How to Become an HVAC Technician in Colorado

Thinking about a stable career path with the opportunity to solve problems using your hands every day?

Becoming an HVAC technician could be an ideal career choice for you.

As an HVAC tech working in Colorado, you’ll diagnose and repair heating, ventilation, and air conditioning equipment in both residential and commercial settings.

Get comfy while I take you through the steps to launch your HVAC technician career in Colorado!

How to Become an HVAC Technician in Colorado: Step by Step

To become an HVAC technician, you need expertise in heating, ventilation, cooling, and refrigeration systems.

There is no minimum age requirement to start training because there are no state-level licensing regulations.

However, the majority of firms only hire those who are at least 18 years old and have a high school certificate, or GED.

Get a degree or certification from a college or university

Although enrolling in a two- or four-year degree at a university is frequently more expensive, it also offers much-needed practical expertise.

Obtain a certification online

Online certification programs are popular among students because they are affordable and can offer flexible scheduling.

A recognized online certification program is an excellent place to start if you want to work in the HVAC sector.

Apprenticeship

In Colorado, you can work as an entry-level employee or as an apprentice for an HVAC company to receive on-the-job training.

The normal length of an apprenticeship is three to five years, with 2,000 hours of on-the-job training and 144 hours of classroom instruction per year.

Most employers will place you with a licensed supervisor to learn from on the job and require classroom learning to prepare you to take your certification exams.

Types of HVAC Certifications in Colorado

If you’re interested in becoming an HVAC technician in Colorado, it’s important to understand the requirements for HVAC certification and licensing in Colorado.

While Colorado does not mandate HVAC licensing, many local governments do require certifications and contractor licenses for certain HVAC specialties.

Licenses and Certifications You Will Need

Colorado’s licensing and registration processes are governed by the Colorado Department of Regulatory Agencies (DORA).

Its jurisdiction extends to both the Colorado State Plumbing Board and the Colorado Electrical Board.

It’s crucial to remember that you will need to have the necessary state-level electrical or plumbing license if you intend to perform any electrical or plumbing components of HVAC installation or repair because there are overlaps between HVAC work, plumbing, and electrical skills.

To begin working in the HVAC industry in Colorado, you only need to meet the requirements of your employer and eventually obtain a license in the local jurisdiction(s) where you will be employed.

Federal certification standards must also be taken into account.

You must possess a degree in engineering to work as an HVAC technician.

To legally be able to handle refrigerants as an HVAC technician, you must possess a certification from the US Environmental Protection Agency.

Each license requires passing an exam covering the relevant field’s contents with a score of at least 70%.

Plus, there are application and examination costs for each type of license.

The residential wireman and journeyman electrician licenses currently have an application price of $175 and a $75 exam fee.

EPA

An EPA Universal Certification License is required to handle refrigerants in compliance with Colorado EPA Section 608.

Passing a three-hour multiple-choice exam with a score of 70% or better is necessary for certification.

There is a $120 exam fee.

HVAC technicians can obtain one of three types of certification:

• Type I: working with equipment containing no more than 5 pounds of refrigerant.
• Type II technicians are allowed to service high-pressure appliances.
• Type III work on low-pressure appliances is permitted.

The EPA certification is transferable between states and has no expiration date.

HVAC Technician Training Schools in Colorado

Coursework covers electrical systems, heat pumps, gas furnaces, and more.

Pickens Technical College

• Location: Aurora, Colorado
• Accreditation: Commission on Occupational Education’s Commission
• Estimated Time to Completion: 1 year
• Estimated Tuition: per credit, $220 to $230

Front Range Community College

• Location: Fort Collins, Colorado
• Accreditation: PAHRA Higher Learning Commission
• Completion Time: Residential (four semesters); commercial (three semesters); refrigeration (two semesters); HVAC fundamentals (one semester); AAS degree (four semesters).
• Estimated tuition: Residents pay $133.35 for each credit; non-residents pay $629.25.

Emily Griffith Technical College

• Location: Denver, Colorado
• Accreditation: Commission of the Council on Occupational Education
• Completion Time: 10 months are needed to complete the project.
• Estimated Tuition: $7,939

Lincoln College of Technology

• Location: Denver, Colorado
• Accreditation: Accrediting Commission of Career Schools and Colleges (ACCSC)
• Completion Time: 40 weeks
• Estimated Tuition: $23,220

Red Rocks Community College

• Location: Lakewood, Colorado
• Accreditation: (HLC) The Higher Learning Commission
• Completion Time: Up to two years
• Estimated Tuition: Resident ($153.35 per credit); non-resident ($629.25 per credit)

Pikes Peak Community College

• Location: Colorado Springs, Colorado
• Accreditation: (HLC) Higher Learning Commission; HVAC Excellence
• Completion Time: AAS degree (two years); certificates (one to three terms)
• Estimated Tuition: Colorado Rate without COF ($247.35 per credit); Colorado Rate with COF ($153.35 per credit); non-resident Rate ($629.25 per credit)

Salary

The median annual wage for HVAC technicians in Colorado is $67,430, according to the BLS.

Overall, HVAC jobs pay higher than many trades, and the career field is projected to grow much faster than average over the next decade.

Job security and wages make it an attractive long-term option.

Annual Salary Range: Annual Salary by Location:

Location	Avg. Annual Salary
Denver	$49,830
Colorado Springs	$48,800
Aurora	$49,797
Fort Collins	$48,089
Lakewood	$42,034
Thornton	$49,830
Arvada	$49,830
Westminster	$49,830
Centennial	$65,325
Boulder	$50,726

Regional Salary in Colorado

* Salary information based on the May 2022 Occupational Employment Statistics (OES) Survey for Heating, Air Conditioning, and Refrigeration Mechanics and Installers, OCC Code 49-9021, BLS.
* Employment conditions in your area may vary.

Frequently Asked Questions

What education and training are required?

Most HVAC programs are 1-2 years long and lead to an associate’s degree or certificate.

Many technicians train on the job through apprenticeships as well.

What kinds of math and science classes should I take?

Math courses, including algebra, and basic science like physics are good preparations for the electrical, mechanical, and technical aspects of the job.

How much can I earn?

According to the BLS, the average salary for an HVAC technician in Colorado is $49,730 annually.

Salaries range from $35,950 for entry-level positions to over $62,000 for technicians with several years of experience.

HVAC Technician Info by State