How to Become an HVAC Technician in Wisconsin

A Heating, Ventilation, and Air Conditioning (HAVC) system is an indispensable component in your home or business.

It plays a critical role in maintaining indoor temperatures at desired levels during the summer or winter seasons.

As a result, HVAC services are in high demand across all sectors in Wisconsin.

When the heating and cooling system malfunctions or requires maintenance, one needs to consult a professional HVAC technician.

Therefore, you’ll never go wrong if you choose a career path in the HVAC industry which is booming.

For instance, Wisconsin is expected to experience an employment growth rate of 8% between 2021 and 2030.

This guide explains everything you want to know about how to become an HVAC technician in Wisconsin.

How to Become an HVAC Technician in Wisconsin: A Step-by-Step Guide

If becoming an HVAC technician is your dream career, here are the requirements and steps to take to achieve your goal in Wisconsin State.

The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) requires all technicians who deal with service, maintenance, repair, or disposal equipment that releases refrigerants to have Section 608 HVAC certification.

Although Wisconsin has no statewide regulation that guides the operations of the HVAC industry, you can take the following steps to get certification that meets the local license requirements.

Have your High School Diploma or GED

First and foremost, one should have a high school diploma or GED if interested in joining the HVAC industry as a technician.

Basic education gained in high school helps prospective students gain knowledge and experience that will help them cope with the demands of the training programs to become HVAC technicians.

Earn a Certificate, Diploma, or Associate Degree

HVAC certificate programs, diplomas, or associate degrees are offered by community colleges, trade schools, or universities in Wisconsin.

A certificate program may take six months, while other programs can take up to two years to complete.

Obtain Formal Apprenticeship

Obtaining apprenticeship training through a trade organization, or local union is another effective method you can consider to achieve your HVAC certification in Wisconsin.

As an apprentice, you will work under the direct supervision of an experienced technician.

Apprenticeship gives you hands-on experience, but it can take between 4 and 5 years to complete.

Get an Entry-level Job

Getting an entry-level job with an appropriate company is one way of jumpstarting your career toward becoming an HVAC technician.

On-the-job training gives you the knowledge and skills necessary to handle different aspects of the HVAC profession.

Get the Required Education and Experience

You need to acquire four years of formal education, four years of work-related experience, or a combination of both to apply for HVAC Qualifier Certification.

Pay for the exam, and the Division of Professional Credential Processing will approve your application to take the licensing exam.

When you pass the exam, pay the credential fee and obtain your license, which is valid for four years.

You should renew the license after 4 years.

Once you’ve been licensed by the Department of Safety and Professional Services (DSPS) you can look for work as an HVAC technician or register as an HVAC contractor.

Licensing Requirements and Types of Licenses for HVAC Contractors in Wisconsin

Technicians are required to be licensed to perform HVAC work in many towns, cities, and counties in Wisconsin.

You can get a local license within your jurisdiction, so get the right details.

Other two HVAC credentials recognized in Wisconsin are offered at the state level, and they include the following:

HVAC Qualifier: Helps to demonstrate your proficiency in the field.

HVAC Contractor: Meant for business contractors.

It is crucial to check the type of license required in your area to operate as an HVAC technician.

Wisconsin HVAC Training Programs and Schools

Different schools offer HVAC training programs in Wisconsin.

The Partnership for Air-Conditioning, Heating, Refrigeration Accreditation (PAHRA) and HVAC Excellence are responsible for approving the schools and HVAC programs offered nationwide.

HVAC Excellence accredited:

Chippewa Valley Technical College

• Offers HVAC Technician Technical Diploma
• 33 credits
• Costs about $7,500
• HVAC associate degree with 66 credits
• Costs about $14,000

PAHRA accredited:

Blackhawk Technical College

• Offers Heating, Air Conditioning, Ventilation, and Refrigeration Technology Technical Diploma
• 55 credits
• Costs about $10,000
• HVAC/R diploma 2 years and HVAC diploma 1 year

Moraine Park Technical College in Fond du Lac

• HVAC Installation Technician Program
• 30 credits
• Program completed in less than a year
• Tuition is $141 per credit for in-state students, and out-state students pay $211.50 per credit

Western Technical College’s

• Located in La Crosse
• Offers heating, Air conditioning, and refrigeration Associate of Applied Science program
• 64 credits

Northeast Wisconsin Technical College

• Offers HVAC/R Technician Technical Diploma
• 53 credit hours (4 semesters)
• 62 credit-hour Associate Degree in HVAC/R (4 semesters)
• Located in Green Bay, WI
• Costs $138.90/credit

Northwood Technical College

• Located in Shell Lake
• 14 credit Refrigeration Essentials Technical Diploma (1 Year, $2, 312)
• 27 credit HVAC Installation Technician Technical Diploma (1 Year, $4,438)
• or 55 credit HVAC/R Technical Diploma (2 Years, $9,140)

Gateway Technical College

• Offers HVAC Apprenticeship Program

Nicolet Area Technical College

• 

  Offers a certificate in heating, Ventilation, and Air Conditioning

Wisconsin Indianhead Technical College

• Offers Heating, Ventilation, and Air Conditioning/Refrigeration Diploma

Certification

Throughout the US including Wisconsin, all technicians who service, maintain, repair, or dispose of equipment that emits refrigerants into the environment must obtain EPA Section 608 HVAC Certification.

The four types of certification are:

• Type I: involves servicing small appliances with about five pounds of refrigerant
• Type II: High-pressure units of five pounds or more refrigerant
• Type III: servicing or disposal of low-pressure units
• Universal: servicing all systems

National HVAC Certifications

The ASHRAE (American Society of Heating, Refrigeration and Air-Conditioning Engineers (ASHRAE), North American Technical Excellence(NATE), and others give you an added advantage although they are not required.

Salary Scale for HVAC Professionals in Wisconsin

The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics states that HVAC installers and mechanics in Wisconsin earn an annual average wage of $59,130.

• HVAC Installer in Wisconsin earns an average of $26 per hour and $6,750 overtime per annum.
• HVAC Technician gets $26.97 per hour and $6,750 overtime per year.
• HVAC mechanic earns $26.25 per hour.
• HVAC supervisor earns an average salary of $80.336 per year.

Salary scales in Wisconsin are determined by factors such as experience, level of education, skills, and certifications.

Annual Salary Range: Annual Salary by Location:

Location	Avg. Annual Salary
Milwaukee	$48,525
Madison	$48,042
Green Bay	$47,035
Kenosha	$48,167
Racine	$48,167
Appleton	$47,045
Waukesha	$48,342
Eau Claire	$46,939
Oshkosh	$46,741
Janesville	$47,846

Regional Salary in Wisconsin

* 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 complete HVAC technician training in Wisconsin?

The duration to complete the HVAC Qualifier license exam in Wisconsin is either four years of education, four years of work experience, or a combination of both.

The Apprenticeship program takes five years to complete.

A diploma or associate degree takes two years to complete.

Who can undertake an HVAC technician course in Wisconsin?

Anyone with a secondary qualification like a GED or equivalent can undertake an HVAC technician course in Wisconsin.

Furthermore, one has to be at least 18 years old to be eligible to join this profession.

Can you practice as an HVAC technician in other states using the certificate obtained in Wisconsin?

Wisconsin does not have licensing credentials for one to practice as an HVAC technician, so there is no reciprocity with other states.

You cannot use your credentials obtained in Wisconsin in another state in the US.

HVAC Technician Info by State