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Every state in the nation has a growing need for HVACR professionals for residential, commercial, and industrial settings. New Jersey offers many career opportunities for those who want to join this essential workforce, and the Garden State has the training you need to get started and maybe even own your own business one day.
The U.S. Department of Labor’s job search website, CareerOneStop, projects a 6% growth rate for Heating, Air Conditioning and Refrigeration Mechanics and Installers nationwide and 9% in New Jersey over the next decade.
There’s definitely evidence to support this on job boards. There are hundreds of HVAC jobs in New Jersey posted on Indeed.com and Zip Recruiter.
We’ve put together everything you need to know to get started.
Accredited New Jersey 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.” Also, 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.
New Jersey does not require formal education for entry-level HVAC workers, but contractors are required to earn a New Jersey Master HVACR Contractor license. To bid on HVAC work, you must possess a New Jersey master HVAC contractor license; to do entry-level work, you must be training under direct supervision of someone who does hold a license. Technical education through a trade school or college can help you land that first job or apprenticeship and is necessary to apply to take the statewide examination to become an HVACR contractor. In general, there’s a direct correlation between a degree and higher long-term earnings, so education could pay off in the long run.
The two main organizations that approve HVAC programs and schools nationwide are 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.
Each has accredited one school in New Jersey. PAHRA has accredited Monmouth County Vocational School in Freehold, and HVAC Excellence has accredited the Lincoln Technical Institute (Lincoln Tech) HVAC programs in Union and Mahwah.
The National Center for Construction Education & Research (NCCER) has also approved two HVAC programs in New Jersey. NCCER lists the following programs on their website as accredited schools:
Ocean County Vocational Technical School in Toms River
Local 9 Plumbers & Pipefitters Training Center in Englishtown
There are several other HVAC training programs throughout the state. Among them are training programs at local community colleges and the nonunion apprenticeship through Associated Builders and Contractors (ABC) New Jersey. Details of those are below.
HVACR Degrees & Certificates
As you weigh the benefit of getting some formal training, you may want to speak with people in the field in your state. New Jersey doesn’t require classroom instruction to begin your HVAC/R career, but the state does require formal education in addition to hands-on training to become licensed.
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 for HVACR techs, typically there is a range of degree and certificate programs. 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
Diploma Program
Associate’s degree
Bachelor’s Degree
Obviously, the longer the program, the more it costs. Most HVACR professionals have some postsecondary 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, air conditioning, and refrigeration systems. A four-year bachelor’s degree is one of the ways of meeting the educational requirements for licensure in New Jersey though, so it is a possibility in this state. If this is a path that interests you, you may want to explore the Mechanical Engineering Bachelor of Science degrees at one of the four-year universities in New Jersey such as:
As stated earlier, formal education can pay off in higher wages.
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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, possibly giving them an advantage over another candidate without any training.
For the certificate programs, the coursework is specialized. 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 degree in Applied Science or a bachelor’s degree will need to fulfill general education coursework in addition to the specialized HVACR classes to meet the more rigorous requirements for those degrees.
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 New Jersey community colleges on average is $5,652 per year for in-state students and $7,575 for out-of-state students. However, many of the accredited HVACR programs listed here are part of apprenticeship programs and tuition may be reimbursed by or paid for outright by the student’s employer. There will be some variations in fees at each school, too, so be sure to review all the costs involved.
There are also always costs for books and tools, but those tools are yours to keep as you enter your field. All students who are interested in receiving federal (Pell Grant) and state grants apply by completing the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) form online.
Program Length
As noted above, you can choose from a very specialized certificate or a broader diploma or associate’s degree. The certificates can require 50 credit hours and take one year to complete. Associate’s degree programs typically take two years. Bachelor’s degrees take four years, and apprenticeships often take four to five years.
