Introduction
Nebraska experiences a range of climates, with the eastern region being humid and the western region semiarid with windy winters. Summers are hot and winters are cold across the state, making heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) services essential for comfort. Additionally, the state's strong agricultural presence creates a constant need for refrigeration (HVAC/R) services.
Nebraska's HVAC technicians and contractors benefit from resources provided by three local chapters of national HVAC associations: the Heating and Cooling Contractors Association – Omaha (HACCA), the Plumbing-Heating-Cooling Contractors Association of Nebraska (PHCCA), and the Mechanical Contractors Association of Omaha (MCA). These organizations help establish and maintain professional standards, offer educational resources, provide legal advocacy, and even offer discounts on work-related expenses.
Demand for HVAC Technicians in Nebraska
The demand for HVAC technicians continues to grow nationwide. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) 2023, job openings in this field are projected to increase by 5 percent from 2022 to 2032. Nebraska is experiencing an even stronger growth. Projections Central (2024) forecasts a 21.5 percent increase in HVAC positions in the state for the decade ending in 2030.
Several factors contribute to the growing HVAC industry:
- Construction of new commercial buildings and residences
- Increasing complexity of climate control systems
- Emphasis on energy efficiency and reducing pollution
- Replacing, retrofitting, or upgrading older systems
Technicians in Nebraska with strong electronics knowledge and excellent troubleshooting skills are likely to have the best job prospects.
In 2022, HVAC mechanics and installers held 379,200 jobs nationwide. The BLS (2023) reported that the largest employers of HVAC mechanics and installers were contractors, with about nine percent being self-employed. Most technicians work full time, often with overtime during peak seasons.
The demand for qualified HVAC workers in Nebraska is strong. As an example, a recent search on Indeed (March 2024) showed 357 listings for technicians of all experience levels, with companies such as Goodwin Tucker Group, Hamilton Service Company, and Pegasus Support Services, LLC seeking technicians. Similarly, Monster (March 2024) had 166 Nebraska-based listings, including positions with organizations like Johnson Controls, the US Army, and the Army National Guard.
Schools in Nebraska
Central Community College
3134 West Hwy 34
Grand Island, Nebraska 68802-4903
Phone: (308) 398-4222
URL: www.cccneb.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 small city with campus housing not offered.
- Total Student Population: 6519
- Total Faculty: 331
Metropolitan Community College Area
30th & Fort Street
Omaha, Nebraska 68111-1610
Phone: (531) 622-2400
URL: www.mccneb.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: 14541
- Total Faculty: 1043
Mid-Plains Community College
601 West State Farm Road
North Platte, Nebraska 69101
Phone: (800) 658-4308
URL: www.mpcc.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 remote town with campus housing not offered.
- Total Student Population: 2084
- Total Faculty: 201
Northeast Community College
801 E Benjamin
Norfolk, Nebraska 68702-0469
Phone: (402) 371-2020
URL: northeast.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 remote town with campus housing not offered.
- Total Student Population: 5583
- Total Faculty: 331
Southeast Community College Area
301 South 68th Street Place
Lincoln, Nebraska 68510-2449
Phone: (402) 471-3333
URL: www.southeast.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: 9465
- Total Faculty: 709
HVAC Worker Salaries in Nebraska
HVAC is a promising and lucrative career in Nebraska, especially considering the typical one to two years of postsecondary training required. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) May 2023, HVAC mechanics and installers in Nebraska earned an average annual salary of $50,420, compared to the national average of $58,980.
Here is a detailed breakdown of the average salaries and percentiles for HVAC professionals in the United States and Nebraska:
| Percentile | United States | Nebraska |
|---|---|---|
| Number of HVAC professionals employed | 379,200 | 1,300 |
| Annual mean wage | $58,980 | $50,420 |
| 10th percentile | $37,200 | $32,900 |
| 25th percentile | $45,500 | $38,500 |
| 50th percentile (median) | $52,920 | $47,100 |
| 75th percentile | $67,150 | $58,700 |
| 90th percentile | $84,380 | $68,900 |
In addition to BLS data, Payscale (March 2024) provides self-reported salary data, indicating the following percentiles for HVAC workers nationwide:
- 10th percentile: $32,000
- 25th percentile: $36,000
- 50th percentile (median): $49,126
- 75th percentile: $56,000
- 90th percentile: $71,000
HVAC Certification and Licensing in Nebraska
Federal law mandates that all HVAC technicians working with environmentally sensitive refrigerants must obtain the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) Section 608 certification. This certification involves passing an exam on the safe handling of refrigerants and is available in four levels, based on the size and type of equipment. The universal certification (Type IV) allows technicians to work on all equipment types.
Technicians can also pursue additional training and certifications from industry organizations, such as:
- Refrigeration Service Engineers Society (RSES)
- North American Technician Excellence (NATE)
- HVAC Excellence
In Nebraska, while HVAC technicians and apprentices are not required to have state licenses, all contractors with one or more employees must obtain a state-issued contractor license from the Nebraska Department of Labor. Local requirements may vary; for instance, the City of Lincoln mandates that HVAC apprentices and journey-level technicians be credentialed. Contractors and self-employed technicians must be licensed, bonded, and insured. Journey-level masters and contractors need to complete a minimum number of work experience hours and pass a written exam. All credentials and licenses are valid for one year and can be renewed upon completing continuing education hours.
To ensure compliance with local laws, all HVAC professionals in Nebraska are encouraged to contact local offices to verify they have all necessary documentation.