The constant demand makes heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) work one of the most reliable skilled trades in the state. HVAC training in Texas prepares you to install, maintain, and repair climate control systems in homes, schools, and businesses across the state. Whether you’re just starting out or switching careers, this guide will cover the best HVAC schools in Texas, what it takes to get licensed, how much training actually costs, and where the job market is headed in the future.
Quick Facts About HVAC Training in Texas
- Most HVAC certificate or diploma programs in Texas take 6 months to 1 year to complete if you are enrolled full-time. Associate degrees (AAS) take about 2 years to complete if you are enrolled full-time.
- Common credentials you’ll see for HVAC employees include Certificate/Diploma in HVAC Technology, Associate of Applied Science (AAS) in HVAC/R, and Occupational Skills Award (OSA) in HVAC.
- Required certifications that you should plan to get include EPA 608 (all types). Additionally, many programs also include OSHA 10/30 safety, and help prepare you for state licensing.
- Texas is one of the top states that employs HVAC technicians in the country, employing over 32,000 professionals across the state.1
- The annual median salary for HVAC technicians in Texas is $54,050 per year according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics.2 This is slightly lower than the national median salary, which is $59,180 annually.3
- Job growth is strong, with HVAC mechanics/installers projected to grow by 8% nationally from 2024–34, which is much faster than the average for all other occupations.3
Top HVAC Programs in Texas
Here are some of the strongest HVAC programs across the major Texas metropolitan areas (Houston, Dallas, Austin, San Antonio, El Paso).
Texas State Technical College (TSTC) – Waco Campus
Located centrally, TSTC’s HVAC Technology program offers a well-equipped lab and strong industry network.
- Credential: AAS or Certificate in HVAC/R Technology.
- Length: ~ 2 years for the AAS and ~ 12-18 months to receive the certificate, depending on your prior experience.
This HVAC program prepares students for the EPA 608. It includes hands-on labs in residential and commercial systems and strong job-placement linkage cited by the college.
Lone Star College – Kingwood (Houston metro)
This program offers both certificate and associate degree pathways in HVAC/R.
- Credential: HVAC Certificate (6-12 months) or AAS. Length: 6-24 months depending on path.
This program prepares you for the EPA 608. It includes modern simulation labs, real-world diagnostics and plus flexible scheduling (day/night) to accommodate working students.
San Jacinto College – Central Campus (Pasadena/Houston area)
- Credential: Certificate or AAS in Heating, Ventilation, Air Conditioning & Refrigeration (HVAC/R).
- Length: ~12-24 months.
The program emphasises energy-efficient/modern systems and commercial applications.
North Central Texas College – Gainesville (Dallas-Fort Worth region)
- Credential: Certificate in HVAC/R or AAS in HVAC Technology.
- Length: ~12-24 months.
- Focus: Mechanical systems, HVAC controls, and building automation, which makes it a strong program for commercial/residential mix learners.
Austin Community College (ACC) – Eastview/Rio Grande Campus
- Credential: Associate of Applied Science in HVAC Technician, or certificate.
- Length: ~18-24 months (for AAS) / ~8-12 months (for certificate).
Lamson Institute – San Antonio
- Credential: Commercial Refrigeration, Heating & Air Conditioning program (technical institute).
- Length: ~10-12 months for diploma.
Prepares students well for the EPA 608 Universal and NATE credentials. The program is also great for the South Texas area workforce.
El Paso Community College – El Paso region
- Credential: HVAC/R Certificate (or AAS) tailored for border region and desert climate.
- Length: ~12-18 months.
- Feature: strong alignment with residential/commercial HVAC work in West Texas.
Alvin Community College – South of Houston
- Credential: HVAC Technician Certificate or AAS.
- Length: certificate in ~12 months; AAS ~24 months.
- Focus: allows day/night scheduling for increased flexibility and has strong ties to the Gulf-Coast region HVAC employers. The program includes modern lab work in heat and humidity conditions to get a wide range of experience.
Arlington Career Institute – Arlington (DFW region)
- Credential: Heating, Ventilation & Air Conditioning Technician training program (diploma).
- Length: ~10-12 months.
- Features: small class sizes and hands-on training. The program prepares students for EPA 608 Universal and tools for commercial/residential work.
Houston Trade Training – Houston
- Credential: HVAC Technician Program (private trade school).
- Length: as short as ~8-10 weeks for fast-track certificate; longer for in-depth.
Preps students for the EPA certification. The program is best suited for those who are looking for rapid entry into HVAC maintenance.
*Note: While some of these programs are shorter, you’ll want to verify details like lab hours, externships, job-placement rates, and whether they prepare for licensing. The list is unranked, so make sure that you make your selections based on your individual goals, schedule, budget, and region.
