Introduction
This relatively high-paying industry of skilled professionals in heating, ventilation, air conditioning, and refrigeration (HVAC/R) is supported by various Missouri-based trade associations.
For example, the Missouri Plumbing-Heating-Cooling Contractors, incorporated in 1993, represents 123 licensed contractor firms across the eastern region of Missouri. The group offers educational programs to meet varying municipal licensing requirements and provides a monthly newsletter, a lending library, legislative advocacy, networking events, and group discounts for some services.
Other notable organizations include the Mechanical Contractors Association of Eastern Missouri, which provides a state-of-the-art training center, and the Mechanical Contractors Association of Kansas City (MCA-KC), offering training events, labor relations resources, and legal advocacy for industry-related issues.
Demand for HVAC Technicians in Missouri
HVAC is a high-growth industry in Missouri. Projections Central predicts an 11.2 percent statewide increase in HVAC positions between 2018 and 2028 projectionscentral.org.
Several factors contribute to the steady stream of opportunities for HVAC workers in Missouri. HVAC systems need to be replaced every 10 to 15 years, and since most modern structures have climate control systems, servicing needs are steady throughout the year, even during the spring and fall seasons. Additionally, many owners of older buildings opt to upgrade or retrofit their structures with state-of-the-art HVAC equipment, providing further opportunities. Areas with high rates of construction, like Kansas City, have a particular need for HVAC installation services. Moreover, evolving legislation regarding energy efficiency and clients' desire for cost-effective solutions drive demand for skilled technicians.
Schools in Missouri
Cape Girardeau Career and Technology Center
1080 S. Silver Springs Rd.
Cape Girardeau, Missouri 63703-7511
Phone: (573) 334-0826 x6551
URL: www.capectc.org/
This school is a 2 year Public college that offers One but less than two years certificate|Two but less than 4 years certificate. The campus is located in a small city with campus housing not offered.
- Total Student Population: 216
Crowder College
601 Laclede Ave
Neosho, Missouri 64850
Phone: (417) 451-3223
URL: www.crowder.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 distant town with campus housing not offered.
- Total Student Population: 4034
- Total Faculty: 452
East Central College
1964 Prairie Dell Rd
Union, Missouri 63084
Phone: (636) 584-6500
URL: www.eastcentral.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: 2692
- Total Faculty: 219
Pinnacle Career Institute
All programs offered completely via Distance education11500 N.W. Ambassador
Suite 221
Kansas City, Missouri 64153-1151
Phone: (816) 331-5700
URL: pcitraining.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 city with campus housing not offered.
- Total Student Population: 344
- Total Faculty: 10
Ozarks Technical Community College
1001 E. Chestnut Expressway
Springfield, Missouri 65802
Phone: (417) 447-7500
URL: www.otc.edu/
This school is a 4 year primarily associate's Public college that offers 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: 10889
- Total Faculty: 705
Jefferson College
1000 Viking Drive
Hillsboro, Missouri 63050-2440
Phone: (636) 797-3000
URL: www.jeffco.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: 3626
- Total Faculty: 266
State Technical College of Missouri
One Technology Drive
Linn, Missouri 65051-9607
Phone: (573) 897-5000
URL: www.statetechmo.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 distant rural area with campus housing not offered.
- Total Student Population: 2176
- Total Faculty: 127
Metropolitan Community College-Kansas City
3200 Broadway
Kansas City, Missouri 64111-2429
Phone: (816) 604-1000
URL: www.mcckc.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 large city with campus housing not offered.
- Total Student Population: 12872
- Total Faculty: 1465
Mineral Area College
5270 Flat River Road
Park Hills, Missouri 63601-1000
Phone: (573) 431-4593
URL: mineralarea.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 distant town with campus housing not offered.
- Total Student Population: 2289
- Total Faculty: 155
Poplar Bluff Technical Career Center
3203 Oak Grove Rd
Poplar Bluff, Missouri 63901-8960
Phone: (573) 785-2248
URL: www.poplarbluffschools.net/
This school is a < 2 year Public college that offers Less than one year certificate, One but less than two years certificate. The campus is located in a remote town with campus housing not offered.
