HVAC Technician Schools in Arkansas

HVAC technicians in Arkansas must meet the Arkansas Department of Labor and Licensing requirements before starting their careers in the state. The department has a general guideline that all candidates must meet before acquiring their license and starting work.

Training programs and employers also have their requirements that make this possible. In the sections below, we highlight all these major considerations, ranging from the educational provisions to the steps involved in acquiring a license.

As notable bonuses, we also provide detailed explanations concerning the annual average salary that HVAC technicians in the state can expect and some notable training programs where they can receive top-class education to begin their careers correctly.

How to Become an HVAC Technician in Arkansas

The following are the considerations for starting an HVAC technician career in Arkansas.

Meeting the Age Requirement

All aspiring HVAC technicians in Arkansas must meet a minimum age requirement before practicing legally. Currently, this minimum is set by the state board to be 18 years old.

Employers also expect candidates to have basic mathematics and reading skills.

Classroom Training and Work Experience

In Arkansas, anyone looking to work as an HVAC professional must have a combination of classroom training and work experience. The state board determines how much work experience and classroom instructions are needed.

The formula is flexible, as one may be substituted partially for the other. For instance, candidates who have at least 2 years of work experience may go on to receive their license from the board while attending an academic program. In contrast, part of the work experience requirement can be substituted for educational training at an approved program.

Below, we look at some of these “approved programs,” including those offered by community colleges and technical schools. Candidates looking for work experience from the start may consider applying for apprenticeship or on-the-job training roles.

Reciprocity Licensure

It is also worth mentioning that HVAC technicians licensed in another state may apply for licensure directly without going through the steps above again. However, the prior license must have been acquired in a state with licensing laws similar to those of Arkansas.

Explore trades with similar paths:

• How to become an auto mechanic in Arkansas

Licensure & Certification Requirements

Entry-level HVAC technicians starting in Arkansas can receive a license after working under licensed contractors. However, they must receive a license from the Arkansas Department of Labor and Licensing to become contractors.

The department issues heating and cooling licenses in six categories: Class A, B, C, D, E, and L. These licenses differ based on the kinds of project technicians, whether or not they can sell equipment and systems, and whether they can install new equipment.

A few of these also come with horsepower limitations.

The specific license category will also determine the application fees. For instance, a Class A contractor license costs $200, a Class B contractor license costs $150, and a Class C license costs $100.

Classes C, D, and E costs $100, $100, and $150, respectively.

Class L license does not incur an application fee.

Top HVAC Technician Schools in Arkansas

Aspiring HVAC technicians in Arkansas may consider the training programs below for their education.

Explore HVAC technician schools in Arkansas by City:

• HVAC technician schools in Little Rock

Salary & Career Outlook

The annual average salary of an HVAC technician in Arkansas depends on several factors, including their experience level, employer, specialty area (if any), and location.

For instance, according to data from a survey of HVAC technicians in the state, the annual average salary of those in Fayetteville is the highest, at $60,798 a year. It is followed by those in Fort Smith, with an annual average salary of $57,544; Little Rock, with an annual average salary of $55,668; Jonesboro, with an annual average salary of $51,828; and Bryant, with an annual average salary of $52,461.

Generally, though, HVAC technicians in the state can expect to take home an annual salary of around $48,364 if they are among the average earners. If they are among the bottom 10%, their annual average salary will be closer to $29,080, while this figure will be around $80,437 if they are among the top 10%.