Download the Guide!
The need for trained HVAC professionals in Arizona is huge. The climate absolutely demands air conditioning in residential, commercial and industrial settings. The Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) reports that the Phoenix metropolitan area has the ninth-highest employment level for HVAC technicians in the country and the U.S. Department of Labor’s job search website, CareerOneStop, projects a 31% growth rate in Arizona for Heating, Air Conditioning and Refrigeration Mechanics and Installers, compared with 6% nationwide over the next decade.
There’s definitely evidence to support this on job boards. There are over 1,000 HVAC installer jobs in Arizona posted on Indeed.com and more than 4,000 on Zip Recruiter.
The Grand Canyon State has everything you need to get the training to thrive in this new career, and the growing demand for these skilled tradespeople in Arizona means you can feel confident that the time you put into training will pay off.
Accredited Arizona HVAC Training Programs
According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), “Because HVACR systems have become increasingly complex, employers generally prefer applicants with post-secondary education or those who have completed an apprenticeship.”
Formal education is not required by law in Arizona for entry-level HVAC workers, but it can help you land a job in the field. Also, in general, there’s a direct correlation between a degree and higher long-term earnings, so going to HVAC school could pay off in the long run.
Arizona has quite a few community college programs designed to train students for a career in HVAC. Only one, however, is accredited by either of the two main organizations that approve HVAC programs and schools nationwide: HVAC Excellence and the Partnership for Air-Conditioning, Heating, Refrigeration Accreditation (PAHRA). These organizations evaluate the programs based on the facilities, the faculty, and whether the curriculum meets or exceeds industry standards.
HVAC Excellence has not accredited any programs in Arizona, and PAHRA has accredited only Gateway Community College in Phoenix.
However, the other college options are accredited by the state. Post-secondary schools in Arizona must be licensed by the Arizona State Board for Private Postsecondary Education with a regular vocational program license or regular degree-granting license.
There are 10 college districts in the Arizona Community College System, and eight of them offer degrees or certificates in HVAC.
There are multiple locations in each of those districts.
HVACR Degrees & Certificates
As you weigh the benefits of formal training at a technical or community college, you may want to speak with people in the field in your state. The licensing requirements vary from state to state, and some require a minimum amount of education. Other states have no educational requirements, as in Arizona. If the real-world return on investment is not there in your state, it may make more sense to simply get an entry-level position and get on-the-job training in heating systems, cooling systems or commercial refrigeration.
Regardless of the educational requirements by state, anyone who maintains, services, repairs, or disposes of equipment that could release refrigerants into the atmosphere needs Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) certification. More on that later.
In terms of college education or trade school for HVAC techs, typically you’ll have a range of degree and certificate programs from which to choose. The time it takes to complete them and the cost of each are the most significant differences. The most common HVAC programs are:
Certificate Program – three to six months
Diploma Program – one year
Associate’s Degree – two years
Bachelor’s Degree – four years
Obviously, the longer the program, the more it costs. Most HVAC professionals have some post-secondary training because the systems used to regulate our homes and businesses are becoming increasingly complex and technical. However, very few HVACR professionals choose to get a four-year bachelor’s degree unless they’re seeking an engineering degree to design and develop those complex heating and air conditioning systems. If this is a path that interests you, you may want to explore the Mechanical Engineering Bachelor of Science degree at the University of Arizona. Among the HVAC courses in that degree is an HVAC Systems Design course. Both Arizona State University and Northern Arizona University also offer bachelor’s degrees in mechanical engineering, including HVAC coursework.
As stated earlier, in many cases formal education pays off in the form of higher wages.
Typical Courses in Technical College Programs
HVAC programs at technical colleges are all intended to prepare students for careers in the refrigeration, air conditioning and heating industries. All combine theory and the practical skills needed to do the job. Most encourage students to work in their field of interest while attending school if pursuing a longer degree, and many are designed with that in mind. One-semester programs typically prepare students to find entry-level work upon completion.
For the certificate programs, the coursework can be very specialized. For example, a Refrigeration Technologies certificate program would focus on competencies in electrical and mechanical principles related to installation, service, and maintenance to prepare students to work as service and maintenance technicians.
