Licensing Guides
Utah HVAC License: How to Become an HVAC Contractor in Utah
HVAC, UTTable of Contents
How Long Does it Take to Get an HVAC Contractors License in Utah?
What Are the Reciprocity Requirements for an HVAC License in Utah
Learning a trade requires hard work and determination. You can’t rush the process, but the time you put into learning how to become an HVACR technician or contractor can lead to a career that is long-lasting, lucrative, and fulfilling. There are 425,200 heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanics and installers nationwide, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, and Utah employs 5,370 of them.
Employment is projected to grow 8% from 2024 to 2034 throughout the country, adding more than 40,000 of these skilled workers to the ranks. In Utah, that growth rate is projected to be much higher at 34%, according to CareerOneStop, the U.S. Department of Labor’s job search website.
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Contractors struggle to find skilled tradesmen like plumbers, electricians, and HVACR or mechanical professionals while the demand for them continues to grow. According to the Associated General Contractors of America, “Construction employment in Utah in July 2025 totaled 143,100, an increase of 4,500 (3.2%) from July 2024 and an increase of 29,300 or 26% from February 2020.” So, if you get the training you need, you should have a variety of jobs to choose from.
A large part of what HVAC contractors and technicians do is replace and repair existing HVAC systems. As more emphasis is placed on energy efficiency and reducing pollution, systems need to be retrofitted, upgraded or replaced entirely to comply with these new standards. Licensing requirements for HVAC contractors vary from state to state and, in some cases, from locality to locality. Utah licensure is uniform statewide at the contractor level.
Licensing Requirements for HVAC Contractors in Utah
Is a license required to work as an HVAC/Mechanical Contractor in Utah? Yes.
Utah does not register apprentices or license HVAC technicians, but the state does require a Utah contractor’s license for HVAC business owners. That means to legally perform heating, air conditioning and refrigeration work in the state of Utah, you must be a licensed contractor or an apprentice or technician working under a licensed contractor.
To work as an HVAC Contractor in Utah, you will need to obtain a Specialty Contractor license with the S350 license classification. Requirements include passing a pre-licensure course, obtaining insurance, and registering your business entity, among other requirements.
HVAC contractor licenses are issued through the Utah Department of Commerce — Division of Occupational and Professional Licensing (DOPL), which also licenses general contractors, electrical contractors, and other specialty trades.
Some cities in Utah also require that you have a business license to legally engage in contracting within their city limits. For instance, Salt Lake City requires a business license for all trades, including mechanical contractors. You should always check with local authorities to be sure you’re meeting the legal requirements where you are engaging in business.
Types of HVAC Licenses in Utah
What are the different types of HVAC/Mechanical licenses in Utah? Utah offers several contractor classifications. To work as an HVAC contractor, you will need to obtain an S350 HVAC Contractor license, which is a specialty contractor license.
The scope of practice enables the licensee to perform the fabrication and installation of complete warm air heating, air conditioning, and ventilating systems, as well as the installation of refrigeration equipment, including built-in refrigerators, refrigerated rooms, insulated refrigerated spaces, and other related equipment.
LICENSE REQUIREMENTS:
Must be at least 18 years old and a high school graduate or have a GED.
Must pass a 25-hour pre-licensure course from the Associated Builders and Contractors Inc. (ABC), Utah Home Builders Association (UHBA), or Associated General Contractors of Utah (AGC).
Must obtain 4,000 hours of paid work experience.
Must obtain general liability insurance with a minimum of $100,000 coverage for each incident and $300,000 in total.
Register your business with the Utah Division of Corporations if you are a corporation, LLC, LLP, or partnership.
Must obtain a Federal EIN (Employer Identification Number) from the Internal Revenue Service (IRS). If you are a sole proprietor, you use your Social Security Number.
If you have employees, you must obtain a certificate of workers’ compensation insurance with DOPL as certificate holder.
Must obtain a state withholding tax registration from the Utah State Tax Commission.
Complete the online license application.
Pay all fees.
Steps to Get an HVAC License in Utah
Be at least 18 years of age and a high school graduate or have a GED.
