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We all want to stay warm in the winter and cool in the summer. When our furnaces or air conditioners break, we rely on a heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) mechanic, installer, or service technician to fix them. There’s a lot to learn if you want a job in this essential workforce, and training is available throughout The Hawkeye State.
The growing demand for HVAC professionals in Iowa, including HVAC apprentices, HVAC service technicians, HVAC refrigeration technicians, HVAC installers, and licensed HVAC contractors who own their own businesses, means you can feel confident that the time you put into training will pay off.
The U.S. Department of Labor’s job search website, CareerOneStop, projects a 20% growth rate in Iowa for Heating, Air Conditioning, and Refrigeration Mechanics and Installers as compared with 6% nationwide over the next decade.
There’s definitely evidence to support this on job boards. For instance, there are hundreds of HVAC jobs in Iowa posted on Indeed and ZipRecruiter.
In this complete guide, we’ve put together everything you need to know to get started on your career path as an HVAC professional in Iowa.
Iowa HVAC Training Programs
According to the BLS, “Many HVAC-R technicians receive post secondary instruction from technical and trade schools or community colleges that offer programs in heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration. These programs generally last from six months to two years and lead to a certificate or an associate’s degree.”
The BLS says new HVAC techs work alongside experienced technicians, though some gain experience from an apprenticeship program, which lasts between three and five years. Apprenticeship programs include learning about safety practices, blueprint reading, how to use tools, and gaining knowledge about the various systems used to heat and cool buildings.
The licensure requirements for HVAC workers and contractors vary from state to state, and in Iowa, you must be licensed to legally perform heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration work of any kind.
The state registers or licenses every level of this workforce, including apprentices, journeymen, and contractors. Iowa requires HVAC apprentices to be registered and issues journeyperson and contractor licenses. The Iowa Department of Public Health, Plumbing and Mechanical Systems Board (PMSB) issues licenses for HVAC workers, as well as electrical, plumbing, public works, and manufactured housing.
To become an HVAC technician in Iowa you can attend community college (usually two years) or trade school (usually six to nine months), or work as an apprentice for an HVAC company and get on-the-job training.
Iowa offers many HVAC training programs all over the state, including in major cities and smaller communities. There are also options for online training. There are currently two main organizations that approve HVAC programs and schools nationwide: HVAC Excellence and the Partnership for Air-Conditioning, Heating, Refrigeration Accreditation (PAHRA).
In Iowa, one HVAC training school is accredited by HVAC Excellence:
Scott Community College in Bettendorf
Here are some other Iowa training centers offering HVAC technician programs:
Des Moines Area Community College in Ankeny
Hawkeye Community College in Waterloo
North Iowa Area Community College in Mason City
Western Iowa Tech Community College in Sioux City
Iowa Western Community College in Council Bluffs
Kirkwood Community College in Cedar Rapids
Northeast Iowa Community College in Calmar
Indian Hills Community College in Ottumwa
Iowa Central Community College in Fort Dodge
Iowa Lakes Community College in Estherville
Iowa Apprenticeships
In Iowa, HVAC workers must complete a registered apprenticeship before applying for a journeyperson license. Along with the schools listed above, there are other organizations and unions in Iowa that offer apprenticeships.
Some apprenticeship options include:
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HVAC Degrees & Certificates
As you weigh the benefits of formal training at a technical or community college or online, you may want to speak with people in the field in the state where you plan to work.
Because of the complexity of today’s HVAC systems, many employers prefer to hire people who have completed both technical school courses and on-the-job training, as well as those who have field experience. In some cases, formal education pays off in the form of higher wages.
There’s typically a range of certificate and degree programs, as well as apprenticeships, that combine classroom learning with hands-on experience. Some HVAC contractors may allow you to train with them while also attending a college program at night or on the weekend. If you choose to start at a trade school, the time it takes to complete each kind of program and the cost of each are the most significant differences. The most common programs are:
Certificate Program – three to six months
Associate’s Degree – two years
Bachelor’s Degree – four years
Obviously, the longer the program, the more it costs. If you seek a degree in mechanical engineering technology, you’ll need a two-year Associate of Applied Science (AAS) degree. If you want to be a mechanical engineer, you’ll need a four-year Bachelor of Science Degree in Mechanical Engineering. If these paths interest you, you may want to explore other schools in Idaho such as:
Iowa State University in Ames
University of Iowa in Iowa City
In many cases, formal education can pay off in the form of higher wages. If you seek to become an HVAC journeyperson or master HVAC contractor, a degree isn’t necessary.
Typical Courses in Technical College Programs
HVAC programs at technical colleges are intended to prepare students for careers in commercial, industrial, or residential HVAC applications. Most technical school graduates earn technical diplomas or HVAC certifications and leave prepared to accept entry-level positions as an HVAC technician.
