HVAC Technician Schools in Missouri

HVAC technicians in Missouri play a huge role in ensuring that we enjoy all the luxuries of modern heating and cooling systems. They are responsible for installing, maintaining, upgrading, and repairing these systems when needed.

Missouri specifies a handful of requirements for individuals seeking such a career. The article below breaks down these requirements. We also explore a few avenues through which candidates can enjoy a stronger advantage in the employment market to help them start their careers on a solid foundation.

Furthermore, interested individuals will discover the licensing and certification requirements, top HVAC technician schools in Missouri, salary, and job outlook.

How to Become an HVAC Technician in Missouri

Here are the steps involved in starting a HVAC technology career in Missouri.

Step 1: Meet the Fundamental Requirements

Typically, all aspiring HVAC technicians in Missouri are expected to meet some basic requirements when they begin their professional training in HVAC technology. These include being a high school graduate with a diploma or having a GED equivalent in its place.

Candidates must also be at least 18 years old.

Step 2A: Obtain Classroom Training

Classroom training is one of Missouri’s most popular avenues for launching a career as an HVAC technician. Candidates typically look to community colleges, technical schools, and trade schools for training. While there are two-year HVAC technology programs offering associate degrees, those looking for a fast-tracked alternative may opt for six—to nine-month programs offering certificates.

Step 2B: Obtain Training on the Job

Unions and trade organizations in Missouri provide apprenticeship opportunities wherein students can learn key HVAC topics in real-world environments. These programs also provide solid mentorship and occasional job placement assistance upon program completion.

While candidates tend to choose between classroom or apprenticeship training, combining both avenues for a more robust HVAC education is possible.

Additionally, some candidates may be able to secure employment that offers training on the job and the opportunity for candidates to earn as they learn.

Step 3: Obtain Certification

HVAC technicians in Missouri are expected to obtain an EPA Section 608 Certification to handle refrigerants and secure employment. In addition to the EPA certification, candidates may pursue additional professional credentials for more career opportunities.

Consider trades with similar paths:

• How to become a home and building inspector in Missouri

Top HVAC Technician Schools in Missouri

Future HVAC technicians in Missouri may consider any of the following institutions for top-class training to launch a successful career.

Explore HVAC technician schools in Missouri by city:

• HVAC technician schools in Kansas City

Licensure & Certification Requirements

There is no statewide licensing process for HVAC technicians in Missouri. Candidates must check their local areas for relevant requirements, as various municipalities set most.

Additionally, requirements may vary based on HVAC specialties, such as gas fitting, pipe fitting, and warm air ventilation.

Kansas City and Saint Louis are two of the state’s most populous cities, and each has strict licensing requirements for HVAC technicians and mechanical contractors.

The Kansas City Department of Planning and Development issues licenses for technicians in Kansas City. At the same time, the St. Louis County Department of Public Works licenses HVAC technicians in St. Louis. Both offer journeyman, master, and contractor licenses, for which candidates must take an exam to qualify.

Salary & Career Outlook

HVAC technicians in Missouri earn an annual average salary of $54,978. Those who fall among the top 10% earn an annual average salary of $90,510, while those who fall among the bottom 10% earn an annual average salary of $33,395.

Experience and location are critical factors determining the salary of an HVAC technician in Missouri. Sorting by experience alone, we find that professionals with less than 1 year of experience make an average of $50,953 per year. In contrast, those with more than 10 years of experience earn an average annual salary of $74,471.

Sorting by location, St. Louis, Saint Joseph, and Saint Charles are the highest-paying destinations for HVAC technicians in Missouri, with annual average salaries of $58,190, $57,414, and $57,091, respectively. They are followed by Kansas City and Springfield, with annual average salaries of $55,249 and $54,910, respectively.