Introduction
The Evergreen State, known for its lush vegetation and vibrant natural beauty, also offers a fertile employment landscape for those in the heating, ventilation, air conditioning, and refrigeration (HVAC-R or HVAC) field. The relatively wet and cool climate in Washington creates a consistent demand for HVAC services to maintain comfort in residential, commercial, and industrial settings.
Washington provides a strong support network for HVAC professionals through various associations. The Plumbing, Heating, and Cooling Contractors of Washington State is a key resource, offering a biannual magazine and promoting industry advancement, education, and training. This organization is committed to the protection of the environment and the health, safety, and comfort of society.
Demand for HVAC Technicians in Washington
The employment prospects for HVAC workers in Washington are very promising. The Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) anticipates a 6% increase in HVAC job openings nationwide between 2022 and 2032, which is slightly faster than the average growth rate expected across all occupations (3%).
HVAC professionals in Washington find employment in a variety of settings, including residential homes, commercial buildings, schools, retail spaces, factories, and other facilities requiring climate control. This diverse range of work environments ensures steady demand for HVAC services across the state.
As of May 2024, popular job sites list numerous HVAC job openings in Washington. Indeed has over 400 job postings for HVAC positions in places like the University of Washington, Boeing, Seattle Public Schools, and Johnson Controls. Similarly, job site Monster lists additional positions at companies such as Randstad and CoolSys Inc.
The consistent need for HVAC maintenance and the typical lifespan of HVAC systems (approximately ten years) contribute to a steady stream of work for HVAC professionals in Washington. However, it is important to note that HVAC technicians face higher-than-average rates of injury and illness due to the physical nature of the job and exposure to hazardous materials like refrigerants. Proper training and the use of safety equipment can help mitigate these risks.
Schools in Washington
Bellingham Technical College
3028 Lindbergh Ave
Bellingham, Washington 98225-1599
Phone: (360) 752-7000
URL: www.btc.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: 1632
- Total Faculty: 176
Clover Park Technical College
4500 Steilacoom Blvd SW
Lakewood, Washington 98499-4004
Phone: (253) 589-5800
URL: www.cptc.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, Two but less than 4 years certificate|Bachelor's degree. The campus is located in a small city with campus housing not offered.
- Total Student Population: 2788
- Total Faculty: 252
Bates Technical College
1101 S Yakima Ave
Tacoma, Washington 98405
Phone: (253) 680-7000
URL: www.batestech.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 midsize city with campus housing not offered.
- Total Student Population: 4133
- Total Faculty: 229
Lower Columbia College
1600 Maple Street
Longview, Washington 98632
Phone: (360) 442-2311
URL: lowercolumbia.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: 2435
- Total Faculty: 209
North Seattle College
9600 College Way North
Seattle, Washington 98103-3599
Phone: (206) 934-3600
URL: www.northseattle.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, 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: 4675
- Total Faculty: 335
Perry Technical Institute
2011 W Washington Ave.
Yakima, Washington 98903-1296
Phone: (509) 453-0374
URL: www.perrytech.edu/
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, Two but less than 4 years certificate. The campus is located in a small city with campus housing not offered.
- Total Student Population: 879
- Total Faculty: 57
Renton Technical College
3000 NE Fourth St
Renton, Washington 98056-4123
Phone: (425) 235-2352
URL: www.rtc.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, Two but less than 4 years certificate|Bachelor's degree. The campus is located in a midsize city with campus housing not offered.
- Total Student Population: 3072
- Total Faculty: 203
Spokane Community College
1810 North Greene Street
Spokane, Washington 99217-5399
Phone: (509) 533-8400
URL: scc.spokane.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: 6502
- Total Faculty: 541
Walla Walla Community College
500 Tausick Way
Walla Walla, Washington 99362-9267
Phone: (509) 522-2500
URL: www.wwcc.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: 2662
- Total Faculty: 262
Wenatchee Valley College
1300 Fifth St
Wenatchee, Washington 98801-1799
Phone: (509) 682-6800
URL: www.wvc.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: 2529
- Total Faculty: 256
Yakima Valley College
South 16th Ave. & Nob Hill Blvd.
Yakima, Washington 98907-2520
Phone: (509) 574-4600
URL: www.yvcc.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: 3279
- Total Faculty: 353
Northwest HVAC/R Training Center
204 E. Nora Ave
Spokane, Washington 99207
Phone: (509) 747-8810
URL: www.inwhvac.org/
This school is a < 2 year Private not-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: 35
UEI College-Tacoma
1415 East 72nd Street
Tacoma, Washington 98404-3344
Phone: (253) 210-3595
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: 520
HVAC Worker Salaries in Washington
Not only are the growth prospects for HVAC workers high nationwide and in Washington, but among occupations with minimal postsecondary training, HVAC is one of the more lucrative lines of work.
As of May 2024, the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) reported that the 374,770 HVAC workers employed across the country had an annual average salary of $58,540. By comparison, Washington HVAC professionals, numbering around 7,390, enjoyed an annual average salary (annual mean wage) of $66,577, significantly higher than the national average.
The BLS detailed wage percentiles among all HVAC technicians, mechanics, and installers across the country compared to those in Washington:
| Metric | United States | Washington |
|---|---|---|
| Number of HVAC professionals employed | 374,770 | 7,390 |
| Annual mean wage | $58,540 | $66,577 |
| 10th percentile | $37,170 | $44,030 |
| 25th percentile | $45,100 | $48,120 |
| 50th percentile (median) | $52,390 | $61,250 |
| 75th percentile | $66,630 | $76,690 |
| 90th percentile | $83,630 | $94,240 |
The national figures were slightly different according to Payscale, which relies on self-reported salaries. Payscale found that among HVAC workers reporting their annual salaries, the 10th percentile was $35,000, the median was $54,827, and the 90th percentile was $84,000.
HVAC Certification and Licensing in Washington
As mentioned in the introduction, all HVAC professionals nationwide who work with refrigerants must have the EPA Section 608 certification. This certification has four types:
- Type I: Small appliances
- Type II: High-pressure appliances
- Type III: Low-pressure appliances
- Type IV: Universal
Most HVAC training programs include EPA 608 certification preparation as part of their curriculum.
In Washington, HVAC professionals must also obtain specific state licenses. The Washington State Department of Labor and Industries issues two types of electrical licenses related to HVAC work: the Specialty Electrician HVAC/R 06A and 06B licenses.
- 06A License: Requires 4,000 hours of work experience and 48 hours of classroom education.
- 06B License: Requires 2,000 hours of work experience and 24 hours of classroom education.
To qualify, candidates must complete an application, gain the requisite experience or education, and pass a comprehensive exam. The licenses are valid for two years and require 24 hours of continuing education for renewal.
HVAC professionals in Washington must also register as specialty contractors if performing services over $1,000. The registration process includes:
- Choosing the business type (e.g., general partnership, sole proprietor, LLP, LLC)
- Registering with the WA Secretary of State
- Completing a business license application and obtaining an IRS employer identification number if employing workers
- Purchasing a bond and liability insurance ($6,000 for specialty contractors)
- Providing proof of general liability insurance
- Paying the registration fee
Local municipalities may have additional licensing requirements. For example, Seattle requires HVAC professionals to obtain specific refrigeration licenses, such as the journey refrigeration mechanic license or the refrigeration operating engineer license. These licenses are valid for one year and require completion of an apprenticeship or proof of training at a recognized HVAC school, along with passing a city-administered exam.
For more details on HVAC certification and licensing in Washington, you can visit the Washington State Department of Labor and Industries website.