Broader programs of study for lengthier diploma programs would incorporate classes on blueprint reading, gas heat, heat pumps and related systems, refrigeration fundamentals, principles and practices, and system components. Air Conditioning certificates or diploma programs would also include classes on air conditioning systems application and installation and troubleshooting air conditioning systems.
Students pursuing an associate’s degree in Applied Science must fulfill general education coursework in addition to the specialized HVACR classes.
The #1 newsletter for the trades.
School Selection Criteria
There are a lot of things to consider when picking the right school and program.
Cost
Cost is, of course, at the top of the list. According to Community College Review, tuition at Arizona community colleges on average is $3,368 per year for in-state students and $8,322 for out-of-state students. There are variations in tuition and fees at each school, though, so be sure to review all of the costs involved.
There are also always costs for books and tools, but those tools are yours to keep. All students who are interested in receiving federal (Pell Grant) and any state grants apply by completing the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) form online.
Program Length
As noted above, you can choose a specialized certificate, a broader diploma, or associate’s degree. The certificates are predominantly 12 to 16 credit hours and will take one semester to complete. There are a couple offered that are 20 credits and will take a little longer. Diploma or associate’s degree programs typically take two years.
Benefits
There are many benefits to formal education if you want to join the HVACR profession. Though Arizona has no educational requirement to get started in the field, many employers will choose an applicant with a certificate or degree over one without credentials. Having some basic knowledge helps you to hit the ground running and secure your place in a shop full of professionals. Technical training is also usually rewarded with higher starting pay and lifelong earnings.
Online vs in-person
You may choose to get HVAC training through an online certificate program. Only you know if this type of independent curriculum will work for you.
Online programs are ideal for people looking for entry-level HVAC jobs or for entry-level workers who are looking to increase their salary. HVACClasses.org gives a detailed description of some of the top online programs nationwide. If you know your learning style relies on personal instruction, more traditional in-person classes are pretty accessible throughout the state. The state-accredited programs listed above are located as far north as Mohave Community College North, as far south as Cochise College Sierra Vista Campus, as far east as Eastern Arizona College and as far west as Yavapai College Prescott Campus, with many other campuses all in between.
Level of difficulty
HVACR programs are designed to prepare graduates for entry-level positions in the HVAC industry in commercial, industrial, or residential sectors. Curriculum includes an understanding of mathematics and physics.
HVAC technicians have to learn to do a lot of different things to be successful, including how to follow blueprints or other design specifications to install or repair HVAC systems, connect systems to fuel and water supply lines and air ducts, install electrical wiring and controls, proper techniques of refrigerant recovery, reclaiming and recycling, run diagnostics, and so much more.
The BLS describes the many duties of a HVAC mechanics and installers this way: Install, clean, and maintain HVACR systems; Install electrical components and wiring; Inspect and test HVACR systems and components; Discuss system malfunctions with customers; Repair or replace worn or defective parts; Recommend maintenance to improve system performance; Keep records of work performed. And, of course, especially in residential HVAC work, customer service is key.
School Comparison: At a Glance
The accredited training schools listed above are part of the Arizona Community College System. They all offer students financial aid in the form of grants and loans and have a 100% acceptance rate.
Gateway Community College falls within the Maricopa Community College district and is the only program in the state that is accredited by one of the two main national accrediting organizations. There is one HVAC related degree and one certificate you can pursue here.
Air Conditioning/Refrigeration/Facilities | Associate’s Degree | 68.5-79.5 credits
HVAC Residential Installation & Service Technician | Certificate | 665 clock hours
Arizona Western College in Yuma offers three HVAC programs — One Associate of Applied Science Degree and two certificates.
Air Conditioning and Refrigeration | Associate’s Degree | 64 credits
Air Conditioning and Refrigeration | Certificate | 38 credits
Basic Air Conditioning & Refrigeration Service Tech | Certificate | 20 credits
Cochise College has one Associate of Applied Science degree program that includes HVAC skills and two HVAC-related certificate programs. The Building Construction Technology AAS prepares students to follow a blueprint to estimate and build from foundation to finish using carpentry, electrical, plumbing, and HVAC skills.
Building Construction Technology | Associate’s Degree | 60 credits
HVAC Refrigeration | Certificate | 20 credits
HVAC | Certificate | 16 credits
Coconino Community College only offers a certificate.
