Minnesota Mechanical Contractors Association, based in St. Paul. This professional body provides members with various services, including labor negotiations, government affairs education, high-quality training, and other essential industry information. Members also benefit from discounted gas prices at Holiday Gas Stations across the state, thanks to a collaboration between the two organizations.
Demand for HVAC Technicians in Minnesota
The HVAC industry is flourishing nationwide. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) 2023, jobs for HVAC workers are projected to grow by 6 percent from 2022 to 2032, resulting in 23,000 new positions. This growth rate is double the average growth rate for all occupations in the same period, which is 3 percent. Minnesota is also experiencing growth in HVAC job opportunities.
Projections Central (2024) reported a 3.2 percent increase in HVAC positions across Minnesota between 2020 and 2030.
Several factors contribute to the thriving HVAC industry. First, almost all new construction in Minnesota includes climate control systems, necessitating the expertise of HVAC professionals to plan, install, and maintain these systems. Additionally, heating and air conditioning systems typically need replacement every 10 to 15 years, requiring regular maintenance in the interim. Lastly, the ever-evolving regulations governing the HVAC industry ensure a continuous demand for skilled workers to ensure compliance with current laws.
Schools in Minnesota
Northwest Technical College
905 Grant Avenue SE
Bemidji, Minnesota 56601-4907
Phone: (218) 333-6600
URL: www.ntcmn.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: 721
- Total Faculty: 36
Dakota County Technical College
1300 145th Street East
Rosemount, Minnesota 55068-2999
Phone: (651) 423-8301
URL: www.dctc.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: 2717
- Total Faculty: 121
Minnesota State Community and Technical College
1414 College Way
Fergus Falls, Minnesota 56537-1000
Phone: (218) 736-1500
URL: www.minnesota.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: 5282
- Total Faculty: 197
Minnesota West Community and Technical College
1593 11th Ave
Granite Falls, Minnesota 56241
Phone: (800) 658-2330
URL: www.mnwest.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: 3352
- Total Faculty: 129
Hennepin Technical College
9000 Brooklyn Blvd
Brooklyn Park, Minnesota 55445
Phone: (952) 995-1300
URL: www.hennepintech.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: 3974
- Total Faculty: 183
Minnesota North College
1515 East 25th Street
Hibbing, Minnesota 55746
Phone: (218) 293-6850
URL: minnesotanorth.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: 3044
- Total Faculty: 175
South Central College
1920 Lee Blvd
North Mankato, Minnesota 56003-1920
Phone: (507) 389-7200
URL: southcentral.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: 2602
- Total Faculty: 157
Minneapolis Community and Technical College
1501 Hennepin Ave
Minneapolis, Minnesota 55403-1779
Phone: (612) 659-6000
URL: www.minneapolis.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: 6030
- Total Faculty: 228
Northland Community and Technical College
1101 Hwy One East
Thief River Falls, Minnesota 56701
Phone: (218) 793-2800
URL: www.northlandcollege.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: 2495
- Total Faculty: 115
St Cloud Technical and Community College
1540 Northway Drive
Saint Cloud, Minnesota 56303-1240
Phone: (320) 308-5000
URL: www.sctcc.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: 3466
- Total Faculty: 170
Dunwoody College of Technology
818 Dunwoody Blvd
Minneapolis, Minnesota 55403-1192
Phone: (612) 374-5800
URL: www.dunwoody.edu/
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 large city with campus housing not offered.
- Total Student Population: 1359
- Total Faculty: 146
Century College
3300 Century Ave N
White Bear Lake, Minnesota 55110
Phone: (651) 770-3200
URL: www.century.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: 7646
- Total Faculty: 313
HVAC Worker Salaries in Minnesota
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (May 2023), HVAC professionals earn competitive salaries, especially for positions that typically require just two years of post-secondary training. The BLS states that the median salary for HVAC workers nationwide was $52,920 per year, while the median salary for HVAC technicians in Minnesota was higher at $68,500 per year.
Here is a detailed breakdown of the salary percentiles for HVAC professionals across the United States and specifically in Minnesota, based on the latest data available as of March 2024:
| Percentile | United States | Minnesota |
|---|---|---|
| Number of HVAC professionals employed | 379,200 | 4,600 |
| Annual mean wage | $58,980 | $71,250 |
| 10th percentile | $37,200 | $41,800 |
| 25th percentile | $45,500 | $52,400 |
| 50th percentile (median) | $52,920 | $68,500 |
| 75th percentile | $67,150 | $83,500 |
| 90th percentile | $84,380 | $101,700 |
The national figures differ slightly according to another data source, Payscale (March 2024), which relies on self-reported salaries. Among the HVAC workers reporting their annual salaries, Payscale found these percentiles based on 3,449 salary profiles:
- 10th percentile: $35,000
- 50th percentile (median): $54,850
- 90th percentile: $83,000
HVAC Certification and Licensing in Minnesota
To work with refrigerants in Minnesota, HVAC professionals must obtain the EPA Section 608 Certification. There are four types: Type 1 (small appliances), Type 2 (high-pressure appliances), Type 3 (low-pressure appliances), and Type 4 (universal). Most HVAC programs prepare students for these exams.
In addition to the EPA certification, HVAC workers in Minnesota can earn various national certifications. These include credentials from HVAC Excellence, North American Technician Excellence (NATE), and the Refrigerating Engineers and Technicians Association (RETA).
Locally, the Minnesota Department of Labor and Industry (DLI) requires all HVAC contractors to file a $25,000 bond to perform HVAC work. The bond must be approved by the DLI and issued by a licensed surety company in Minnesota.
Additionally, local municipalities may have specific requirements. For example, the Minneapolis Department of Community Planning & Economic Development issues various HVAC permits based on the work performed. It is important for HVAC professionals to check local regulations to ensure compliance.