Important HVAC Certifications

NATE Certification

The North American Technician Excellence (NATE) certification is the top standard for technicians. It is a nationally recognized certification that is not legally required, but is strongly recommended for any technician working in the heating, ventilation, air conditioning, and refrigeration (HVAC/R) industry.

EPA 608 Certification

The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) requires any technician or contractor that will be accessing systems that store refrigerant to obtain special EPA 608 certifications.

How Much Does a Trained HVAC Tech Make?

According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, in 2015, HVAC technician salary was $22.07 per hour or $45,910 per year. Many technicians maximize their income by working longer hours during peak seasons. As with any occupation, HVAC technician salary is dependent on the job, employer location, level of experience, and whether or not a union is involved. HVAC technician salary is usually implemented in the form of hourly wages, which will increase based on skill level, knowledge, and experience.