How to Become an HVAC Technician in Idaho

A typical home in Idaho comes with climate-control systems.

This is due to the state’s heavy snowfall during winter and blistering summers.

Thus, Idaho residents require the service of an HVAC expert all year round.

If you are an Idaho resident and you wish to dive into the HVAC industry, this article offers the necessary guidance.

How to Become an HVAC Technician in Idaho Step-by-Step

Diving into the career path of becoming an HVAC technician in the Idaho region demands that you get specific permits and hands-on experiences.

In this section, we will reveal some of these procedures step-by-step.

1. Earn an HVAC-Related Degree

This is one major step to starting a career as an HVAC professional in Idaho.

However, you can obtain a degree by getting schooled formally or by taking the route of informal schooling, which is enrolling in an apprenticeship program.

Option 1: Attend an HVAC School

If you aim to go through this route, you must attend one of the accredited HVAC institutions to obtain a certification of developed skills.

Many HVAC schools demand that you stay and round up a four-year course in HVAC learning to obtain a license or certificate.

During this period, you will engage in theoretical and practical training activities.

Option 2: Enroll in an Apprenticeship Program

Enrolling in an apprenticeship program is another great way to gain knowledge or get schooled to become an HVAC expert.

Achieving your HVAC career goal through this route requires you to train under an approved HVAC company and operate under the guidance of a state-approved HVAC contractor.

2. Get the 608 Certification

This certificate, also referred to as an EPA certificate, qualifies individuals to carry out HVAC-related activities.

This certificate recognizes you as someone knowledgeable on Ozone depletion, recovery techniques, refrigerants, and more.

To get this certificate, you may need to sign up for a prep course and, thereafter, apply to participate in the 608 certification examination.

3. Obtain an HVAC License

Idaho, among many other states in the United States, prioritizes the need for an HVAC license for individuals to operate in the region.

To get such a state proof of permission for operation, individuals must possess certain qualifications.

This reiterates the importance of getting coached in an HVAC school or an apprenticeship program.

There are about 4 distinct categories of operations licenses that HVAC technicians can obtain in Idaho.

These categories of licenses determine your area of specialization in the HVAC industry as well as your salary range.

Individuals with an apprenticeship license, for example, are permitted to operate under the management of an already licensed professional.

HVAC technicians with this license function in areas of basic maintenance, installation, ventilation, replacement, and repairs of HVAC tools.

Also, technicians who obtain the journeyman or contractor license can perform diverse HVAC-related tasks independently.

Irrespective of the category of license that you aim to obtain, you may need to send an application, pay the required fees, and fulfill all necessary conditions to qualify for the license.

You can check through the HVAC certification website for more details about the licensing requirements in Idaho.

Top HVAC Schools in Idaho

There are tons of institutions in the Idaho region that offer HVAC-related programs.

If you are yet to conclude which of the state institutions suits your interest in getting a formal HVAC-based education, then you may find this section helpful.

College of Western Idaho

https://cwi.edu/program/hvac-apprenticeship

This institution offers a variety of HVAC-related courses as contained in its curriculum.

Its teaching location is at 2407 Caldwell Blvd, Nampa, ID 83651.

This college also makes provision for flexible training methods such as the setup of online class sessions.

The cost incurred in getting a formal education in this institution is largely dependent on the HVAC course you sign up for.

North Idaho College

https://www.nic.edu/hvac/

This state institution provides the opportunity for students to obtain diverse HVAC skills within the space of four years.

Entry-level HVAC experts who enroll in this college receive theoretical and practical guidance on the best ways to install, maintain, repair, and operate HVAC/R systems.

ISU Continuing Education and Workforce Training

https://cetrain.isu.edu/enrollment/hvac/

Residents and non-residents who apply to the Idaho State University (ISU) or training institute are entitled to four years of coaching classes.

These classes acquaint you with all of the basics to qualify you as a heat, ventilation, and air conditioning operation expert.

All of this training comes at a cost which depends on the area you wish to specialize in the industry.

College of Southern Idaho

https://www.csi.edu/programs/air-conditioning-refrigeration-heat/default.aspx

Once you complete and pass your training exercise at this HVAC training institution in the Idaho region, you will be qualified to apply for a certification that proves your skill.

Kootenai Technical Education

https://www.ktectraining.org/

This institution enables you to gain training experience on HVAC for free.

Kootenai offers training on HVAC systems, thermodynamics, system modification, and refrigerator cycles, among others.

Northwest HVAC/R Association and Training Center

https://inwhvac.org/

This training center is set up as a private institution that specializes in the basics and professional aspects of HVAC.

To gain entry into this institution, candidates are required to pay an application fee of $35, and they are required to also possess a high school certification and a driver’s license.

HVAC Technician Salary in Idaho

The salary you receive as an HVAC technician depends on your level of experience, license, specialization, and the company you work under.

The average salary of an HVAC apprentice is $30,500.

A journeyman earns between  $43,700 and $71,764 annually.

The typical range of an HVAC contractor is $53,625 to $81,140.

Annual Salary Range: Annual Salary by Location:

Location	Avg. Annual Salary
Boise	$45,661
Meridian	$45,612
Nampa	$45,170
Idaho Falls	$44,571
Pocatello	$42,607
Caldwell	$45,121
Coeur d'Alene	$47,873
Twin Falls	$42,558
Lewiston	$50,253
Post Falls	$47,978

Regional Salary in Idaho

* 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

How Long does it take to get an HVAC license in Idaho?

Getting an HVAC license in Idaho could take you a minimum of four years.

This is so because the Idaho government requires candidates to train for, at least, four years and get enough work experience, especially in a situation where you need to obtain a contractor license.

How much work can you do without a contractor license in Idaho?

Idaho requires its HVAC contractors to be licensed.

However, according to the Idaho Contractor Licensing and Registration Guide, if you work on projects that earn below $2,000, you are not mandated to get a contractor license as you can be a dependent HVAC technician who functions under a licensed contractor.

How much does an HVAC tech make per hour in Idaho?

According to ZipRecruiter, an HVAC tech makes an average of $22.75 per hour.

Most HVAC earn as low as $10.93 per hour, while some earn as high as $37.93.

 

HVAC Technician Info by State