HVAC Technician Schools in Oregon

The guide below dives extensively into all of the major considerations that anyone who wants to start a successful HVAC technician career in Oregon must have in mind. We aim to help interested individuals prepare by giving them a clear understanding of every issue they will have to tackle along the way.

By doing so, the page’s users will be as ready as possible to handle challenges and even optimize certain parts of the process to ensure that they not only secure direct job placement but can also leverage opportunities to improve their positions and increase their yearly earnings.

Certain sections of the guide also deal with the projected annual average salary for HVAC technicians in Oregon and the factors that affect these numbers.

How to Become an HVAC Technician in Oregon

The following steps are required to become a professional HVAC technician in Oregon.

Fulfilling fundamental requirements

Like most other places across the country, prospective HVAC technicians in Oregon must meet a few basic requirements before starting their careers. Usually, a fundamental understanding of mathematics and physical sciences is important. Candidates are also encouraged to have their high school diploma or a GED test equivalent to secure admission into a program.

Training forms

Training programs for prospective HVAC technicians may take two general forms. These include:

• Academic Learning—Classroom training is imperative to understanding the theories behind HVAC technology. This is why most states ask candidates to spend some time in the classroom, becoming familiar with their duties before moving on to the next stage of training.

For candidates in Oregon, the best classroom training programs are offered by community colleges and technical schools, some of which we analyze in detail in an upcoming section.

• Hands-On Training—Hands-on training may be considered even more important than academic training as it allows students to actually work with HVAC technology equipment.

A great training program, whether academic or employer-sponsored, should have hands-on elements. Generally, the best places to receive such training are apprenticeship programs, which a trade union or a professional organization may offer.

Explore other trades with similar paths:

• Become a carpenter in Oregon

Licensure & Certification Requirements

HVAC technicians in Oregon need a license to start working legally. The Oregon Building Codes Division Office issues regular licenses to professionals in this field. The organization in charge of those who want a contractor license is the Construction Contractors Board.

Additionally, the regular license for HVAC technicians in Oregon is further divided into two categories: the Class A Limited Energy Technician and the Class B Limited Energy Technician licenses.

To qualify for a license, candidates must have completed a training program, applied for the licensing examination, paid the required fees, and successfully passed their exams. Individuals who would like to receive a contractor license must be at least 18 years old and must also complete law and business practice training.

Top HVAC Technician Schools in Oregon

Aspiring HVAC technicians in Oregon may look to the following programs for solid introductory education.

Explore HVAC technician schools in Oregon by City:

• HVAC technician schools in Portland

Salary & Career Outlook

According to projections released by the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the employment rate for HVAC technicians in Oregon will continue to sustain the increase it has achieved in recent years. This will lead to tens of thousands of annual openings across the country.

At the present moment, an HVAC technician in Oregon can expect an annual average salary of around $63,119 if they are among the median earners, $42,248 if they are among the bottom 10%, and $94,300 if they are among the top 10%.

A candidate’s experience level will influence their annual average salary, but something like location also plays a key role. Focusing on this factor alone, data shows that London is the most rewarding location for HVAC technicians in Oregon, with an annual average figure of $10.

Other notable places are Scappoose, with an annual average salary of $72,685; Wilsonville, with an annual average salary of $68,066; and Portland, with an annual average salary of $67,919.