HVAC technicians must be knowledgeable in heating, ventilation, air conditioning, and refrigeration systems and be prepared to diagnose, troubleshoot, and repair cooling and heating systems including heat pumps, commercial refrigerators, gas heaters, air conditioners, and more.
To help guarantee future employment, you might consider attending an accredited program through an agency, such as HVAC Excellence.
Typical HVAC courses teach fundamentals including:
Safety
Computer concepts (diagnosing and repairing complex systems)
Heat pumps
Commercial HVAC and refrigerators
Basic electricity for HVAC
Basic refrigeration technology
Gas heating
Air conditioners
HVAC customer soft skills and job-seeking skills
Refrigeration applications
Residential HVAC applications
Troubleshooting ventilation systems
For all HVAC certifications in Iowa, you must pass the core section of the EPA certification exam, which covers the following topics:
Ozone depletion
Clean Air Act and the Montreal Protocol
Section 608 regulations
Substitute refrigerants and oils
Refrigeration
The Three R’s (Recover, Recycle, Reclaim)
Recovery techniques
Dehydration evacuation
Safety
Shipping
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 Iowa community colleges is approximately $4,331 per year for in-state students and $4,920 for out-of-state students.
However, some of the educational programs may be part of apprenticeship programs, and tuition may be reimbursed by or paid for outright by the student’s employer or union. There will be some variations in fees at each school, too, so be sure to review all of the costs involved.
You will also incur costs for books and tools, but those tools are yours to keep as you enter your field. All students who are interested in receiving financial aid or federal (Pell Grant) and state grants apply by completing the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) form online.
Program Length
Most training programs take about two years of schooling/work experience to earn an associate’s degree or learn what you need to know to pass the EPA Section 608 Certification Exam. HVACR apprenticeships last four or five years, and consist of classroom instruction and on-the-job training.
It typically takes a minimum of 42 months as a registered apprentice to qualify to take the HVAC journeyperson license exam in Iowa. The Iowa Plumbing and Mechanical Systems Board accepts examination applications for the following:
Master & Journeyperson Plumbing
Master & Journeyperson Hydronics
Master & Journeyperson HVAC/Refrigeration
Master & Journeyperson Mechanical
Journeyperson Sheet Metal
Master exam candidates must have at least two years of work experience as a licensed journeyperson or be a licensed master in another state or local jurisdiction.
Level of Difficulty
HVAC training programs are designed to prepare graduates for entry-level positions in commercial, industrial, or residential sectors as HVAC installers or technicians. 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.
School Comparison: At a Glance
The Iowa training centers and colleges listed below offer HVAC programs to train students for a career in the HVAC industry. Let’s take a look at the different schools:
Scott Community College, Bettendorf
Offers an HVAC Academy, where students attend four terms during high school, then finish with one term during the summer after graduation.
Upon completion of the HVAC Academy, students receive an HVAC diploma that prepares them for several different career options in the field, including:
HVAC engineer
HVAC installer
AC technician
Refrigeration technician
Automotive HVAC technician
HVAC/R sales
HVAC/R contractor
HVAC mechanic
Offers a two-year HVAC program through Eastern Iowa Community College that prepares students to take Industry Competency Exams in Residential and Light Commercial HVAC, as well as receive their required EPA Section 608 Technician Certification. This is the only school in Iowa that is fully accredited by HVAC Excellence.
Des Moines Area Community College, Ankeny
DMACC offers a two-year, accredited HVAC-R technology program that provides the theory, knowledge, and skills needed to work on residential and light commercial structures.
Upon completion of the first three terms, students receive their HVAC diploma.
Upon completion of all five terms, students receive their AAS degree.
Hawkeye Community College, Waterloo
Offers a Heating and Air Conditioning program that prepares students to become proficient in the theory and process of electric, boiler, solar, and fossil fuel heat systems, as well as air cooling and refrigeration.
Provides an HVAC lab for training on a variety of air conditioners, furnaces, heat pumps, air exchangers, boilers, and more.
Offers a four-year apprenticeship program that prepares you to take the journeyperson test.
North Iowa Area Community College, Mason City
Offers a two-year Heating and Air Conditioning Technology Program. Graduates earn an Associate in Applied Science Degree.
Western Iowa Tech Community College, Sioux City
Offers a four-year HVAC Apprenticeship program that includes on-the-job training as well as classroom instruction that prepares students to become licensed journeypersons.
Iowa Western Community College, Council Bluffs
Offers an HVAC Maintenance Certificate program that provides the basic skills necessary to gain employment as an HVAC assistant or apprentice.
Offers an HVAC Technology Diploma program that provides all of the necessary skills to become an HVAC technician.