Register for and complete an approved pre-licensure course.
Obtain 4,000 hours of paid work experience. A two- or four-year construction management degree will satisfy the experience requirements.
Obtain general liability insurance with a minimum of $100,000 coverage for each incident and $300,000 in total.
Register your business with the Utah Division of Corporations if you are a corporation, LLC, LLP, or partnership.
Obtain a Federal EIN from the Internal Revenue Service. If you are a sole proprietor, you use your Social Security Number.
Obtain a state withholding tax registration from the Utah State Tax Commission.
Submit the contractor application along with the $226 fee.
Benefits of Getting an HVAC License in Utah
There are many benefits to getting your Utah HVACR Contractor’s license:
Most importantly, it is required by law in Utah to be a licensed HVAC contractor or work under the direct supervision of a contractor to work on heating, ventilation, refrigeration, and air conditioning systems.
A trade license is proof of your experience and skill.
Only licensed HVAC contractors can: operate a business and advertise services, obtain commercial insurance, pull building permits and pass inspections, bid on public and government projects.
Having a license protects your company and customers.
A license gives you a competitive advantage in the job market.
It also increases your earning potential.
What Is the Mean Wage for an HVAC Technician in Utah?
The annual mean wage for HVAC mechanics and installers in Utah is $59,030, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. However, that salary can increase as you acquire more experience. An HVAC technician salary database, shared with ServiceTitan by Payscale.com, projects the median HVAC technician salary will increase nationally in 2025 by 3.44% for entry-level workers, 3.46% for intermediate level, 3.62% for senior level HVAC professionals, and 3.53% for supervisors. In Utah, those salary projections are:
Entry (<2 years): $52,700
Intermediate (2-4 years): $64,000
Senior (4-7 years): $75,100
Supervisor (>7 years): $88,400
The meaning of a “mean” and “median salary” can be confusing. Here is the difference:
Mean tells you the mathematical average.
Median salary tells you the point at which 50% of workers make less and 50% make more, and is usually a better indicator of what most people actually earn.
Salaries can vary widely depending on the city where you work and other factors like education, certifications, additional skills, and the number of years you have spent in your profession. If you choose to start an HVAC business, this blog can give you an idea of what you can expect to make and what factors will influence that number.
What Business Owners Need to Know
Getting the most out of an HVAC technician, no matter where they are in their licensing journey, takes work. ServiceTitan’s cloud-based, all-in-one HVAC software gives technicians and business owners the technology they need to do the work efficiently, and the data they need to do it smartly.
SMS communications that keep customers informed about the technician’s visit.
Location-specific service history, including recorded calls, accessible from the mobile app.
Required forms that ensure every job is done right, driving consistency.
The ability to build multi-option proposals with photos, on-site, in minutes.
Sales presentations that make conversations with customers easier and drive average tickets.
Mobile payment acceptance, eliminating lost checks and increasing cash flow.
To learn more, schedule a demo with a product expert today.
How Much Does It Cost to Get an HVAC License in Utah?
The cost to get started in the HVAC industry in Utah depends on the licensing process. If you simply want to earn the 4,000 hours of paid experience, you just need to gain employment with a licensed Utah business. If you choose this path, you will earn money while you learn.
All contractor candidates must take an approved pre-licensure course, which incurs a $300 fee. Click here for more information on pre-licensure courses.
Utah also allows you to bypass the work experience requirement by earning a two- or four-year construction management degree. This path will incur more expenses. According to Community College Review, the average tuition is approximately $6,267 per year for in-state students and $13,852 for out-of-state students.
Once you become eligible for licensure, you must pay a $225 license fee and $1 surcharge fee, totalling $226.
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How to Get an HVAC License in Utah
An HVAC career path refers to the different positions you can advance to as your skills and experience in HVAC develop. In Utah, becoming an HVAC/Mechanical professional isn’t fast, but it’s very straightforward.
APPRENTICESHIP/WORK EXPERIENCE: Before joining an apprenticeship or gaining employment with an HVAC company, you must first complete a pre-licensure course. Then, you must obtain 4,000 hours (around two years) of paid work experience. Note, earning a construction management degree will count for the experience requirement.