Heating, Ventilation, Air Conditioning, Refrigeration | Certificate | 25 credits
Eastern Arizona College has both an Associate and certificate program.
HVAC-R Technologies | Associate’s Degree | 60 credits
HVAC-R Technician | Certificate | 16 credits
Mohave Community College offers three certificate programs in HVAC.
HVAC Residential | Certificate | 17 credits
HVAC/R Light Commercial | Certificate | 17 credits
HVAC Installation | Certificate | 16 credits
Pima Community College has one certificate program dedicated to HVAC and allows students to choose a concentration in HVAC as part of the AAS in Building and Construction Technologies.
Building & Construction Technologies | Associate’s Degree | 61-65 credits
HVAC-R Technician Certificate | Certificate | 32-33 credits
Yavapai College also has one certificate program dedicated to HVAC.
HVAC Service Technician | Certificate | 24 credits
In addition to the Arizona Community College HVAC programs there are several private institutions in Arizona that offer training in HVAC.
Refrigeration School Inc. (RSI) is at 4210 East Washington Street in Phoenix. The Refrigeration School has several HVAC programs.
The shortest is Refrigeration Technologies, which is six months; the total program cost is $19,050. Electro-Mechanical Technologies combines courses in Electrical and Refrigeration Technologies and takes nine months to complete. The total cost for that program is $23,450. The Mechanical Maintenance Engineering program is the most in-depth, building on the Electro-Mechanical Technologies program to prepare students for facilities and commercial environments and is 15 months long. The in-person version of this program costs $33,600; the online version costs $34,400.
Vocational Training Institute (VTI) is at 2101 W. Alice Avenue in Phoenix and offers HVAC and Welding training. VTI has three HVAC programs. The HVAC/R Basic Refrigeration program is 100 clock hours. The HVAC/R Entry Level Technician Training Program consists of 200 clock hours; the HVAC/R Technician Training Program is 600 clock hours. The school offers multiple schedule options, and day or evening classes can be completed in as little as four weeks. Tuition and course materials for the 200-clock hour program is $14,945; the 600-clock hour program costs $20,945.
The National Technical Institute (NTI) has a campus in Phoenix too. NTI offers three HVAC pathways that take three to four months to complete — Accelerated HVAC, Certified HVAC/R Technician, and Fusion HVAC/R. No matter which program you choose the cost is $6,895 and includes tuition, books, and EPA testing. The Fusion option is a combination of online and in-person training. No matter which pathway students choose, they are encouraged to take all the EPA tests — Type I, Type II, Type III and Universal — that will provide them with Universal certification. If a student is unable to complete all the testing successfully, he or she will still receive certification through the highest level they achieve and can pursue Universal certification independently after graduating from the four-month program.
Steps for Enrollment in Arizona
Every training program has its own way of doing things, but in general the process begins with visiting the school’s website and applying for admission online. Many require that you pay an application fee and provide several documents. In general the application process has the following steps:
Complete your application.
Pay application fee (except in the case of Arizona Community colleges, which offer free application).
Provide proof of residency to qualify for in-state tuition.
Provide sealed official high school transcript or GED scores..
Submit placement test scores.
If applicable, apply for on-campus housing.
If you choose to start with an apprenticeship, you will want to contact the Local Union or non-union trade organization chapter closest to you. Each organization has a slightly different application process, but the application requirements in general are:
Must be at least 18 years of age.
Must be a high school graduate, senior scheduled to graduate or have earned a GED certificate. Applicants will be required to provide a copy of their diploma or GED certificate, and an official transcript of their grades following submission of the application.
Must have a valid driver’s license.
Have passed high school algebra or an equivalent post-high school algebra class with a “C” or better or pass an aptitude test.
Pass a drug screen and criminal background checks.
HVAC Career Requirements in Arizona
As mentioned earlier, Arizona does not have an educational requirement to legally perform entry-level HVACR work in the state. Entry-level professionals just need to meet employer expectations to get started.
However, to legally perform heating, air conditioning and refrigeration work of more than $1,000 in the state of Arizona, you must be a licensed contractor or an apprentice or technician working under a licensed contractor. HVACR Contractor licenses are issued through the Arizona Registrar of Contractors (ROC). You are required to have at least four years of experience to qualify for a license, and you must take and pass a Statutes and Rules Exam and a Trade Exam. If you want to own your own HVAC business you will need to get your license.
