Introduction
In the Buckeye State, there is a wealth of heating, ventilation, air conditioning, and refrigeration (HVAC/R) professionals, along with a strong tradition of energy conservation.
In addition to energy-conscious citizens, Ohio boasts several professional trade associations to support workers in the HVAC industry. The Air Conditioning Contractors of Ohio (ACCO) represents firms throughout the state that install, repair, and perform maintenance on HVAC systems. With over 200 members, this not-for-profit organization hosts conferences, provides worker advocacy, and assists people in the industry with networking.
Furthermore, the Plumbing-Heating-Cooling Contractors (PHCC) of Ohio has been operating for more than 125 years. It has a political action committee (PAC) to protect HVAC professionals against unnecessary regulation and overbearing legislation. In sum, there is no shortage of resources available for HVAC workers in the state.
Demand for HVAC Technicians in Ohio
The employment prospects for aspiring HVAC technicians, mechanics, and installers in Ohio are promising. Projections Central (2023) projects a 4.7 percent increase in HVAC positions within Ohio between 2020 and 2030. With the expected addition of 660 new jobs, the HVAC industry is set to thrive.
Several factors contribute to the strong demand for HVAC professionals in Ohio. The state's diverse climate, with hot summers and cold winters, requires efficient heating and cooling systems in both residential and commercial buildings. This constant need for HVAC maintenance, repair, and installation services ensures steady job opportunities throughout the year.
One of the main benefits of pursuing an HVAC career is the relatively high salary for a career typically requiring only one to two years of postsecondary education. HVAC technicians in Ohio can expect competitive wages, with opportunities for overtime and bonuses, especially during peak seasons.
Additionally, the growing emphasis on energy efficiency and sustainable practices has led to an increased demand for modern HVAC systems and technologies. As buildings and homes are upgraded to meet new energy standards, HVAC professionals are needed to install and maintain these advanced systems.
The job outlook is further bolstered by the retirement of experienced technicians, creating openings for new workers to enter the field. This turnover, combined with the overall growth in the industry, presents a favorable environment for those seeking long-term careers in HVAC.
Schools in Ohio
Apollo Career Center
3325 Shawnee Rd
Lima, Ohio 45806-1497
Phone: (419) 998-3000
URL: www.apollocareercenter.com/adult-education/
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 suburb with campus housing not offered.
- Total Student Population: 610
Ashland County-West Holmes Career Center
1783 State Route 60
Ashland, Ohio 44805-9377
Phone: (419) 289-3313
URL: www.acwhcc.org/
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 distant rural area with campus housing not offered.
- Total Student Population: 45
Ashtabula County Technical and Career Campus
1565 State Route 167
Jefferson, Ohio 44047
Phone: (440) 576-6015 x1007
URL: www.atech.edu/
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 fringe rural area with campus housing not offered.
- Total Student Population: 115
Auburn Career Center
8140 Auburn Rd
Concord Twp, Ohio 44077
Phone: (440) 357-7542
URL: www.auburncc.org/
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 fringe rural area with campus housing not offered.
- Total Student Population: 166
Belmont College
68094 Hammond Road
St Clairsville, Ohio 43950
Phone: (740) 695-9500
URL: www.belmontcollege.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: 723
- Total Faculty: 57
Buckeye Hills Career Center
351 Buckeye Hills Road
Rio Grande, Ohio 45674-0157
Phone: (740) 245-5334
URL: www.buckeyehills.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 distant rural area with campus housing not offered.
- Total Student Population: 183
Butler Technology and Career Development Schools
101 Jerry Couch Boulevard
Monroe, Ohio 45050
Phone: (513) 645-8205
URL: www.butlertech.org/
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 large suburb with campus housing not offered.
- Total Student Population: 450
Clark State College
570 E Leffel Ln
Springfield, Ohio 45501-0570
Phone: (937) 325-0691
URL: www.clarkstate.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: 4703
- Total Faculty: 320
Columbus State Community College
550 E Spring St
Columbus, Ohio 43215
Phone: (614) 287-5353
URL: www.cscc.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: 25129
- Total Faculty: 1317
Cuyahoga Community College District
700 Carnegie Ave
Cleveland, Ohio 44115-2878
Phone: (800) 954-8742
URL: www.tri-c.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: 15764
- Total Faculty: 1403
Edison State Community College
1973 Edison Dr
Piqua, Ohio 45356-9239
Phone: (937) 778-8600
URL: www.edisonohio.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: 4353
- Total Faculty: 193
EHOVE Career Center
316 W Mason Rd
Milan, Ohio 44846
Phone: (419) 499-4663 x280
URL: www.ehove.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 fringe rural area with campus housing not offered.