REGISTER YOUR BUSINESS: Register your business with the Utah Division of Corporations if you are a corporation, LLC, LLP, or partnership. You also need to obtain a Federal EIN from the Internal Revenue Service. If you are a sole proprietor, you use your Social Security Number. You must also obtain a state withholding tax registration from the Utah State Tax Commission.
OBTAIN INSURANCE: Obtain general liability insurance with a minimum of $100,000 coverage for each incident and $300,000 in total. If you have employees, you must obtain workers’ compensation insurance.
APPLY FOR LICENSURE: Register online with the UtahID licensing database and submit your contractor application. The license fee is $226.
Check out our blog post to learn about the 11 Key HVAC Skills Every Technician Should Have. And, if you choose to pursue owning your own business, you’ll need to stay on top of the changing regulations.
How Long Does It Take to Get an HVAC Contractors License in Utah?
It will take a minimum of two years of paid work experience to qualify for an S350 HVAC Contractor license in Utah.
Utah HVAC Training Programs and Schools
Unlike many states, Utah lets you qualify for licensure without on-the-job experience if you earn a two- or four-year degree in construction management. You can meet this requirement by enrolling in a community college or university program.
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). However, neither have accredited programs in Utah.
You can also pursue various HVAC-related certificates or degrees at Utah community colleges. Some training schools include:
Salt Lake City Community College offers an Associate in Applied Science in Construction Management.
Utah Valley University offers a Bachelor’s in Construction Management.
Southern Utah University offers a Bachelor’s in Construction Management.
Niche provides a list of the best trade schools with HVAC and refrigeration engineering technician degrees in Utah.
Tuition: According to Community College Review, the average tuition is approximately $6,267 per year for in-state students and $13,852 for out-of-state students. A four-degree at a university can cost upward of $30,000 per year.
Apprenticeship: There are all different kinds of apprenticeships that will satisfy the licensing requirement in Utah. You can apply for a union training program like the one offered through the Plumbers, Pipefitters, HVACR Local 140 in Salt Lake City.
Or you could choose a non-union training program through the Utah Plumbing and Heating Contractor's Association Apprenticeship Academy. Or you could simply apply for one of the apprentice positions listed on ZipRecruiter or Indeed to see if an employer will sponsor you instead.
Program Prerequisites: You must be at least 18 years old and have a high school diploma or a GED.
On-the-Job Experience: While on the job you will need to have good customer service skills, be detail-oriented, have some mechanical capability, and be physically fit because the job can include some heavy lifting and hours of walking, standing, and working in tight spaces.
For more detailed information about HVAC school options in Utah, check out our Ultimate Guide to HVAC Schools in Utah.
Utah HVAC Mechanical Licensing Exam Details
Utah S350 HVAC Specialty Contractors do not need to pass a licensing exam. However, if you apply for a general contractor license, electrical, or plumbing license, you or a designated qualifier will have to pass a Business and Law exam.
How Can I Prepare for the HVAC License Exam in Utah?
To recap, you do not need to pass a license exam to obtain an HVAC Contractor license in Utah.
Who Issues HVAC Licenses in Utah?
HVAC Contractor licenses are issued through the Utah Department of Commerce — Division of Occupational and Professional Licensing (DOPL).
Does My Utah HVAC License Work in Any Other State?
Many states will waive examination and other requirements if one state’s licensing requirements are equal to or greater than the other state. Make sure to check local regulations if you want to work in another state.
What Are the Reciprocity Requirements for an HVAC License in Utah?
Utah does not maintain reciprocal agreements with any other states for HVAC licensing. Instead, Utah allows for licensure by endorsement with certain states, depending on the license classification. Click here for more information on license by endorsement.
HVAC Specific Requirements: EPA Certification
Throughout the country, including in Utah, federal-level EPA regulations under Section 608 of the Clean Air Act require that technicians who maintain, service, repair, or dispose of equipment that could release refrigerants into the atmosphere must be certified. EPA Section 608 HVAC Certification is required for any professional who conducts refrigerant line-pressure tests or handles or adds refrigerant to existing air conditioning systems.