Kirkwood Community College, Cedar Rapids
Offers a one-year HVAC Installer program that provides students with the skills to enter the trade of heating, ventilation, and air conditioning installation.
Northeast Iowa Community College, Calmar
Offers a Heating and Air Conditioning Diploma that provides students with the skills needed for installation, maintenance, and repair work.
Indian Hills Community College, Ottumwa
Offers a 6-month HVAC & Refrigeration Diploma where students learn about safety, ductwork analysis and installation, refrigeration cycle, electrical and refrigeration troubleshooting, forced air, hydronic heating, and heat pumps. Graduates also obtain EPA Section 608 Technician Certification.
Iowa Central Community College, Fort Dodge
Offers an HVAC Technology program that prepares students for entry into many different occupations such as commercial HVAC technicians and field service representatives. After completing four semesters, students earn an Associate of Applied Science degree.
Iowa Lakes Community College, Estherville
Offers a three-term HVAC diploma that provides students with hands-on experience and develops a variety of general industrial skills.
Offers a five-term HVAC Associate in Applied Science degree program that provides students with hands-on experience and classroom instruction.
Steps for Enrollment in Iowa
Every college has its own way of doing things, but in general the process begins with applying for admission on the school’s website. Some require that you pay an application fee and provide several documents. In general, the application process has the following steps:
Complete your application.
Pay the application fee (if applicable).
Provide proof of residency to qualify for in-state tuition.
Have sealed official high school transcript or GED scores sent.
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 Iowa
Iowa requires licenses at every level, beginning with HVAC apprentices. Apprenticeships must be recognized by the U.S. Department of Labor and must include 2,000 hours of hands-on training and 144 hours of classroom instruction each year.
To become an HVAC journeyperson, applicants must complete at least 42 months of a registered apprenticeship program and then pass the subsequent exam.
To qualify to become an HVAC master, you must have at least two years of work experience as a licensed journeyperson.
All mechanical contractors must be licensed with the PMSB and registered with the Iowa Division of Labor. All contractor applicants must pay the contractor registration fee in addition to the license fee, and provide proof of workers’ compensation insurance coverage, proof of unemployment insurance compliance, public liability insurance coverage of at least $500,000, and a surety bond of at least $5,000. Also, if you want to own your own HVAC business you will need to get your comntractor license.
HVAC professionals anywhere in the country, including Iowa, must obtain an EPA HVAC certification if they conduct refrigerant line-pressure tests, or handle or add refrigerant to existing air conditioning systems, according to EPA regulations under Section 608 of the Clean Air Act.
For a detailed explanation of EPA certification and Iowa’s HVACR licensing requirements and how to fulfill them, check out our essential guide to getting your Iowa HVAC License.
Salaries for HVAC Technicians in Iowa
Before paying for technical education or completing a lengthy apprenticeship to become an HVAC technician or licensed contractor, you’ll want some idea of the potential return on your investment of time, effort, energy, and money. In other words, what can you expect to make as an HVAC professional in Iowa? Payscale.com data provides an answer based on your experience. The median HVAC technician salary in Iowa for 2023 is:
Entry level <2 years: $48,100
Intermediate 2-4 years: $55,100
Senior 4-6 years: $63,000
Supervisor > 7 years: $81,700
For more information about HVAC salaries,visit this state-by-state guide.
Industry Apprenticeships
In Iowa, HVAC apprenticeships last four to five years, and combine hands-on training with classroom instruction. To meet U.S. Department of Labor standards, you must accumulate 8,000 hours of on-the-job training and 576 hours of classroom instruction over four years. Most also require you to be at least 18, have a high school diploma or a GED, and a valid driver’s license.
Apprenticeship opportunities in Idaho include:
ABC of Iowa Apprenticeship & Training Trust — Offers HVAC apprenticeship programs at three training centers throughout Iowa. Students receive instruction in safety, math, HVAC materials, theory, installation, maintenance, and other areas consistent with the HVAC trade. Upon completion, students are prepared to take the Journeyperson exam.
The Plumbing-Heating-Cooling-Contractors of Iowa Association — Offers a four-year HVAC apprenticeship program that combines classroom work with on-the-job experience. Upon completion, students are prepared to take the Journeyperson exam.
Plumbers and Steamfitters UA Local 33 — Offers a five-year UA training program where students earn wages while they learn.
Plumbers and Pipefitters UA Local 125 - Offers a five-year apprenticeship training program where students earn wages as they learn.
Other School Options
In addition to the training programs and schools already mentioned, there are training centers in nearby Illinois, Missouri, and Wisconsin:
Midwest Technical Institute in East Peoria, Illinois
American Trade School in St. Ann, Missouri
Blackhawk Technical College in Janesville, Wisconsin
You can find the training you need to excel in a career as an HVAC technician in Iowa. The opportunities are all around you.
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