Benefits
There are many benefits to getting some kind of formal education if you want to join the HVACR profession. Many employers will choose an applicant with a certificate or degree over one without credentials or require an apprentice technician to take classes as part of their employment. 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. Both Penn Foster and Ashworth College offer online HVAC classes.
Online programs are ideal for people looking for entry-level HVAC jobs or for entry-level workers who are looking to increase their salary. For instance, if you are vying for a competitive apprenticeship in New Jersey, having even some online instruction may distinguish you from other candidates.
The New Jersey Plumbing Heating Cooling Contractors (PHCC) offers online plumbing and HVACR apprentice courses for apprentices who need a non-classroom-based method of receiving all of their apprenticeship instruction. This program is recognized by the U.S. Department of Labor, New Jersey Department of Labor, Employment & Training Administration, & Office of Apprenticeship, as a reasonable option for apprentice training. Each course is the equivalent of one year of classroom instruction and is approved for the required 144 hours of Related Technical Instruction (RTI). The PHCC Academy is NJDOL approved and registered as an online apprenticeship program in the state of New Jersey.
If you know your learning style relies on personal instruction, in-person classes are accessible throughout the state.
Level of difficulty
Some HVACR programs are designed to prepare graduates for entry-level positions in the HVAC industry in commercial, industrial, or residential sectors. Others in New Jersey satisfy the state’s educational requirement for licensing as an HVACR contractor. 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
There are many technical training programs available in New Jersey to learn about HVAC and refrigeration. New Jersey Career and Technical Education offered in high schools throughout the state is a great place to start if you know early on that this is the career path you’d like to take. The New Jersey Department of Public Education offers a Heating, Air Conditioning, and Refrigeration state-approved program through its Architecture and Construction Pathway. Among the school systems with this program are:
Many of these programs offer dual credit, simultaneously allowing students to earn college credits while fulfilling requirements toward high school graduation. Check with your high school CTE coordinator to find the nearest program if it is not offered at your school.
There are also Adult Education programs offered through the vocational high schools that meet the apprenticeship requirements for licensure in New Jersey. These adult programs are offered in the following schools districts:
Let’s also compare the training programs accredited by HVAC Excellence and PAHRA mentioned above.
Monmouth County Vocational School accredited through PAHRA
HVAC | Shared time program for high school students Level 1 & 2 | 40 credits | Credits earned through Pennsylvania College of Technology (Penn Tech)
Lincoln Technical Institute accredited through HVAC Excellence
Air Conditioning, Refrigeration, and Heating Technology—Union | Certificate | 50 credits Air Conditioning, Refrigeration, and Heating Technology—Mahwah | Certificate | 50 credits
The National Center for Construction Education & Research has accredited two programs in New Jersey.
Ocean County Vocational Technical School HVAC | Shared time program for high school students Year 1 & 2 | 900 hours
Local 9 Plumbers & Pipefitters Training Center HVAC Apprenticeship | 5 years
Many New Jersey Community Colleges have certificate or degree programs in HVACR. Each has different tuition and fees, but all offer students financial aid in the form of grants and loans. Some only offer online courses.
Mercer County Community College in West Windsor and Trenton Heating, Refrigeration and Air Conditioning | AAS | 60 credits
Eastwick College in Nutley HVACR | Diploma | 12-16 months
Pennco Tech in Blackwood Heating, Ventilation, Air Conditioning & Refrigeration | 35 weeks
There are many other HVAC training programs throughout the state either through apprenticeships or independent HVAC companies that do the training in-house. More on those in the apprenticeship section below.
Steps for Enrollment in New Jersey
Every program has its own way of doing things, but in general the process begins with you applying for admission online. 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.