- Total Student Population: 34
Ranken Technical College
4431 Finney Ave
Saint Louis, Missouri 63113-2811
Phone: (314) 371-0236
URL: www.ranken.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, Two but less than 4 years certificate|Bachelor's degree. The campus is located in a large city with campus housing not offered.
- Total Student Population: 1671
- Total Faculty: 160
Three Rivers College
2080 Three Rivers Blvd
Poplar Bluff, Missouri 63901
Phone: (573) 840-9600
URL: trcc.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: 2624
- Total Faculty: 133
St Charles Community College
4601 Mid Rivers Mall Dr
Cottleville, Missouri 63376-0975
Phone: (636) 922-8000
URL: www.stchas.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 large suburb with campus housing not offered.
- Total Student Population: 5800
- Total Faculty: 387
Waynesville Career Center
400 G. W. Lane
Waynesville, Missouri 65583
Phone: (573) 842-2500
URL: www.waynesville.k12.mo.us/domain/9
This school is a < 2 year Public college that offers Less than one year certificate, One but less than two years certificate. The campus is located in a remote town with campus housing not offered.
- Total Student Population: 19
Franklin Technology Center Adult Education
810 S. Wall Avenue
Joplin, Missouri 64801
Phone: (417) 680-0004 x2061
URL: www.franklintechnologycenter.com/
This school is a < 2 year Public college that offers Less than one year certificate, One but less than two years certificate. The campus is located in a small city with campus housing not offered.
- Total Student Population: 61
American Trade School
3925 Industrial Drive
Saint Ann, Missouri 63074-1807
Phone: (314) 423-1900
URL: www.americantradeschool.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: 127
- Total Faculty: 5
Midwest Technical Institute-Missouri
3600 South Glenstone Outer Road
Springfield, Missouri 65804-4414
Phone: (417) 227-4950
URL: www.midwesttech.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 midsize city with campus housing not offered.
- Total Student Population: 340
HVAC Worker Salaries in Missouri
HVAC is not only a high-growth profession but also relatively lucrative, especially considering it requires only one to two years of postsecondary training.
In Missouri, HVAC mechanics and installers earned an average annual salary of $50,390. Here are the salary percentiles of HVAC professionals across the US and in Missouri:
| Percentile | United States | Missouri |
|---|---|---|
| Annual Mean Wage | $59,620 | $50,390 |
| 10th Percentile | $37,270 | $32,870 |
| 25th Percentile | $46,550 | $40,040 |
| 50th Percentile (Median) | $57,300 | $48,170 |
| 75th Percentile | $71,120 | $60,560 |
| 90th Percentile | $84,250 | $74,170 |
Salary figures vary slightly by the source of data. PayScale, an aggregator of self-reported salaries, found the following percentiles among its HVAC respondents nationwide in April 2024:
- 10th percentile: $36,000
- 50th percentile (median): $55,000
- 90th percentile: $83,000
As in any state, in Missouri, salaries vary by region of employment. Columbia, Kansas City, St. Louis, and Cape Girardeau enjoy the highest salaries in the state.
HVAC Certification and Licensing in Missouri
Before beginning work, HVAC technicians in Missouri must ensure they have the proper credentials. There is one mandatory certification for all people nationwide who work with refrigerants—the EPA Section 608 certification—which has four subtypes:
- Type 1 (small appliances)
- Type 2 (high-pressure appliances)
- Type 3 (low-pressure appliances)
- Universal
Other organizations offering employment-ready credentials recognized by employers in Missouri include:
- HVAC Excellence
- North American Technician Excellence (NATE)
- Refrigeration Service Engineers Society (RSES)
Currently, there is no state license required to perform HVAC work in Missouri. However, the requirements for permits vary widely between municipalities. For example, the Kansas City Planning & Development Permits Division requires HVAC contractor licensing. To qualify, candidates must submit:
- A completed certificate application with reference letters
- An application fee
- Passing score on the KC exam, or an equivalent
Prospective HVAC workers in Missouri are strongly advised to check with all municipal authorities before beginning work, as HVAC permitting procedures may vary by jurisdiction.