The desert heat doesn’t cut anyone a break, and neither do the systems that keep our homes, casinos, and offices cool. If you are interested in learning the HVAC trade, you have a lot of great options. Nevada is full of programs that can get you trained, certified, and working in about a year (and sometimes even less). In this guide, we’ll walk you through the schools that are worth checking out, what kind of credentials you’ll need, how much you can expect to spend, and where the best job opportunities are right now. Whether you’re based in Las Vegas, up north in Reno, or anywhere in between, consider this as your starting point for a career that’s practical, steady, and always needed.
Fast Facts About HVAC Training in Nevada
- The typical program length for HVAC training in Nevada is between 6 and 24 months, depending on the credential you are earning (i.e., certificate, diploma, or Associate of Applied Science).
- The tuition range is approximately $10,000–$20,000 depending on your program type, length and institution.
- Common credentials for HVAC workers include certificates, diplomas, and AAS (Associate of Applied Science) degrees.
- The licensing body for contractor work (including HVAC) in Nevada is the Nevada State Contractors Board (NSCB).
- The median annual wage for HVAC technicians in Nevada is $59,230. This is about the same as the national average for HVAC techs, which is $59,810 annually.1-2
- Some key certifications you’ll want include in your study include EPA 608 (for refrigerants), OSHA 10/30 (for safety), and any additional optional industry certifications like the HVAC Excellence or NATE Certification.
Top HVAC Schools in Nevada (In No Particular Order)
Below are six program options in Nevada to help you compare and contrast programs. Make sure that you always check the institution’s website for current information on cost and financial aid availability.
1. College of Southern Nevada (Las Vegas)
The College of Southern Nevada (CSN) is located in Las Vegas and offers an Air Conditioning Technology program (AAS) that is designed to take 60 credits for full-degree completion. The curriculum emphasizes both residential and light commercial systems, including refrigeration, heat pumps, and controls.
The program includes hands-on lab work and is accredited with HVAC Excellence. Students can earn EPA 608 certification as part of the training. The school focuses on equipment, real-world scenarios, and has a dedicated HVAC Centre of Excellence (Western Center) that enhances the hands-on experience.
Credential type: AAS (Associate of Applied Science)
Estimated length: ~2 years (60 credits)
Extras: EPA 608 prep built-in, strong lab component, flexible schedule options (including evening or hybrid in some cases).
Why it stands out: In the Las Vegas metro, which is a high-demand market for HVAC techs, CSN offers a well-rounded, industry-recognized program that has strong accreditation and a hands-on focus.
2. Truckee Meadows Community College (Reno)
TMCC is located in Northern Nevada (near Reno) and offers a Heating, Ventilation, Air-Conditioning & Refrigeration (HVAC/R) Skill Certificate and an AAS in Air Conditioning Technology. The skill certificate is designed to prepare students for immediate technician roles (with a focus on residential systems) and the AAS tracks commercial/industrial systems.
Credential types: Skill Certificate (~<1 year) & AAS (~2 years)
Estimated length: Skill Certificate ~1 year, AAS ~2 years.
Extras: Students will gain lab experience, have access to residential/industrial tracks, and can stack their credentials for a more robust training experience.
Why it stands out: Positioned in the Reno corridor, where HVAC demand is high and competition for techs is solid. Flexibility for different entry levels makes it a good option for working adults or career changers.
3. Advanced Training Institute (Las Vegas)
The Advanced Training Institute (ATI) is a trade-school in the Las Vegas area that offers HVAC training with certificate and diploma tracks.
Credential type: Certificate/Diploma
Estimated length: ~6–12 months
Extras: ATI adopts a fast-track format and classes are offered during the day and in the evenings, which is great for people who want to enter the workforce more quickly.
Why it stands out: ATI is great for people who don’t want to wait around since you can finish training and start your career in about a year.
4. Nevada Career Institute (Las Vegas)
Nevada Career Institute is another technical school in Las Vegas that offers HVAC/R programs that are specifically designed for hands-on entry.