However, if you are hoping to attend an apprenticeship program, you must apply directly to an employer, trade organization or JATC. Once you have a position as an apprentice, then you can apply for classes. 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 New Jersey
As mentioned earlier, New Jersey does not require licensing to begin your HVACR career but does require a license to become an HVACR Contractor. So, if you want to own your own HVAC business you must get your license. The state offers four paths to its licensing. All require some formal education paired with on-the-job training. Applicants must submit evidence of meeting the educational requirements through one of the following options:
Option 1: Completion of a four-year U.S. Department of Labor-approved apprenticeship in HVACR followed by one year of journeyperson experience under a licensed Master HVACR Contractor.
Option 2: Four-year bachelor's degree in HVACR from an accredited college or university followed by one year of journeyperson experience under a licensed Master HVACR Contractor.
Option 3: Four-year bachelor's degree in a related field to HVACR from an accredited college or university followed by three years of journeyperson experience under a licensed Master HVACR Contractor.
Option 4: Two-year degree from a trade, technology, community, or county school/college after completion of at least two years of a U.S. Department of Labor-approved apprenticeship in HVACR, followed by one year of journeyperson experience under a licensed Master HVACR Contractor.
All licensed Master Heating, Ventilating, Air Conditioning and Refrigeration (HVACR) Contractors must complete five-hours of state-approved Continuing Education (CE) for every two-year licensing cycle. For a detailed explanation of New Jersey’s HVACR licensing requirements and how to fulfill them, check out our essential guide to getting your New Jersey 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. The EPA certification test 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 New Jersey HVAC License guide.
Salaries for HVAC Technicians in New Jersey
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 New Jersey?Payscale.com data provides an answer based on your experience. The median HVAC salary in New Jersey for 2023 is:
Entry level <2 years: $55,600
Intermediate 2-4 years: $63,600
Senior 4-6 years: $72,700
Supervisor > 7 years: $94,500
For more information about HVAC salaries, visit this state-by-state guide.
Industry Apprenticeships
The most common way in New Jersey to get the training you need to become an HVAC mechanic or installer is through a formal apprenticeship. Most apprenticeships are four to five years long. You must also be at least 18 years old, have a high school diploma or a GED, a valid driver’s license and have passed high school algebra or an equivalent post-high school algebra class with a C or better.
Union HVAC apprenticeships are offered in New Jersey through the United Association local union chapters (LU) Joint Apprenticeship Training Centers — LU 9 Central New Jersey, LU 274 Jersey City, and LU 322 Southern New Jersey. They offer apprenticeships to plumbers, pipe fitters, and service technicians.
The apprenticeships are five years long. Each year includes 1,700 to 2,000 hours of on-the-job training and a minimum of 246 hours of classroom courses, including basics such as mathematics, science, drafting, welding, and other trade-related courses. Apprentices work for member contractors with an opportunity for increased wages each year until reaching journeyman status.
ABC New Jersey offers a nonunion, four-year apprenticeship in HVAC. To reach journey-level you will need to complete 576 hours of classroom instruction and 8,000 or on-the-job training hours.
Some HVAC companies will hire applicants who have had no or relatively little previous training and provide the training themselves — creating an in-house apprenticeship. A 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 community college or sometimes taught through the company itself. You’ll need to request that your employer act as your apprentice sponsor. Your employer must agree to register you with the U.S. Department of Labor – Office of Apprenticeship. The HVACR Board only accepts approved U.S. Department of Labor apprenticeships. This type of in-house training includes getting EPA Certification and other HVAC certifications such as North American Technical Excellence (NATE) certification to demonstrate your proficiency as a certified technician.
The state also has a website dedicated to registered apprenticeships for job seekers.
Other School Options
We’ve highlighted some of the more well-known HVAC training programs in New Jersey, but there are others to consider that may be more accessible to you based on where you live.
There are training programs throughout the state. In addition to all those already mentioned here are a few more where you can get the training you need to become an HVACR professional.
Fortis Institute in Wayne and Lawrenceville
National Career Institute in East Orange
Raritan Valley Community College in Branchburg
Sunset Technology Center in Union City
You can find the training you need to excel in a career in HVACR in New Jersey. The opportunities are all around you!
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