An HVAC technician’s duties include installing, maintaining, and upgrading heating and cooling systems, diagnosing mechanical and electrical faults in these components, and carrying out appropriate repairs.
The journey for an aspiring HVAC technician in Indiana involves obtaining top-class training at a worthwhile institution. However, this isn’t all there is to it.
Below, we analyze the steps involved in becoming an HVAC technician, the licensing and certification requirements, and the salary figures and projections for fresh technicians in the state.
We also concisely list some notable HVAC technology training programs offering high-level training.
How to Become an HVAC Technician in Indiana
Below is a step-by-step breakdown of the process needed to become an HVAC technician in Indiana.
Step 1: Have a High School Diploma or GED
Candidates looking to become HVAC technicians in Indiana must have a high school diploma or GED and be at least 18 years old.
Step 2: Receive Technical and Real-World Training
The two main forms of training for HVAC technicians in Indiana are “on-the-job” training and attending an academic program. We examine both below.
Academic Training
Academic training for HVAC technicians in Indiana provides a strong academic foundation on which students may acquire further real-world experience. These schools typically last for a couple of years, after which candidates graduate with an associate degree.
As with most trade and technical fields, employers appreciate candidates with degrees, leading to better career opportunities.
The list below includes a few academic destinations offering strong programs in HVAC technology.
On-the-Job Training
Candidates looking to earn while they earn may consider apprenticeship programs, which are a form of on-the-job training typically organized by trade unions and professional organizations.
Those who are lucky may be able to find entry-level positions without attending an academic or apprenticeship program. Instead, they will learn everything they need to know while employed, often under the tutelage of licensed supervisors.
Some employers also require such trainees to receive classroom instructions at least twice a week so that they may eventually become certified.
Step 3: Certification
Fresh HVAC technicians in Indiana may choose to obtain certification to increase their job prospects. Examples of this are the EPA Section 608 Certification and OSHA Safety Certifications.
Consider trades with similar paths:
Top HVAC Technician Schools in Indiana
Below are a few notable schools offering top-class HVAC technology training in Indiana.
Ivy Tech Community College
Indianapolis, IN Campus Only
Ivy Tech Community College offers HVAC technology programs approved by HVAC Excellence. These include a 21-credit certificate program, another 32-credit certificate program, and a 60-credit associate degree program.
Tuition
$3,746 - $10,703 per ProgramContact
(888) 489-5463
in-admissions@ivytech.edu
AC/C Tech
Indianapolis, IN Online Only
Lastly, AC/C Tech is another training institution offering comprehensive training in HVAC technology to prepare students for a long, successful career in the field.
Tuition
$1,500 per ProgramContact
(317) 545-7071
sales@acctech.us
Explore HVAC technician schools in Indiana by city:
Licensure & Certification Requirements
Indiana has no licensing requirements for its HVAC technicians at the state level. However, many localities within the state have thorough licensing or certification requirements. For this reason, professionals must check their local boards/departments of public work for relevant rules.
In Indianapolis/Marion County, for example, the Board of Heating and Cooling Examiners offers five types of HVAC-R licenses, including Air Conditioning (A), Air Conditioning (B), Air Conditioning (D), Refrigeration, and High-Pressure Steam licenses.
In Fort Wayne/Allen County, the Allen County Building Department is responsible for issuing licenses to candidates in that area. The department offers journeyman and master licenses depending on experience levels.
Salary & Career Outlook
The annual average salary of a new HVAC technician in Indiana is around $56,676. This figure is common to technicians at the midpoint of location, specialty, place of establishment, and experience.
Those at the top of their trade take home an annual average salary of $89,780, while those who find themselves in the bottom 10% of earners will still manage an annual average salary of around $35,779.
Regarding location, HVAC technicians in Kokomo take home the highest annual average in the state, around $62,019. They are followed by technicians in Indianapolis, with an annual average salary of $60,550, and technicians in Valparaiso, with an annual average salary of $60,414.
Finally, Fort Wayne and Lafayette round out the top five, with annual average salaries of $57,053 and $56,291, respectively.