There are numerous reasons to consider a career as an HVAC technician in North Carolina. Not only do HVAC technicians in the state get to work on complex systems and put their problem-solving ability to the test, but they also enjoy a constant stream of jobs and an impressive return for their efforts.
Aspiring HVAC technicians in the state must become familiar with a few steps common to HVAC technicians all over the country and some peculiar to only the state of North Carolina to begin their careers.
Identifying and differentiating between these steps can be challenging for many. Below is a comprehensive guide containing everything you need to know before you start your journey as a prospective HVAC technician in North Carolina.
How to Become an HVAC Technician in North Carolina
Basic Requirements
The essential prerequisite to becoming an HVAC technician in North Carolina includes having a high school diploma or a GED equivalent.
Candidates are also advised to have a valid driver’s license already to make it easier to obtain an HVAC license from the state when the time comes.
Proficiency in writing and speaking the English language is also essential.
Training Programs
To become an HVAC technician in North Carolina, candidates usually have two options: enrolling in a formal training program or considering graduating from an apprenticeship training.
Formal Training Programs
Like many skilled trades, most HVAC technicians choose to attend a formal training program (even though there is no law mandating them to do so) because this approach usually offers a certain appeal to employers.
It also provides an environment to acquire sound fundamentals and practice what they have learned in standardized laboratories and workshops.
They can also use the course credits to pursue more advanced degrees in the future.
Apprenticeships
Again, like most skilled trades, it is possible to begin a career as an HVAC technician by enrolling in an apprenticeship program organized by union and non-union organizations all around the state.
Apprenticeship programs also provide a solid foundation for future technicians to build on, with more emphasis on hands-on training in a real-world setting.
Candidates also get to be mentored by seasoned professionals in the field.
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Top HVAC Technician Schools in North Carolina
The following are the top HVAC technician schools in North Carolina for interested individuals in the state to consider:
1. Excelsior College
Excelsior College is accredited by the Middle States Association of Colleges and Schools, and classes are strictly online. Graduates get to leave with an associate in applied science degree and all the necessary skills to install, upgrade, repair, manage, and troubleshoot electrical components of HVAC systems.
2. Global Vocational Training Center
Along with instructions in essential HVAC topics such as troubleshooting and maintenance, students at the Global Vocational Training Center also receive training for certifications like the EPA 608 certification during the program.
After graduation, they are also advised to go for the EPA Universal and NATE certifications.
3. North Carolina Community College
Future HVAC technicians in North Carolina would consider the training programs at North Carolina Community College. The program is one of the few in the state accredited by HVAC Excellence and PAHRA.
Classes are available during the day and in the evening. Those who wish to study part-time also have the luxury of doing so here.
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Licensure and Certification Requirements
The North Carolina State Board of Examiners of Plumbing Heating and Fire Sprinkler Contractors is in charge of licensing HVAC technicians in the state. To become certified, applicants must have graduated from a training program or have supervised work experience under a licensed contractor.
Candidates must also take an exam that costs $100 to apply for and then pass the EPA certification examination.
Along with the EPA certification and state license, technicians in the state may also choose to get certified by NATE and OSHA to improve their career opportunities.
Salary and Job Outlook
In North Carolina, an aspiring HVAC technician can look forward to starting with an annual average salary of around $30,019, close to the national average for entry-level professionals in the field.
Once they acquire more experience on the job, they may start earning closer to the general state average of around $49,443. Those who make the highest in the state take home as high as $81,433 annually.
As for the best location in the state to be an HVAC technician, Greensboro and Sanford lead the way with annual averages of $53,517 and $53,406, respectively. Winston-Salem, Charlotte, and Fayetteville complete the top five with average yearly salaries of $53,117, $52,150, and $51,748, respectively.
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