HVAC Technician Schools in Mississippi

In Mississippi, an HVAC technician may work independently or with an existing company. Depending on their preference, they may also choose to work in wholesale or retail trade.

However, regardless of their specialty area, all aspiring HVAC technicians in the state are expected to meet a few requirements before starting their careers properly. Readers of this page will find out what these mandatory requirements and considerations are.

Furthermore, they will also discover other non-mandatory yet highly important steps for facilitating career growth. Additionally, we explore some of the best training programs for future HVAC technicians in Mississippi to consider while showcasing what these programs offer.

How to Become an HVAC Technician in Mississippi

These are the requirements needed to become a thriving HVAC technician in Mississippi.

Prerequisites

Mississippi allows residents who are at least 18 and have acquired a high school diploma to begin a career as HVAC technicians. Some employers may hire entry-level workers who are at least 16 years old.

Most training programs will also accept candidates with at least a GED instead of a high school transcript.

HVAC Technology Education

Individuals must attend a community or technical college for their HVAC technology education. Trade schools also offer high-quality HVAC education that can help candidates graduate and acquire relevant professional skills.

Many community/technical college programs last two years and offer an associate degree. Some programs may last six to nine months and offer a certificate.

Apprenticeship Program

Candidates are expected to consolidate their academic learning with hands-on training through an apprenticeship program for even more robust training. Trade unions and associations are notable for top-class programs that help students become familiar with tools and equipment in an actual work environment.

This way, candidates are confident enough to branch out and start working independently.

Explore trades with similar paths:

• How to become a plumber in Mississippi

Licensure & Certification Requirements

After education, the next important consideration for aspiring HVAC technicians in Mississippi is licensing and certification. To work with refrigerants, professionals in this field are expected to have an EPA 608 certification.

Going for additional certification from popular organizations may also help them increase their marketability and potential salary.

As for licensing, HVAC technicians in Mississippi are not expected to have a license when taking on entry-level roles. However, those who will be taking on significant contracts of their own must have a mechanical contractor license or an HVAC contractor license.

Each licensing category is divided into specialty areas, including boiler installation, ventilation, ductwork, process piping, and refrigeration. Professionals may choose to get licenses in more than one specialty.

Applicants should be prepared to pay a licensing fee and obtain liability insurance with a minimum coverage of $300,000.

Top HVAC Technician Schools in Mississippi

Mississippi boasts the following high-quality training destinations for prospective HVAC technicians.

Explore HVAC technician schools in Mississippi by City:

• HVAC technician schools in Jackson

Salary & Career Outlook

The state of Mississippi offers an annual average sale of $53,546 for HVAC technicians among the median earners and $32,080 for those among the lowest earners. Professionals among the highest-paid in the state make around $89,377 in yearly average return. Factors such as experience, professional credentials, specialty area, and capacitor employment separate candidates into multiple categories. Specific locations within the state also influence these annual average figures.

Currently, Meridian and Ridgeland are places where HVAC technicians in Mississippi can expect to manage the highest annual average salary. Those who work here take home around $61,718 and $59,583 per year, respectively.

Professionals in Gulfport are also alike, with an average annual salary of $59,011.

Looking to the future, the Bureau of Labor Statistics predicts a 9% yearly increase in employment and tens of thousands of openings for HVAC technicians across the country in the next 10 years.