HVAC Technician Schools in West Virginia

To become a successful HVAC technician in West Virginia, you must be familiar with the major requirements set by potential employers, training programs, and the state government. This way, candidates can ensure they have what it takes to secure job placement and career growth while also being in good legal standing.

While the guide below showcases all of these requirements, we continue. We also examine other important considerations, such as the projected annual average salary, career outlook for the profession, and a few destinations for comprehensive education in various aspects of HVAC technology.

How to Become an HVAC Technician in West Virginia

The requirements below are expected of candidates looking to become successful HVAC technicians in West Virginia.

Starting on the Right Foot

Candidates can make admission into a vocational HVAC technology program much easier with the right documents. This usually includes a high school diploma and a GED equivalent for those who don’t already have one.

Some programs also require students to be at least 16 years old and fundamentally sound in basic science and mathematics.

Completing Relevant Programs

Even though it is possible to become an HVAC technician by completing one training program, it is usually best if an individual completes two kinds of training to start their career.

These training methods include classroom training and real-world training.

Classroom Training

A prospective HVAC technician needs to be able to carry out their duties in a work environment, but it is best to start with classroom topics before working with tools in the real world.

Thankfully, excellent training programs are offered by trade schools and vocational institutions. Candidates can start in the classroom with minimal pressure and work their way up to performing more complex duties.

Real-world Training

Just as vocational institutions and trade schools provide classroom training, apprenticeship programs and potential employers may offer real-world training for HVAC technicians at the start of their careers.

Some destinations will also provide pay, even while candidates are still learning.

Explore other trades with similar paths:

• Become an electrician in West Virginia

Licensure & Certification Requirements

In West Virginia, individuals working as HVAC technicians or contractors need a license to obtain at the beginning of their careers. The state has different licenses for technicians who will be working under contractors and candidates who will be working as contractors and hiring regular technicians to work under them.

All these are regulated and issued by the West Virginia Department of Labor. However, recent laws have made it so that the General Contractor Licensing Board will soon oversee contractor licensing and regulations. Still, the division will continue to perform administrative duties.

There are several licensing categories for regular technicians, including the HVAC technician-in-training category, the HVAC technician category, the HVAC residential technician category, and the HVAC contractor category.

Top HVAC Technician Schools in West Virginia

Individuals may consider any of the entries below for high-quality HVAC technician training in West Virginia.

Explore HVAC technician schools in West Virginia by City:

• HVAC technician schools in Charleston

Salary & Career Outlook

A survey of HVAC technicians in West Virginia on Indeed.com showed that, on average, an HVAC technician in West Virginia can expect an annual average salary of $47,727. Of course, it is very common for some professionals to go above or below the average number.

In this case, HVAC technicians in West Virginia who have managed to climb up to the top 10% earning bracket will be able to manage an annual average salary of $86,996. Those who are still starting and are among the bottom earners will be able to earn at least $26,184 on average at the end of the year.

To earn more, they can also improve their credentials and specialty focus, choose a better place of employment, and move within the city. Yearly income for HVAC technicians in West Virginia also increases with experience level.

Favorable locations with high annual average salaries for professionals in the state include Clarksburg, where HVAC technicians manage an annual average salary of $67,763, along with Parkersburg and Charleston, with annual average salaries of $62,743 and $54,530, respectively.