Introduction
With temperatures ranging from blistering hot summer days to near-freezing winter nights, Nevada offers abundant opportunities for those working in the field of heating, ventilation, air conditioning, and refrigeration (HVAC/R).
HVAC/R professionals in the state enjoy significant professional support. For example, the Plumbing, Heating, Cooling Contractors (PHCC) of Nevada offers a wide array of benefits for HVAC/R workers, including numerous membership meetings throughout the year, professional networking events, apprenticeships, newsletters, political representation regarding issues affecting the HVAC/R industry in Nevada, and discounts for participating members.
Separately, the Southern Nevada Air Conditioning Refrigeration Service Contractors Association (SNARSCA) provides support and education specifically for air conditioning and refrigeration service contractors, offering classes, discounts at expos, and professional networking.
Demand for HVAC Technicians in Nevada
The future for HVAC mechanics and installers in Nevada looks exceptionally promising.Several factors contribute to the robust HVAC/R industry in Nevada. HVAC systems need replacement every 10 to 15 years and require regular servicing and maintenance. Additionally, regulations and technologies in the HVAC/R industry are continually evolving, necessitating system updates. The high rate of climate-controlled buildings, particularly in construction-heavy areas, drives demand for new HVAC/R technology installations.
This is particularly relevant in the Las Vegas and Reno areas, where high levels of tourism necessitate numerous hotel rooms and casinos that must be kept at comfortable temperatures, even during Nevada's sweltering summers.
Schools in Nevada
Career College of Northern Nevada
1421 Pullman Dr.
Sparks, Nevada 89434-7905
Phone: (775) 856-2266
URL: www.ccnn.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: 292
- Total Faculty: 27
College of Southern Nevada
6375 W. Charleston Blvd.
Las Vegas, Nevada 89146-1164
Phone: (702) 651-5000
URL: www.csn.edu/
This school is a 4 year primarily associate's Public 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: 28901
- Total Faculty: 1576
Truckee Meadows Community College
7000 Dandini Blvd
Reno, Nevada 89512-3999
Phone: (775) 673-7000
URL: www.tmcc.edu/
This school is a 4 year primarily associate's Public 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: 9651
- Total Faculty: 660
Western Nevada College
2201 West College Parkway
Carson City, Nevada 89703-7399
Phone: (775) 445-3000
URL: www.wnc.edu/
This school is a 4 year primarily associate's Public 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 small city with campus housing not offered.
- Total Student Population: 3582
- Total Faculty: 275
Advanced Training Institute
5150 S. Decatur Blvd.
Las Vegas, Nevada 89118-1519
Phone: (702) 658-7900
URL: www.atitraining.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: 591
United Education Institute-Las Vegas
3450 S. Maryland Parkway
Las Vegas, Nevada 89169-3012
Phone: (949) 892-4717
URL: www.uei.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: 858
HVAC Worker Salaries in Nevada
HVAC mechanics and installers in Nevada enjoy good wages, particularly considering the occupation typically requires only six months to two years of postsecondary education.
In Nevada, the 3,000 HVAC professionals earned an average of $55,820, which is above the national average. Here are the detailed salary percentiles for HVAC professionals in the US and Nevada:
| Percentile | United States | Nevada |
|---|---|---|
| Annual Mean Wage | $53,410 | $55,820 |
| 10th Percentile | $31,910 | $34,600 |
| 25th Percentile | $39,320 | $41,840 |
| 50th Percentile (Median) | $50,590 | $55,350 |
| 75th Percentile | $64,350 | $65,060 |
| 90th Percentile | $80,820 | $80,030 |
Salary figures vary slightly according to different data sources. PayScale (2024) found the following percentiles among its HVAC respondents nationwide:
- 10th percentile: $36,000
- 50th percentile (median): $55,000
- 90th percentile: $83,000
HVAC Certification and Licensing in Nevada
Before looking for a job, all HVAC/R professionals in Nevada must first obtain the proper certification and licensing necessary to work in this capacity.
To begin, one specific certification is required for all individuals who handle environmentally sensitive refrigerants: the EPA Section 608 Certification. This certification is broken down into four types:
- Type 1 (small appliances)
- Type 2 (high-pressure appliances)
- Type 3 (low-pressure appliances)
- Universal
Most HVAC/R programs will include preparation for the certification exam as part of the curriculum.
Additionally, there are numerous other entities nationwide that provide skill-based, employment-ready trade certifications. Some of these organizations, along with sample certifications, include:
- Refrigeration Service Engineers Society (RSES): EPA Section 608, commercial air conditioning, dynamic compression, HVAC/R electrical, etc.
- North American Technician Excellence (NATE): air distribution, heat pump [air-to-air], Hydronics Gas, commercial refrigeration, light commercial refrigeration, etc.
- HVAC Excellence: Heating, Electrical, Air Conditioning Technology [HEAT], HEAT Plus, residential heat load analysis, green awareness, etc.
All HVAC/R professionals in Nevada must also obtain the required local licensure before beginning work. Licensure is obtained through the Nevada State Contractors Board for any work exceeding $1,000 in value.
To receive licensure, an HVAC/R professional must:
- Have at least four years of experience as an initial qualification
- Submit four notarized reference certificates
- Provide a detailed resume
- Pay an application processing fee of $300
- Submit a financial statement, which has varying requirements depending on the size of the project
Upon approval of the license, the HVAC/R technician will be provided information regarding the necessary bond amount, and a surety bond or cash deposit will be required.
The Nevada State Contractors Board provides licensure for the following classifications:
- Class “A”: General Engineering Contractor
- Class “B”: General Building Contractor
- Class “C”: Specialty Contractor
Each of these license classes serves a different purpose related to the principal business and the scope of the project. Additionally, some cities in Nevada require special municipal permitting for the installation of new HVAC/R systems. HVAC workers are strongly encouraged to contact city officials to ensure they have all necessary credentials before taking on any project.