Becoming an HVAC technician in New York is a good idea, particularly for those who like to work with technical components and develop creative solutions to challenging problems.
For their efforts, HVAC technicians in New York enjoy an impressive salary with a constant stream of job opportunities. Aspiring HVAC technicians will find this page of immense value as it contains everything they need to know to start their journey and enjoy the above benefits.
Here they’ll learn about the best options to become an HVAC technician in New York, the best programs and schools to attend, and certification and licensing requirements, among others.
How to Become an HVAC Technician in New York
The following are the critical steps to becoming an HVAC technician in New York.
Step 1: Have your High School Diploma or GED
This is needed to apply to colleges and trade schools. Apprenticeship programs also mostly require a high school diploma or GED.
Step 2: Choose Your Educational Pathway
Getting the training you’ll need to work as an HVAC technician in New York is the most essential part of the process, and here you have two choices. The first is to work as an apprentice, while the second is to graduate from a formal school program.
- College/Trade Programs - Colleges and trade schools in New York offer HVAC programs. They are essential to familiarize yourself with ventilation and air conditioning basics. Graduates often leave with a degree and may need help securing employment.
- Apprenticeship Programs - Those not wanting to attend a training program may opt for an apprenticeship. Apprenticeships offer the opportunity to learn under master technicians and jump directly into hands-on training.
It is also possible to combine both by graduating from a college program and then completing an apprenticeship, albeit for a shorter duration.
HVAC Licensure and Certification Requirements in New York
After completing their training, HVAC technicians in New York are expected to obtain a handful of licenses from their specific city or municipality.
Depending on the type of contract, they may also need to obtain a license from the NYC Department of Buildings and the Fire Department of New York. To qualify for these licenses, HVAC technicians in New York must be at least 18 years old and have a high school diploma or GED.
They must also have obtained training from a community/technical college or graduated from an apprenticeship program.
EPA certification is also a necessity.
Top HVAC Technician Schools in New York
1. Suffolk County Community College
Suffolk County Community College is famous for acquiring HVAC tech training in New York, thanks to its experienced instructors and comprehensive coursework. On an institutional level, the school is accredited by the Middle States Commission on Higher Education.
HVAC technology candidates have two options - the associate of applied science degree program and the basic certificate program. While the former consists of 66 credits and can be completed in two years, the latter consists of 34 credits and can be completed in a year or less.
2. Apex Technical College
Apex Technical College in Long Island offers an air conditioning, refrigeration, and appliance controls program for residential and commercial HVAC fields.
The training program takes at least seven months and includes 900 hours of coursework. The Accrediting Commission of Career Schools and Colleges accredits the school.
3. WSWHE Boces/Myers Education Center
Lastly, aspiring HVAC technicians in New York may also consider the WSWHE Boces/Myers Education Center program in Saratoga Springs. This program has tons of high-quality instructors and comprehensive coursework and prepares students for other specialty areas that often come in handy after graduation.
Courses include electrical principles, air conditioning principles, residential plumbing, commercial plumbing, and many more.
4. Notable Mentions
Other options include Electrical Training Center at Copiague and Isaac Heating & Air Conditioning University in Rochester.
Explore HVAC Technician Schools by City:
Salary and Job Outlook
New York is one of the highest-paying destinations for HVAC technicians nationwide, with an annual average salary of $61,581.
This figure is estimated to be 15% higher than the national average. It can get as high as $99,891 for the highest-paid technicians in the state and as low as $47,199 for those in the bottom ten percent.
With experience as the defining factor, HVAC technicians with less than a year’s experience earn an annual average salary of $57,073. In contrast, those with over ten years of experience earn around $83,416 annually.
Syracuse, Bohemia, and Long Island HVAC technicians earn the highest, with annual averages of $74,131, $70,531, and $68,218, respectively, while those in New York City earn an average of $61,581 per year.
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