Credential type: Certificate/Diploma
Estimated length: ~6–18 months
Extras: Evening/weekend options are common to help people who are currently working or transitioning careers.
Why it stands out: This program is great for flexibility and accelerated training, especially if you’re already working or need flexible class times.
5. Career College of Northern Nevada (Reno-area)
The Career College of Northern Nevada offers HVAC training programs that cover refrigeration, air-conditioning, and heating systems. Additionally, this curriculum includes EPA 608 eligibility for students who are interested in refrigerants.
Credential type: Certificate/Diploma
Estimated length: ~12 months or less
Extras: The school has a smaller campus, which means there is increased potential for more individual attention and local employer ties in the Reno region.
Why it stands out: For those outside Las Vegas, this school is a viable local option for you without relocating.
6. Great Basin College or other Northern Nevada Community Colleges
Northern Nevada community colleges (including Great Basin) often offer HVAC/R or related trades certificates. When choosing the program that is the best fit, it’s important to verify accreditation, lab access and job-placement support.
Credential type: Certificate/Diploma or AAS
Estimated length: ~1–2 years
Why it stands out: For students who are living outside Reno/Las Vegas, a smaller community-college environment might offer lower costs and accessible local job connections.
How to Choose the Right HVAC Program in Nevada
Here are some key factors you should weigh when you are comparing HVAC school options in Nevada (and why they matter):
- Accreditation & instructor experience – You’ll want programs that are accredited by recognized bodies (e.g., HVAC Excellence) and instructors that have real-world HVAC backgrounds. Accreditation signals quality.
- Lab-based vs classroom-heavy formats – HVAC is a hands-on trade, so you want significant lab time where you will be working on live systems (ductwork, refrigerant recovery, controls). Programs that lean too much on lecture may leave you under-prepared for the real world.
- Course topics & scope – Check to make sure the programs cover the following topics: electrical theory, refrigeration, heat-pump systems, controls automation, and service/maintenance, diagnostics. Modern HVAC techs also work with smart systems and efficiency upgrades.
- Schedule flexibility & externship/placement availability – If you’re working while you are training, you’ll want night/weekend class options or accelerated formats. Also, make sure to look for externships or employer partnerships since these often lead to job offers once you graduate.
- Local employer connections & job-placement rates – A program that has ties to local HVAC companies, unions, or contractors will improve your chances of landing work quickly. When possible, ask the school for their latest job-placement percentage for graduates to see how you would fare once you finish that program.
Nevada HVAC Licensing & Certification Requirements
In Nevada, becoming an HVAC technician and/or contractor involves several key certifications and licenses. Here’s a breakdown:
EPA 608 Certification
Handling refrigerants requires the federal EPA Section 608 Technician Certification. All quality HVAC programs in the state should prepare you for this, and without it, you’ll be limited in the refrigerant-work roles you can hold.
Contractor’s License (for business ownership or independent contracting)
If you plan to run your own HVAC contracting business (or lead any major commercial projects), you’ll need to have a license from the Nevada State Contractors Board (NSCB). One common classification is the C-21 Refrigeration & Air Conditioning Contractor license (with subclassifications such as C-21A, C-21B, etc).
- Typical path: Several years of qualified HVAC experience (often 4 years within past 10), schooling may count for some years. You should also pass trade exam and business/management exam, submit financial statements/surety bond, and apply to NSCB.
- Renewal/continuing education: Contractors may need to renew their licenses/certifications and adhere to updated codes and standards (check NSCB regulations).
Note: As an HVAC technician (not contractor), you may not need the C-21 license, but you’ll want to confirm this with your local employer or job posting.
Technician vs Contractor
- As a technician, you may need certifications (EPA 608) and postsecondary training, but you can always work under licensed contractors.
- As a contractor/business owner, the C-21 (or subclass) license is required in Nevada.
Summary
- Are you interested in servicing or installing HVAC systems? If you are, you’ll have to complete an accredited program, earn EPA 608, maybe OSHA safety certs, and then you’ll be ready for technician roles.