- Total Student Population: 365
Great Oaks Career Campuses
303 Scarlet Oaks Dr.
Cincinnati, Ohio 45241
Phone: (513) 771-8881
URL: www.greatoaks.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 large suburb with campus housing not offered.
- Total Student Population: 154
Hocking College
3301 Hocking Parkway
Nelsonville, Ohio 45764
Phone: (740) 753-3591
URL: www.hocking.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: 1951
- Total Faculty: 188
Collins Career Technical Center
11627 State Rte 243
Chesapeake, Ohio 45619-0000
Phone: (740) 867-6641 x202
URL: www.collins-cc.edu/
This school is a 2 year Public college that offers Less than one year certificate, One but less than two years certificate|Two but less than 4 years certificate. The campus is located in a fringe rural area with campus housing not offered.
- Total Student Population: 414
Ohio Business College-Sheffield
5095 Waterford Dr.
Sheffield Village, Ohio 44035-0701
Phone: (440) 934-3101 x2330
URL: www.ohiobusinesscollege.edu/
This school is a 2 year Private for-profit college that offers Less than one year certificate, One but less than two years certificate|Associate's degree. The campus is located in a midsize suburb with campus housing not offered.
- Total Student Population: 136
- Total Faculty: 21
Medina County Career Center
1101 W Liberty St
Medina, Ohio 44256
Phone: (330) 725-8461 x157
URL: mcjvs.edu/
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 fringe rural area with campus housing not offered.
- Total Student Population: 32
Miami Valley Career Technology Center
6800 Hoke Rd
Englewood, Ohio 45315
Phone: (937) 854-6297
URL: www.mvctc.com/ae
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 large suburb with campus housing not offered.
- Total Student Population: 127
Northwest State Community College
22600 State Route 34
Archbold, Ohio 43502-9542
Phone: (419) 267-5511
URL: northweststate.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: 4030
- Total Faculty: 124
University of Northwestern Ohio
1441 N Cable Rd
Lima, Ohio 45805
Phone: (419) 227-3141
URL: www.unoh.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, Master's degree. The campus is located in a small suburb with campus housing not offered.
- Total Student Population: 2615
- Total Faculty: 140
Owens Community College
30335 Oregon Rd
Perrysburg, Ohio 43551
Phone: (567) 661-7000
URL: www.owens.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: 7559
- Total Faculty: 560
Cuyahoga Valley Career Center
8001 Brecksville Road
Brecksville, Ohio 44141-1296
Phone: (440) 746-8230
URL: www.cvccworks.edu/
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 large suburb with campus housing not offered.
- Total Student Population: 108
Fortis College-Centerville
555 E Alex Bell Rd
Centerville, Ohio 45459-2712
Phone: (937) 433-3410
URL: www.fortiscollege.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: 441
- Total Faculty: 205
Sinclair Community College
444 W. Third St.
Dayton, Ohio 45402-1460
Phone: (937) 512-3000
URL: www.sinclair.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 midsize city with campus housing not offered.
- Total Student Population: 17591
- Total Faculty: 966
Stark State College
6200 Frank Ave NW
North Canton, Ohio 44720
Phone: (330) 494-6170
URL: www.starkstate.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: 10031
- Total Faculty: 533
Stautzenberger College-Maumee
1796 Indian Wood Circle
Maumee, Ohio 43537-4007
Phone: (419) 866-0261
URL: www.sctoday.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: 403
- Total Faculty: 42
Terra State Community College
2830 Napoleon Rd
Fremont, Ohio 43420-9670
Phone: (419) 559-2100
URL: www.terra.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: 2207
- Total Faculty: 213
Tri-County Adult Career Center
15676 St Rt 691
Nelsonville, Ohio 45764
Phone: (740) 753-5464
URL: www.tricountyhightech.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 fringe rural area with campus housing not offered.
- Total Student Population: 40
Upper Valley Career Center
8811 Career Drive
Piqua, Ohio 45356
Phone: (937) 778-1980
URL: www.uppervalleycc.org/o/adult-division
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 fringe town with campus housing not offered.
- Total Student Population: 85
Portage Lakes Career Center
4401 Shriver Rd
Uniontown, Ohio 44685
Phone: (330) 896-8200
URL: www.plcc.edu/
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 large suburb with campus housing not offered.
- Total Student Population: 162
Knox County Career Center
308 Martinsburg Rd
Mount Vernon, Ohio 43050
Phone: (740) 393-2933
URL: www.knoxtechnicalcenter.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 distant town with campus housing not offered.
- Total Student Population: 115
Remington College-Cleveland Campus
14445 Broadway Ave
Cleveland, Ohio 44125-1957
Phone: (440) 777-2560
URL: www.remingtoncollege.edu/locations/cleveland/
This school is a 2 year Private not-for-profit 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: 186
- Total Faculty: 12
Buckeye Joint Vocational School
545 University Dr NE
New Philadelphia, Ohio 44663-9450
Phone: (330) 308-5720
URL: www.buckeyecareercenter.org/
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 fringe rural area with campus housing not offered.