Most training programs can direct you to how and where to get that certification, or your employer will require you to get it before handling refrigerant. You can also go to EPA.gov and key in 608 Certification in the search bar to find out which institutions in your state offer certification programs. All apprenticeships will include this preparation and testing.
Take Certification Exam: You must acquire your EPA Certification from an approved organization. A list of these organizations can be found on the EPA’s website. There are four types of EPA Certifications for Refrigerants. They allow for different levels of certification for different scopes of work.
Type I – for servicing small appliances containing five pounds of refrigerant or less.
Type II – for servicing high-pressure units that contain five pounds or more of refrigerant (including most small commercial and residential systems).
Type III – for servicing or disposing of low-pressure appliances.
Universal – for servicing all systems and appliances covered under Types I, II, and III. Generally more useful than targeting any one specific certification.
Core Exam
For all certifications, you must pass the “Core Section” of the EPA certification exam. It 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
National HVAC Certifications
Other certifications can help you demonstrate your proficiency to potential employers and clients. North American Technical Excellence (NATE) certification, ASHRAE (American Society of Heating, Refrigeration and Air-Conditioning Engineers) certification, and other professional certifications are not required but can add to your marketability as a service provider and therefore increase your opportunity to make more money.
Other Requirements Unique to Utah
Utah HVAC Contractors must renew their licenses on odd-numbered years at a fee of $128. The DOPL will email a renewal reminder approximately 60 days before your license expires.
Are There HVAC Scholarships in Utah?
Yes, there are HVACR scholarships in Utah. Options include:
American Society of Heating, Refrigerating and Air‑Conditioning Engineers Utah Chapter: Offers two $1,000 scholarships per year for engineering students showing interest in HVAC careers.
The EGIA Foundation HVAC HERO Scholarship: Awards up to $2,500 toward tuition for students in HVAC technical education programs at Dixie Technical College.
Many of the state’s community colleges also offer financial assistance and various scholarships. The Rocky Mountain Gas Association (RMGA) offers six $2,000 scholarships per year to first- and second-year students that are in an HVACR industry and attending a Utah technical or community college.
How Can Someone Verify My HVAC License in Utah?
Your HVAC license can be verified by potential clients or employees via the DOPL’s Licensee Lookup & Verification System. You can search the database by trade, name, or license number.
When Can an HVAC License Be Suspended in Utah?
A suspended HVAC Contractor license means that the license holder is temporarily prohibited from practicing their trade legally. Some of the common reasons that Utah HVAC Contractor licenses can be suspended are:
Fraud
Professional incompetence
Misleading or deceptive practices
Criminal convictions
Aiding unlicensed individuals
Failure to comply with regulations
Practicing on a lapsed license
Willful or repeated violations of regulations governing HVACR professionals
Licensees can also face disciplinary action if they fail to report changes in business or personal information to the board or fail to respond to an investigation or complaint.
Note: The information above should not be considered legal advice. For detailed and specific information about Utah HVAC license regulations you can refer to the official Division of Professional Licensing Act.
What Are the Penalties for Unlicensed HVAC Work in Utah?
Performing HVAC work in Utah without a license carries a penalty of $1,000 for the first offense, and $2,000 for the second offense. You can be fined up to $2,000 per day for any subsequent offenses.
Note: The information above should not be considered legal advice. For detailed and specific information about Utah HVAC license regulations you can refer to the official Division of Professional Licensing Act.
Continuing Education
Utah HVAC Contractors must complete six hours of continuing education every license cycle. All courses must be approved by the DOPL. Click here to find approved courses.
Resources
You can stay up to date on all HVAC industry news several ways:
Check top HVAC blogs, including ServiceTitan’s blog.
Read about the latest industry trends.
Listen to top HVAC podcasts like ServiceTitan’s “Toolbox for the Trades” podcast..
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.
Ready to learn more about what ServiceTitan can do for your business? Contact our team to schedule a demo today.
