Introduction
West Virginia (WV) is an ideal state for launching a career in heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) due to its diverse climate. The Mountain State experiences sweltering, humid summers and cold, snowy winters, necessitating efficient indoor climate-control systems. This climate diversity ensures a thriving and growing HVAC industry in the state.
Several factors contribute to the growth of the HVAC industry in WV beyond the climate. For example, HVAC professionals in West Virginia benefit from strong support networks through various professional organizations and unions. The United Association Plumbers and Steamfitters Local 565 in Parkersburg offers extensive benefits to its members, including professional representation and apprenticeship programs for new HVAC technicians.
Additionally, HVAC professionals may consider joining the Plumbers and Steamfitters Local 83 in Wheeling, which provides similar support and benefits to its members.
For those interested in a career in HVAC in West Virginia, the industry offers a rewarding path with robust support from local unions and organizations, along with high demand driven by the state's weather conditions.
Demand for HVAC Technicians in West Virginia
Anyone considering a job in West Virginia as an HVAC technician can be encouraged by the industry's strong and growing demand. The Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) projects that HVAC jobs nationwide will grow by 5% from 2022 to 2032, which is about as fast as the average for all occupations. This translates to approximately 38,500 new job openings annually.
In West Virginia, the demand for HVAC technicians is driven by several factors:
- Climate: The state's hot, humid summers and cold winters necessitate robust HVAC systems, which require regular maintenance, repairs, and replacements every 10 to 15 years.
- Regulatory Changes: Evolving laws and regulations in the HVAC industry increase the demand for skilled technicians who can ensure compliance with new standards.
- Construction Boom: New constructions, both residential and commercial, typically include advanced climate-control systems, creating further demand for HVAC professionals.
A search on job boards illustrates the strong demand for HVAC technicians in West Virginia. For example, a search on Indeed in 2023 showed numerous openings with companies like West Virginia University Hospital, Dodrill Comfort & Energy Solutions, Johnson Controls, and Camden Clark Medical Center. Similarly, Monster listed opportunities with organizations such as Brick Street Services, RWD Consulting, LLC, Sears Holding Corporation, CMS Nextech, and Shenandoah A/C & Heating.
Schools in West Virginia
Ben Franklin Career Center
500 28th St
Dunbar, West Virginia 25064
Phone: (304) 766-0369
URL: bf.kana.k12.wv.us/
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 midsize suburb with campus housing not offered.
- Total Student Population: 65
Cabell County Career Technology Center
1035 Norway Ave
Huntington, West Virginia 25705-2827
Phone: (304) 528-5106
URL: www.cabellschools.com/domain/12
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 midsize suburb with campus housing not offered.
- Total Student Population: 41
James Rumsey Technical Institute
3274 Hedgesville Road
Martinsburg, West Virginia 25403-0259
Phone: (304) 754-7925
URL: www.jamesrumsey.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 midsize suburb with campus housing not offered.
- Total Student Population: 101
Mercer County Technical Education Center
1397 Stafford Dr
Princeton, West Virginia 24740
Phone: (304) 425-9551
URL: mercercountyschools.sites.thrillshare.com/o/mctec
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 distant town with campus housing not offered.
- Total Student Population: 122
Monongalia County Technical Education Center
1000 Mississippi Street
Morgantown, West Virginia 26501-6841
Phone: (304) 291-9240 x2723
URL: mtec.mono.k12.wv.us/
This school is a < 2 year Public college that offers One but less than two years certificate. The campus is located in a small city with campus housing not offered.
- Total Student Population: 47
Academy of Careers and Technology
390 Stanaford Rd
Beckley, West Virginia 25801
Phone: (304) 256-4615 x302
URL: www.wvact.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 small city with campus housing not offered.
- Total Student Population: 130
West Virginia Northern Community College
1704 Market St.
Wheeling, West Virginia 26003-3699
Phone: (304) 233-5900
URL: www.wvncc.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: 1222
- Total Faculty: 115
Carver Career Center
4799 Midland Dr
Charleston, West Virginia 25306-6397
Phone: (304) 348-1965
URL: www.carvercareercenter.edu/
This school is a 2 year Public college that offers One but less than two years certificate|Two but less than 4 years certificate. The campus is located in a midsize suburb with campus housing not offered.
- Total Student Population: 155
- Total Faculty: 11
HVAC Worker Salaries in West Virginia
As of May 2023, HVAC mechanics and installers in the United States earn an average annual salary of $57,300, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS). In West Virginia, the average annual salary for HVAC professionals is $46,150, which is lower than the national average. Here are the detailed salary percentiles for HVAC workers in the U.S. and West Virginia:
| Percentile | United States | West Virginia |
|---|---|---|
| Number of HVAC Professionals Employed | 415,800 | 1,610 |
| Annual Mean Wage | $57,300 | $46,150 |
| 10th Percentile | $37,270 | $29,000 |
| 25th Percentile | $46,550 | $34,475 |
| 50th Percentile (Median) | $57,300 | $42,112 |
| 75th Percentile | $71,120 | $59,330 |
| 90th Percentile | $84,250 | $64,480 |
Payscale data for 2023 shows self-reported salaries among HVAC workers nationwide, indicating the following percentiles:
- 10th Percentile: $35,000
- 50th Percentile (Median): $49,916
- 90th Percentile: $80,000
While HVAC professionals in West Virginia earn less on average compared to the national figures, there is still significant earning potential, particularly for those in higher percentiles or with advanced skills and certifications.
HVAC Certification and Licensing in West Virginia
All HVAC technicians in West Virginia who handle refrigerants must maintain active EPA Section 608 Certification. This certification is divided into four categories:
- Type 1: Small appliances
- Type 2: High-pressure appliances
- Type 3: Low-pressure appliances
- Universal (Type 4): Covers all types of equipment
In addition to EPA certification, HVAC professionals can benefit from skill-specific certifications offered by various organizations:
- Refrigerating Engineers and Technicians Association: Certifications such as the Certified Assistant Refrigeration Operator
- North American Technician Excellence (NATE): Industry Competency Exams (ICE)
- HVAC Excellence: Certifications like Heating, Electrical, Air Conditioning Technology Plus
To work as an HVAC technician in West Virginia, individuals must obtain the necessary licensure from the West Virginia Division of Labor. The process includes:
- Application Submission: Applicants must submit an application, a $75 fee, proof of 2,000 hours of HVAC work experience, and 6,000 hours of HVAC or related work experience. Alternatively, individuals can apply as a Technician in Training, working under the supervision of a licensed HVAC technician.
- Examinations: Applicants must pass two exams—one on HVAC systems and another on business and law. The exam fee is $51.95 per test.
- Licensing: After passing the exams, applicants must submit their results along with a $60 license fee for HVAC Residential Technician or $75 for HVAC Technician. For contractor licenses, the application and renewal fee is $90.
All HVAC work in West Virginia valued at $2,500 or more requires a contractor license. HVAC professionals must adhere to state and local regulations, ensuring compliance with evolving industry standards.