- Do you want to own or run your own HVAC business? For this pathway, you’ll want to build years of experience, pass licensing exams, secure NSCB license (e.g., C-21), maintain insurance/bond, and keep up with any code updates.
Cost & Financial Aid Options
Understanding the cost and funding options is critical. Here’s what to keep in mind:
- Average program costs: Certificate/diploma programs may fall near the lower end (~$10K) while full AAS degrees may approach closer to ~$20K (depending on the duration and if you are in-state versus out-of-state).
- Federal student aid: If the institution is eligible for Title IV federal aid (FAFSA), you may access grants, loans, and work-study opportunities.
- Scholarships & workforce grants: Many schools offer trade-scholarships, and Nevada may also have workforce development grants for trades.
- Employer or union-sponsored apprenticeships: Consider apprenticeship programs (paid while you learn) which are often offered via unions or contractors.
- Veterans’ benefits & GI Bill: If you’re a veteran, you may use GI Bill benefits for your training programs.
- Budgeting tip: Factor in tools, PPE, books, and lab fees to calculate more accurately projected costs. Also check job-placement support, since a slightly higher cost program may actually pay off if job placement is strong.
HVAC Job Outlook in Nevada
If you are considering the career, now is a great time to become an HVAC tech in Nevada. The job market here is steady and only getting stronger as more homes, casinos, and data centers pop up across the state. Nationally, HVAC technicians earned a median salary of $59,810 a year as of May 2024, and employment in the field is expected to grow about 8 percent over the next decade.² Closer to home, the typical HVAC tech in Nevada makes a median salary of $59,230 a year, with experienced pros earning more depending on where they work and how many certifications they have.¹
Frequently Asked Questions
- How long does HVAC training take to complete?
In short, it depends on the credential. Certificates and diploma programs often take 6–12 months to complete, while an Associate of Applied Science (AAS) may take up to 18–24 months (or more, if you complete it part-time). - Will I need to have a state license to work as an HVAC tech?
To work as a technician (installing or servicing HVAC systems) you generally need program training + an EPA 608 certification. A state contractor license is only required if you’re going to own or independently contract your work (e.g., C-21). - Is EPA 608 certification required to get hired?
Yes, virtually all HVAC employers in Nevada expect you to have at least an EPA Section 608 certification if you plan to handle refrigerants. Without it your job options will be a lot more limited. - Which Nevada city offers the most HVAC jobs?
The Las Vegas metro region (Las Vegas–Henderson–North Las Vegas MSA) offers a large employment base for HVAC techs given its size, climate demands, and commercial infrastructure. Reno/Sparks also a large city that offers many HVAC jobs. - Are online or hybrid HVAC programs available?
Some programs offer hybrid components (classroom theory online + in-person labs), however, for HVAC training you’ll still need hands-on lab and workshop time. Always verify how much lab work you will have access to and where it’s located before you formally enroll in the program.
Final Thoughts & Next Steps
If you’re considering a career as an HVAC technician in Nevada, you’re looking at a trade that has growing demand, solid pay potential, tangible hands-on training and multiple pathways to entry in both residential and commercial sectors. To move forward, we recommend that you:
- Select and compare programs based on the criteria above (accreditation, lab work, schedule, cost).
- Visit campuses (if possible) to see the labs and equipment that you’ll have access to firsthand.
- Ask about EPA 608 pass-rates and student job-placement data, since that’s a key indicator of program effectiveness.
- Budget for costs and explore financial aid, scholarships, and apprenticeships.
- Plan your certs early: secure EPA 608, consider OSHA and industry credentials to boost your hireability.
- Connect with employers in Las Vegas or Reno to understand the specific local demands (hospitality HVAC, resort systems, and/or residential retrofit).
- Map your long-term path: With experience you can move into senior technician roles, commercial HVAC, controls/automation or contractor ownership (with the C-21, etc).
In short, if you invest in the right training now, you’ll position yourself for a resilient, high-demand, and well-paying career in Nevada’s critical HVAC industry.
Sources
About us: Career Karma is a platform designed to help job seekers find, research, and connect with job training programs to advance their careers. Learn about the CK publication.
