How Much Does HVAC School Cost?

Are you considering skilled trades training for a career in the HVAC industry? It’s a growing field with a promising job outlook.[1] But, the equipment is becoming more and more complex, leading many employers to hire those with formal HVAC training over other applicants.[2]

This means HVAC school could be a good investment, but how much does it cost?

HVAC Technician Definition

What exactly is an HVAC technician? These tradespeople service heating, ventilation, and air conditioning equipment—that’s where the term “HVAC” comes from.[3] Those who work on refrigeration equipment too are called “HVAC/R technicians.” Some techs also install and repair major appliances. They’re known as “HVAC/R-Mar Technicians.”

HVAC Technician Career Path

People can take different paths to becoming an HVAC technician. But, training and certification are usually two important parts of any path.

·       Step 1: High School Diploma or GED

A high school diploma or GED can improve your chances of landing a job.[4] HVAC training programs and apprenticeships also usually require one or the other.[5][6]

·       Step 2: HVAC Training

Working on sophisticated mechanical equipment and electrical wiring can require technical skills. Most HVAC techs learn these skills in vocational schools, community colleges, or through apprenticeships.[7]

·       Step 3: EPA Section 608 Technician Certification

Most HVAC/R equipment uses refrigerants. The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) requires techs to have Section 608 Technician Certification to buy or handle refrigerants.[8]

·       Step 4: On-the-Job Training

Working under an experienced HVAC technician is common for new hires. Usually, they start out with simple jobs like insulating refrigerant lines and move up to more complex tasks, for example checking electrical circuits.[9]

·       Step 5: Industry Certifications

Once they are working in the field, HVAC techs can improve their career and earning potential with industry certifications from organizations like North American Technical Excellence (NATE) and HVAC Excellence.[10]

HVAC Training Cost Comparison

There are a few options when it comes to HVAC training. Many vocational schools and community colleges offer HVAC programs. It’s also possible to learn the trade through an apprenticeship.[11]

Let’s see how they compare.

HVAC Training Type	Tuition Cost	Time	Description
HVAC School/Trade School	Ranges between $1,200 and $15,000	6-12 Months	Hands-On Training in Skills Needed for Entry-Level HVAC Jobs
Community College	In-State Students $4,868 per Year   Out-of-State Students $8,614 per Year	6 Months to 2 Years	Hands-On Training in Skills Needed for Entry-Level HVAC Jobs General Education Courses for Associate Degree
Apprenticeship	$500-$2,000	3-5 Years	On-the-Job Training

[12][13][14][15][16]

 

When calculating the cost of HVAC training, it’s important to consider other expenses, like books and supplies and room and board. These can add to the cost of HVAC school.

Midwest Technical Institute (MTI) offers an HVAC/R-MAR Technician program at its campuses in Springfield, Moline, and East Peoria, Illinois. The 9-month program is also available at the school’s campus in Springfield, Missouri.

HVAC Certification Cost

HVAC certification is usually the next step after completing an HVAC training program. The cost of certification depends on the type.

Type of Certification	Cost Range	Description
EPA Section 608 Technician	$24.95 to $120	Multiple-Choice Question Exam(s) Type I Taken Online Type II, III, and Universal Taken at Certified Test Center
North American Technical Excellence (NATE)	Starts at $24.95	Exam(s) Taken Online and at NATE Approved Testing Centers
Refrigeration Service Engineers Society (RSES)	$25 to $30 for Exams $108 to $128 for Membership	Exams Taken at Local RSES Chapters

[17]

Starting on the HVAC Career Path

How much HVAC school costs depends on where and how you learn the trade. If you want to enter the field quickly, a 9-month HVAC training program could be the way to go. With much faster than average employment growth predicted for this industry, it’s likely you’ll see a return on your investment.[18]

If you have questions about the costs of HVAC training at MTI, the admissions staff is happy to help.

*Not all programs and courses are available at all campuses.