How to Choose the Right HVAC Program
Choosing the right program isn’t just about tuition or location. Here’s what you’ll want to check:
- Accreditation & Facilities – Make sure that your school is approved and that the program will prepare you for credentials like the EPA 608 and any additional Texas licensing. Also make sure that the program is using modern labs and real-world equipment.
- Day vs. Night Options – If you’re working full-time or transitioning from another career, flexible scheduling is really important. Evening or weekend classes help to balance work or any other commitments you may have.
- Focus Areas (Commercial vs. Residential vs. Controls) – Texas has diverse HVAC demands such as residential service in single-family homes, commercial systems in large buildings, or even controls/automation for high-tech campuses. Make sure that you choose a program that is aligned with your interests.
- Employer Connections & Job Placement – Programs that partner with local HVAC contractors or provide hands-on externships often deliver strong employment outcomes following graduation.
- Hands-On vs. Theory Balance – HVAC is a skill trade, so you’ll need both classroom instruction and real hands-on lab/field experience. Programs that focus heavily on labs will help you to hit the ground running after your program.
Texas HVAC Licensing & Certification
Here’s a breakdown of what the state of Texas expects you to have when you go from a trainee to a working technician.
Technician Registration vs. Contractor License
- If you’re doing basic HVAC work under a licensed contractor, you’ll need to register as an ACR (Air Conditioning & Refrigeration) Technician with the Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation (TDLR).
- If you want to pull permits or run your own HVAC business independently, you’ll need to have a Contractor License (Class A or Class B) with TDLR.
EPA Section 608 Requirement
Will you be handling refrigerants? If so, you must have the federal EPA Section 608 certification. You can choose between Type I, II, III or Universal depending on the systems that you’ll be servicing.
TDLR Overview & Renewal Requirements
- After you register or become licensed, you’ll have renewal requirements (i.e., continuing education) and you have to maintain any insurance/ liability coverage if you’re loaded.
- Programs that include exam prep for state and federal certifications give you a leg up in the learning process.
Cost & Financial Aid
- The tuition for HVAC programs in Texas can range widely, from short-term fast-track certificates (~$1,500) to full-blown AAS degrees (~$15,000 or more) depending on the type of school and length of the program.
- You should also consider any additional costs for things like books, tools, certifications (EPA exams, state licence fees), lab fees, etc.
- Many students are eligible for financial aid (such as Federal Pell, state grants), workforce development grants, GI Bill benefits (for veterans), and apprenticeships (which basically pay you to learn on the job).
- Employer sponsorships: Some HVAC contractors will sponsor or reimburse you training in exchange for a work-commitment after graduation. This could look like sponsoring a year long program in exchange for you committing to two years at the employer.
HVAC Job Outlook in Texas
The job outlook and salary potential for HVAC technicians in Texas is strong, especially compared to many other trades.
Growth Rate & Demand
- Nationally, employment of heating, air-conditioning, and refrigeration mechanics and installers is projected to grow by 8% from 2024 to 2034.3
Salary Averages: Entry vs. Experienced
- According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the median annual wage for HVAC technicians is $54,050 per year.2
- Other sources (like Zip Recruiter) report that experienced HVAC technicians in Texas can earn upward of $60-70k or higher.4
- Note: entry-level wages might start lower (in the $40k-50k range) but they can quickly rise with certifications, specialization, and experience.4
Top Employers
You’ll find work in:
- Residential service companies (single-family homes, small businesses)
- Commercial HVAC contractors (office buildings, retail, industrial)
- Industrial or manufacturing facilities (chillers, process cooling)
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Do I need a state license to start?
Yes and no. You’ll at minimum need to register with TDLR as an ACR Technician if you plan to work under a licensed contractor. If you plan to run jobs ≥ $500 or pull permits yourself, you’ll need to obtain a Contractor License (Class A or B).
How long is HVAC training in Texas?
It depends. Certificate programs are generally completed between 6 and 12 months and Associate degrees usually take 18-24 months to complete. Apprenticeships are a longer pathway, typically lasting around 2-5 years.
Is EPA 608 mandatory?
Yes. If you handle refrigerants (which most HVAC techs do), you need to have EPA Section 608 certification.
Which Texas city has the best HVAC job prospects?
Major metros such as Houston, Dallas-Fort Worth, Austin and San Antonio all have strong job demand. While salary may vary slightly by region, the industry growth is robust statewide.
Final Thoughts & Next Steps
If you’re considering a career in HVAC in Texas, this is a prime moment to enter. With strong demand, good pay, and multiple pathways of entry, from certificates to associate degrees, there’s a viable route into a skilled trade that offers solid pay and upward mobility. When you pick a school, make sure it ticks the boxes of accreditation, EPA 608 prep, real hands-on labs, job-placement support, and regional relevance. With training, licensing, and certifications under your belt, you’ll position yourself well to hit the ground running in one of Texas’s most stable, in-demand trades.
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