- Total Student Population: 65
Polaris Career Center
7285 Old Oak Blvd
Middleburg Heights, Ohio 44130-3375
Phone: (440) 891-7600
URL: www.polaris.edu/
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 large suburb with campus housing not offered.
- Total Student Population: 237
Eastland-Fairfield Career and Technical Schools
4300 Amalgamated Place
Groveport, Ohio 43125-9236
Phone: (614) 836-4541
URL: www.eastlandfairfield.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 large suburb with campus housing not offered.
- Total Student Population: 72
Pickaway Ross Joint Vocational School District
1410 Industrial Drive
Chillicothe, Ohio 45601-1038
Phone: (740) 642-1200 x31288
URL: www.pickawayross.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 distant town with campus housing not offered.
- Total Student Population: 127
Warren County Career Center
3525 North State Route 48
Lebanon, Ohio 45036-1099
Phone: (513) 932-8145
URL: www.mywccc.org/
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 fringe rural area with campus housing not offered.
- Total Student Population: 189
Career and Technology Education Centers of Licking County
150 Price Rd
Newark, Ohio 43055-3399
Phone: (740) 364-2280
URL: c-tec.edu/o/ctec/page/ps
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 suburb with campus housing not offered.
- Total Student Population: 176
Washington County Career Center-Adult Technical Training
21740 State Route 676
Marietta, Ohio 45750
Phone: (740) 373-6283 x2011
URL: www.thecareercenter.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 fringe rural area with campus housing not offered.
- Total Student Population: 211
Fortis College-Columbus
4151 Executive Parkway Ste 120
Westerville, Ohio 43081
Phone: (614) 882-2551
URL: www.fortis.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: 818
- Total Faculty: 63
Fortis College-Cincinnati
11499 Chester Road Ste 200
Cincinnati, Ohio 45246
Phone: (513) 771-2795 x2186
URL: www.fortis.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: 481
- Total Faculty: 39
Fortis College-Cuyahoga Falls
2545 Bailey Road
Cuyahoga Falls, Ohio 44221
Phone: (330) 923-9959 x4666
URL: www.fortis.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: 473
- Total Faculty: 36
HVAC Worker Salaries in Ohio
Nationwide and in Ohio, HVAC workers earn relatively generous salaries compared to occupations with similar educational attainment. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS, 2023), there were 374,770 HVAC workers around the country with an average annual salary of $57,460. In Ohio, average salaries were slightly lower, with the 13,710 HVAC workers employed in the state earning an average of $55,950 per year. Below is a detailed breakdown of the comparison between Ohio salaries and those of the rest of the country.
| Percentile | United States | Ohio |
|---|---|---|
| Number of HVAC professionals employed | 374,770 | 13,710 |
| Average annual salary | $57,460 | $55,950 |
| 10th percentile | $36,170 | $35,650 |
| 25th percentile | $44,100 | $44,350 |
| 50th percentile (median) | $51,390 | $50,570 |
| 75th percentile | $65,630 | $62,980 |
| 90th percentile | $82,630 | $79,480 |
HVAC Certification and Licensing in Ohio
For Ohio residents interested in careers in HVAC, it’s important to have proper credentialing before seeking employment. One mandatory certification for all professionals who work with refrigerants is the EPA Section 608 certification. Due to the environmentally harmful nature of the chemicals used in refrigeration, it’s essential to be trained in their proper use and disposal. There are four categories of this certification:
- Type I (small appliances)
- Type II (high-pressure refrigerants)
- Type III (low-pressure refrigerants)
- Universal
Various national organizations test HVAC workers and provide skill-based credentialing as well. These include the Refrigeration Service Engineers Society (RSES), North American Technician Excellence (NATE), and HVAC Excellence.
While no state license is required for general technicians in Ohio, those seeking to become commercial contractors must seek licensure through the Ohio Construction Industry Licensing Board (OCILB). To qualify for an HVAC contractor's license in Ohio, candidates must be at least 18 years of age and submit the following:
- Proof of at least five years of experience as a tradesperson under a licensed contractor in the field (including a copy of at least one permit from a project), or be a registered engineer with at least three years of business experience working in HVAC
- A passing score on the OCI Examining Board’s test
- Background check
- Proof of having at least $500,000 in contractor liability insurance
- Application fee
To maintain these licenses, contractors must complete ten hours of continuing education annually. Ohio boasts licensing reciprocity in HVAC with four states: Kentucky, Louisiana, Tennessee, and South Carolina. Therefore, people with credentials from these states will find it relatively easy to pursue HVAC work in Ohio, and vice versa for OH HVAC contractors seeking work in those states.