The state does not license technicians, but some of Arizona’s cities do license at the journeyman level; always check with the jurisdiction where you intend to work to make sure you’re following local requirements. For instance, the city of Phoenix licenses HVAC professionals as journeymen or apprentices as described in the building code.
For a detailed explanation of Arizona’s HVACR licensing requirements and how to fulfill them, check out our essential guide to getting your Arizona HVAC License.
No matter what state you live in, there are Environmental Protection Agency requirements at the federal level for technicians who maintain, service, repair, or dispose of equipment that could release refrigerants into the atmosphere. According to EPA regulations under Section 608 of the Clean Air Act, this applies to any professional who conducts refrigerant line-pressure tests or handles or adds refrigerant to existing air conditioning systems. EPA certification is often part of HVAC degree programs. If you choose a shorter certificate program, you may need to get EPA certification on your own. Your employer should be able to guide you to resources, or you can find them in our Arizona HVAC License guide.
Salaries for HVAC Technicians in Arizona
Before paying for technical education and getting started in the HVAC field, you’ll want some idea of what you can expect in terms of the return on your investment of time, effort, energy, and money. In other words, what can you expect to make as an HVAC professional in Arizona? Payscale.com data provides an answer based on your experience. The median HVAC salary in Arizona for 2023 is:
Entry level <2 years : $51,100
Intermediate 2-4 years: $59,500
Senior 4-6 years: $67,100
Supervisor > 7 years: $87,600
For more information about HVAC salaries,visit this state-by-state guide.
Industry Apprenticeships
Another way to get the training to become an HVAC mechanic or installer is through a formal apprenticeship. Most apprenticeships are three to five years long and require you to be at least 18 years old, have a high school diploma or a GED, and a valid driver’s license.
There are several apprenticeship opportunities to get the training you need in Arizona. The Plumbing Heating Cooling Contractors (PHCC) Association of Metro Phoenix has a four-year apprentice program. The Union Apprenticeship offered through UA Local 649 is five years long, consisting of 10 semesters. Each semester costs $520. The expectation is that the students work during the day and attend classes twice a week in the evenings. Those outside of the greater Phoenix area may have the option of attending class on Saturday. Apprentices in the program typically take their code license exam near the end of their fifth year. The pay is a portion of the journeyman wage and increases each year.
Arizona’s Department of Economic Security also maintains a website of Registered Apprenticeships that meet national standards for registration with the U.S. Department of Labor. Apprenticeships through the Department of Labor are recognized nationwide, so your credentials will move with you. Or you can simply look for an entry-level position on Indeed or Zip Recruiter or another job board and work for a licensed contractor to learn on the job.
Some HVAC companies will provide the training themselves — creating an in-house apprenticeship. A pretty typical model of that is pairing a new employee with an experienced technician for the hands-on part of training and then requiring new hires to attend classes at night at a local community college or sometimes through the company itself. This typically includes getting EPA Certification and other certifications such as North American Technical Excellence (NATE) certification to demonstrate your proficiency.
According to the BLS, some craft workers enter apprenticeship programs after working as a helper. The Home Builders Institute offers a pre-apprenticeship certificate training (PACT) program for eight construction trades, including HVAC.
Other School Options
In addition to the institutions listed above, there are others you can consider, both online and in-person.
Arizona Automotive Institute in Glendale offers a program that can be completed in 10 months, with enrollment on a rolling basis every five weeks.
UEI College has two campuses in Arizona — one in Phoenix and one in Mesa. UEI’s HVAC classes teach students how to install, service, maintain, troubleshoot, and repair HVAC and refrigeration systems. The course also prepares students for two important certifications in the HVAC Field — EPA Section 608 Certification and the R-410A Certification.
Carrington College in Phoenix offers an HVAC/R degree in as little as 10 months.
Online options include Ashworth College and Penn Foster.
The bottom line is that you can find the training you need to excel in a career in HVACR in Arizona. The opportunities are all around you.
ServiceTitan HVAC Software
ServiceTitan is a comprehensive HVAC business software solution built specifically to help service companies streamline their operations, boost revenue, and achieve growth. Our award-winning, cloud-based platform is trusted by more than 100,000+ contractors across the country.
