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The Grand Canyon State has a lot to offer, from endless sunshine to awe-inspiring natural wonders.1 Arizona also has a booming economy and a strong job market.
The greater Phoenix area had one of the highest concentrations of HVAC techs in metropolitan areas as of May 2021, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), with 6,050 employees across Phoenix, Mesa, and Scottsdale.* Let’s take a look at what HVAC school could be like in Phoenix, Arizona.
How long is HVAC school in Arizona?
Every vocational training program at different schools in Phoenix will be different. These programs may last anywhere from 6 months to 2 years, depending on the type of program.
The Refrigeration School (RSI) is a technical training school offering HVAC classes in Phoenix, Arizona, to prepare students for a career in HVAC. The shortest program offered is Refrigeration Technologies, and this program can be completed in just 6 months.
Class schedules are offered in the morning, afternoon, and evening. This program trains students for potential employment in the fields of HVAC, refrigeration service, restaurant and retail refrigeration, or commercial refrigeration.
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Another program at The Refrigeration School is the Electro-Mechanical Technologies program, which can be completed in just 9 months.
In addition to learning essential HVAC skills, students will learn a broad range of electrical and mechanical skills, such as electrical wiring and fundamentals of solar.
Some potential career paths include boiler operator, power plant field technician, and maintenance electrician.
It is possible to earn an Associate of Occupational Studies in Mechanical Maintenance Engineering degree at RSI in 15 months.
This program includes everything in the Electro-Mechanical Technologies program, as well as additional coursework that can be completed online or in person. Additional courses include:
- Basic College Mathematics
- Motors and Applications
- Chillers
- Entrepreneurship
You can expect to be able to complete an HVAC training program from The Refrigeration School in less time than it would take to graduate from a 4-year anniversary.
How do I get my HVAC license in Arizona?
In Arizona HVAC technicians do not need to be licensed by the state to work after completing trade school, though this varies by state and region. However, HVAC technicians working with refrigerants must be certified by the EPA. The EPA Certification test can be taken in many locations, including The Refrigeration School. While it is recommended, it is not required to have formal training to take the EPA Certification test.
In Arizona, state licenses are distributed by the Arizona Registrar of Contractors. You can apply for a license as an LLC or corporation, or as a sole proprietor or partnership.
If you are working as an independent contractor, you would likely apply as a sole proprietor.
There are different license classification requirements, depending on the type of work you plan on doing, such as Air Conditioning and Refrigeration (C-39) and Comfort Heating, Ventilating, Evaporative Cooling (C-58).
The candidate must also complete the Arizona Statutes and Rules Training Course and Exam (SRE).
Other qualifying factors include:
- Passing a background check
- Paying fees
- Providing government-issued identification
Once all this is complete, the candidate would submit an application with all the corresponding materials to request a license to work.3
How much do HVAC techs make in AZ?
The job market for HVAC techs in Arizona is predicted to be good, according to Career One Stop, which is sponsored by the U.S. Department of Labor.5 HVAC jobs are expected to grow 31% between 2020 and 2030.**
According to BLS statistics, the mean wage for HVAC techs in Arizona is $50,420 per year.***
How much does it cost to take HVAC classes?
The cost of attending HVAC school varies by program and region. When considering tuition planning, be sure to apply for federal financial aid, as well as special military discounts and other scholarships, which may help reduce the upfront financial cost of investing in an HVAC career path. Financial aid and scholarships are available to those who qualify.
If you’re ready to learn more about enrolling in HVAC school, please take a moment to call The Refrigeration School at (888) 671-5803. If attending HVAC school in Phoenix, Arizona, sounds like the right path for you, please don’t hesitate to contact us!
*According to BLS data Arizona employed 7,950 Heating, Air Conditioning, and Refrigeration Mechanics and Installers (499021) through May 2021 http://data.bls.gov/oes.
**Employment for Heating, Air Conditioning, and Refrigeration Mechanics and Installers (499021) is expected to grow 31% in Arizona through 2030. https://www.careeronestop.org/Toolkit/Careers/Occupations/occupation-profile.aspx?keyword=Heating,%20Air%20Conditioning,%20and%20Refrigeration%20Mechanics%20and%20Installers&onetcode=49902100&location=arizona
***Arizona annual mean wage for Heating, Air Conditioning, and Refrigeration Mechanics and Installers (499021) reported by BLS for May 2021 http://data.bls.gov/oes. Average starting salary for Refrigeration Technologies is $37,078 for RSI graduates employed during the 12 month period of 7/1/20-6/30/21.
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