North Carolina HVAC Training Schools – Degrees & Certification

Introduction

Working as a heating, ventilation, air conditioning, and refrigeration (i.e., HVAC-R or HVAC) professional in North Carolina (NC) can mean steady employment and opportunities for growth. The demand for these skilled workers is expected to increase around the country, and all signs point to those expectations applying in NC as well.

Not only are the salary prospects bright for HVAC technicians in NC, but there is also a wealth of professional associations and resources for these climate-control experts. For illustration, the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) May 2022 found that HVAC workers and mechanics nationwide made an annual average salary of $57,460. This figure is almost on par with the mean annual wage of all occupations at $61,900 (BLS May 2022) and is relatively generous compensation in a profession that does not require a four-year postsecondary degree.

In the Old North State, there is also an abundance of HVAC and contracting trade associations to provide mentoring, continuing education (CE) opportunities, job posting boards, and legal advocacy in this occupation. For example, the Plumbing-Heating-Cooling Contractors Association of North Carolina (PHCCA of NC) is staunchly committed to advancing the technologies and methodologies in HVAC and promoting rigorous safety standards for all workers. This chapter of the PHCCA organizes events, provides training, and serves as a voice for members of this industry.

The Refrigeration Service Engineers Society (RSES) also has thriving NC chapters and associations. Chapters are local branches, whereas associations are groups of chapters that typically share geographic boundaries.

Technicians in NC may specialize in an aspect of HVAC (e.g., solar panels, commercial refrigeration, radiant heating) or may have more general knowledge of a range of HVAC systems and needs.

Anyone entering the field should know that there is one mandatory certification for all HVAC professionals in the U.S. who work with the recovery and reuse of refrigerants: the EPA Section 608 credential. This certification ensures that an HVAC worker utilizes the proper methods in moving, replacing, or recycling materials that have been shown to affect the earth’s climate adversely.

Demand for HVAC Technicians in North Carolina

The demand for qualified HVAC technicians in North Carolina and across the country is relatively high and expected to grow. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) 2023, there will be a 6 percent increase in job openings for HVAC mechanics and installers nationwide between 2022 and 2032, which is as fast as the average growth estimate for all occupations (5 percent). With the expected addition of 37,700 new positions for HVAC professionals in the US, there will be ample employment opportunities in this industry in the coming years.

The demand for HVAC technicians is driven by several factors. The construction of new residential and commercial buildings increases the need for new HVAC systems. Additionally, climate-control systems generally need to be replaced every 10 to 15 years, and the maintenance and repair of existing systems are ongoing requirements. Improving technologies for energy efficiency also necessitate the availability of qualified HVAC technicians in North Carolina and beyond.

Schools in North Carolina

HVAC Worker Salaries in North Carolina

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) May 2022, there were 374,770 HVAC workers across the country with an average annual salary (mean wage) of $57,460. In North Carolina, the mean salary in this profession is somewhat lower at $49,380.

The BLS (May 2022) found the following percentiles among all HVAC technicians and installers around the country:

The wages for HVAC workers tended to vary by region within the state as well. In NC, HVAC workers in the Southeast Coastal area were rewarded with the highest average salary (mean wage) at $46,940, while workers in the Piedmont had the lowest average salary at $43,720.

HVAC Certification and Licensing in North Carolina

In North Carolina, HVAC technicians, mechanics, and installers must pursue state licensure before securing employment for most types of work. At a minimum, all professionals nationally who work with refrigerants must have the EPA Section 608 certification. There are four types:

• Type I: Small appliances
• Type II: High-pressure refrigerants
• Type III: Low-pressure refrigerants
• Type IV: Universal

As part of all NC degree programs listed above, students get prepared for the EPA certification exam.

There are also various national certifications and knowledge certificates provided by a range of organizations including:

• North American Technician Excellence (NATE)
• HVAC Excellence
• National Occupational Competency Testing Institute (NOCTI)
• Refrigerating Engineers and Technicians Association (RETA)
• Refrigeration Service Engineers Society (RSES)

Please check out the main HVAC certification page to learn in-depth about each organization’s credential offerings.

The predominant body regulating NC HVAC mechanics and installers is the North Carolina State Board of Examiners of Plumbing, Heating, and Fire Sprinkler Contractors. This entity issues several types of licenses to HVAC professionals:

• Heating Group 1: Water-based climate control systems
• Heating Group 2: Forced air heating and cooling system with a capacity of over 15 tons
• Heating Group 3: Forced air heating and cooling system with a capacity of less than 15 tons

To qualify for contractor-level licensure, applicants must have two years (4,000 hours) of full-time experience in the category of license sought. Up to 2,000 of these hours can come from technical or academic training. To qualify for technician-level licensure, applicants must have 18 months (3,000 hours) of full-time experience in the license category sought. Up to 1,500 of these hours can come from technical or academic training. Please note that military experience may also qualify a person for an NC HVAC license.

All licenses expire annually on the last day of December. Although HVAC contractors and technicians in NC must renew their licenses, no continuing education (CE) is required.

Finally, two other regional authorities issue specific licenses for HVAC workers:

1. Anyone contracting to provide construction services (including complex HVAC installation) above $30,000 must seek licensure from the North Carolina Licensing Board for General Contractors.
2. The North Carolina State Board of Refrigeration Contractors regulates all people and firms in the NC refrigeration trade. To secure a refrigeration contractor license, a person must have at least 4,000 hours of commercial refrigeration experience and pass an examination. This license must be renewed annually.

Please contact the appropriate credentialing agencies to learn more about the various NC regulations and licenses available.