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HVAC

HVAC programs in the United States

These are national ranges — not a local paycheck. Open a state for tuition and first-year wage that belong to a real market.

Updated Apr 2026

BLS Occupational Employment — HVAC mechanics — $57,300

U.S. median annual wage (most recent OEWS) · May 2026

Compare by state

Typical paths nationwide

These are program types, not a specific local. Paid apprenticeships are listed first.

01

ABC / ACCA-affiliated HVAC apprenticeship

ApprenticeshipSeats: Open

Tuition / net cost

$0–$4,000

Employer-sponsored. Some chapters charge classroom fees.

First-year wage

$15–$20/hr

Paid helper / first-year technician scale.

Term

3–4 years

Steps with certifications (EPA 608, NATE)

Associated Builders and Contractors / contractor programs·Multiple states

Source: ABC / contractor program pages (composite) (2026-03)

02

UA / mechanical JATC HVAC apprenticeship

ApprenticeshipSeats: Unknown

Tuition / net cost

$0

Paid OJT. Related instruction typically covered.

First-year wage

$16–$22/hr

Percentage of local HVAC journeyman scale.

Term

4–5 years

HVAC technician median roughly $48k–$72k by market

United Association / local mechanical JATCs·Nationwide (local JATCs)

Source: UA / Apprenticeship.gov HVAC occupation notes (2026-04)

03

Public technical college HVAC / R certificate

Trade schoolSeats: Open

Tuition / net cost

$6,000–$18,000

In-state certificate typical range.

First-year wage

$0 during school

Unpaid classroom. Grads often start $18–$24/hr.

Term

9–18 months

National HVAC median around the high $50ks depending on source year

Community & technical colleges·Nationwide

Source: College Scorecard HVAC/R programs (composite) (2026-02)

04

Private HVAC career school

Trade schoolSeats: Open

Tuition / net cost

$15,000–$28,000

Published tuition before aid. Tool kits extra.

First-year wage

$0 during school

Unpaid training. Treat advertised placement wages as unverified.

Term

6–12 months

Not consistently reported

Private career colleges·Nationwide

Source: Published catalogs (composite) (2026-03)

Other U.S. comparisons

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