HVAC Technician Schools in Iowa

Anyone wanting to become a successful HVAC technician in Iowa must be physically healthy and willing to dedicate time to proper training. Understanding the process will give candidates an edge in securing gainful employment and improving their yearly earnings.

The purpose of the resources on this page is to help students achieve this goal. We begin with a step-by-step overview of all the major requirements and considerations before focusing on the licensing and certification process.

We then review the top training programs for aspiring HVAC technicians in Iowa to consider before diving into the career projections concerning annual salary and employment rates in the next 10 years.

How to Become an HVAC Technician in Iowa

Individuals in Iowa typically follow the steps below to start their HVAC technician careers the right way.

Basic Requirements

Prospective HVAC technicians in Iowa must meet basic requirements and expectations from employers. First, they must be at least 18 and have a high school diploma or a GED equivalent.

Educational Requirements

Aspiring HVAC technicians in Iowa must work as apprentices under licensed technicians before receiving a license. After registering as apprentices, candidates must learn design, installation, and repair skills before applying for a state license.

An apprenticeship program allows you to earn some income while still learning. Most programs can be completed within four years.

Academic Degrees

A degree or a certificate from an academic program can be valuable for an HVAC technician. This is why it is common for candidates to combine apprenticeship education with formal education at a community college or technical school.

In an upcoming section, we will list some of the most notable training programs candidates can enroll in.

Employment, Specialization & Licensing

Those who have completed the steps above can seek employment and choose a specialty area. Of course, they must meet the licensing requirements, which we analyze further below.

Explore trades with similar paths:

• How to become a plumber in Iowa

Licensure & Certification Requirements

HVAC technicians in Iowa need a state license before they can secure employment and call themselves fully-fledged professionals. Certification from a professional organization is advisable to improve career prospects and for professionals to make themselves more appealing to employers.

Furthermore, on a federal level, the Environmental Protection Agency offers a credential that all HVAC technicians must acquire if they are going to maintain or dispose of equipment that contains refrigerants.

However, the law also states that professionals don’t need this certification if they will be working closely with a supervisor who is an EPA-certified technician.

To acquire an HVAC technician license in Iowa, candidates must meet the steps listed above and pass the journeyman examination, which incurs a $80 testing fee. After spending a few years in this licensing category, journeyman license holders may become contractors.

Top HVAC Technician Schools in Iowa

The programs below offer comprehensive HVAC technology education for individuals in Iowa.

Explore HVAC technician schools in Iowa by City:

• HVAC technician schools in Des Moines

Salary & Career Outlook

According to employment platforms like the Bureau of Labor Statistics and Indeed.com, the salary figures and the career outlook for HVAC technicians in Iowa are very promising. According to the former, the employment rate for HVAC technicians in the country will increase by 10% sustainably over the coming years.

According to Indeed, an HVAC technician in Iowa can expect to earn at least $36,905 even if they are among the bottom 10% of earners. They will earn $54,610 in the median earning category and as much as $80,808 or more in the top 10% category.

Their annual average salary will increase based on their experience level and professional credentials and may also reflect where they work in the state.

Currently, Johnston is where candidates have the highest annual salary as HVAC technicians in Iowa. Residents of the city make around $77,611 on average in annual return.

Also notable are professionals in Ames and Davenport, who have annual average salaries of $64,662 and $62,329, respectively.