HVAC technicians in Kentucky may choose to work part-time or full-time. This flexibility is only one of the reasons why more individuals are flocking to start careers in this field.
The profession offers an opportunity for individuals to earn competitive salaries and even set themselves up for remarkable career growth in very little time. Readers of this page interested in pursuing an HVAC technician career in Kentucky will be glad to know that every major consideration they need to make for a positive outcome has been explored in depth below.
The resources here analyze the key steps in the process, provide an overview of licensing and certification, list the top training programs for comprehensive education, and provide estimated salary projections based on actual earnings figures in the state.
How to Become an HVAC Technician in Kentucky
The state of Kentucky has the following requirements for HVAC technicians.
Preparatory Documents
Starting a career as an HVAC technician in Kentucky requires a license. One prerequisite is having a certificate of apprenticeship and being at least 18 years old.
HVAC technician programs in the state may also require candidates to provide their high school transcripts or GED test documents.
Theoretical Fundamentals
Prospective HVAC technicians in Kentucky must understand theoretical principles. The best way to achieve such an education is to attend an academic training program at a community college or a vocational school.
The training programs in the upcoming list provide this kind of training.
Work Experience
Aspiring HVAC technicians in Kentucky need to participate in real-world training to integrate successfully and seamlessly into a work environment. This way, they will understand what it actually feels like to work as an HVAC technician in a practical sense.
The state expects candidates to have at least one year of on-the-job training under a licensed HVAC mechanic and a master HVAC contractor.
Job Placement
Students who have attained the appropriate level of education in their preferred specialty can start working on job placement. Before this, though, they need to meet the state licensing requirements. We explore this more deeply in the next section.
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Licensure & Certification Requirements
State laws in Kentucky require HVAC technicians to be licensed before they can carry out HVAC projects. Those accepting a large contract must obtain an HVAC contract license. At the same time, candidates who will be working under a licensed contractor must have a journeyman HVAC mechanic license.
The steps in the section above are paramount to receiving this license from the Kentucky Department of Housing, Building, and Construction’s Division of Heating, Ventilation, and Air Conditioning. Applicants should be prepared to pay an $80 testing fee to take the licensing examination.
Once they pass this exam, they will officially receive their license after paying the fee.
A journeyman HVAC mechanic with enough experience may apply for the contractor license but must pay another $80 exam fee and a master contractor license fee.
Top HVAC Technician Schools in Kentucky
The schools below have excellent programs for aspiring HVAC technicians in Kentucky to consider.
Maysville Community and Technical College
Maysville, KY Campus Only
Maysville Community and Technical College offers an HVAC mechanic diploma program with around 47 to 56 hours of training. It includes topics programs in commercial HVAC systems, electrical components, heat pump applications, and amp applications.
Tuition
$189 - $260 per CreditContact
(606) 759-7141
robert.hamm@kctcs.edu
Interactive College of Technology
Newport, KY Campus Only
Interactive College of Technology has an HVAC technology program boasts a continually updated curriculum and certification opportunities from the Environmental Protection Agency and NATE.
Tuition
$420 - $430 per CreditContact
(800) 375-1010
newport@ict.edu
Southcentral Kentucky Community and Technical College
Bowling Green, KY Campus Only
Southcentral Kentucky Community and Technical College offers an Environmental System Repair Helper certificate program, a Domestic Air Conditioner and Furnace Installer certificate program, a Heating Ventilation and Air Conditioning Mechanic diploma program, and a 2-year Air Conditioning Technology program associate degree program.
Tuition
$189 - $260 per CreditContact
(270) 901-1000
sky-airconditioning@kctcs.edu
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Salary & Career Outlook
Most HVAC technicians in Kentucky will earn near the median annual average salary of $53,424. Some will make more than this figure, while others will earn less.
Data show that those who earn below the median figures and are among the bottom 10% will make an annual average salary of $33,406. In comparison, those who earn above the median figure and are among the top 10% in the state will make an annual average salary that can be as high as $85,437 or more.
Location tends to impact the annual average salary of an HVAC technician in Kentucky. With this criterion alone, Shelbyville has the highest number, thanks to an annual average salary of $95,119. It is followed by Erlanger, where HVAC technicians make an annual average salary of $71,326.
As for the career outlook, top employment platforms like the BLS are very optimistic and expect a 10% yearly increase in the employment rate for HVAC technicians over the coming decade.