HVAC technicians help maintain and install air conditioning and ventilation systems for commercial and industrial use. These professionals who work in the state of North Dakota are usually well-rewarded for their efforts. They also have several opportunities and training programs to launch a career and improve their skills on the job.
As with most other trade and technical professions, comprehensive education is a non-negotiable part of starting a successful HVAC technician career in North Dakota. However, there are also several other requirements that candidates need to have in mind, and the article on this page explores all of them in detail.
How to Become an HVAC Technician in North Dakota
Below is a step-by-step overview of becoming a successful HVAC technician in North Dakota.
Preparation
As residents of North Dakota, candidates must prepare for education and employment to become HVAC technicians. They must have a high school diploma or a GED.
Having a strong understanding of sciences can also be very helpful.
Selecting a Training Arrangement
The exact training arrangements that a prospective HVAC technician chooses to attend in North Dakota will depend to a great extent on their personal preference. In the first analysis, they must choose between attending an academic program, receiving training on the job, or combining both kinds of training.
Then, when they’ve already chosen an approach, they will still have to make a specific decision regarding the destination. For instance, academic training programs are divided into certificate and associate degree programs. Institutions, including community colleges and trade schools, can offer these.
" On-the-job” training programs can be received from employers and apprenticeship programs, which may be union or non-union-organized.
Career Growth
Education for HVAC technicians always continues even when they have secured employment. As advancements are made in the field, professionals are expected to improve their skills.
Joining a professional organization can be an effective way to achieve this goal.
Explore other trades with similar paths:
Licensure & Certification Requirements
North Dakota does not have a mandatory licensing process for professional HVAC technicians. A general or residential/HVAC contractor must receive a North Dakota State Contractor license.
This license will allow candidates to take on significant contracts depending on their licensing category. The first category is the Class A license, which covers projects worth $500,000.
Class B contractor license covers projects less than $500,000 but more than $300,000. Class C covers projects of less than $300,000 but more than $100,000. Lastly, a Class D contractor license in North Dakota covers less than $100,000 projects.
Receiving a Class A license requires a $450 fee, a Class B license incurs $300 fees, while Class C and D contractor licenses require fees of $225 and $100, respectively.
Top HVAC Technician Schools in North Dakota
The following entries are some of the best training programs for future HVAC technicians in North Dakota.
North Dakota State College of Science
Wahpeton, ND Campus Only
North Dakota State College of Science's certificate program is one of the most popular options for aspiring HVAC technicians in the state. Still, the school also has an associate degree program in the field. The courses include instruction in blueprint reading, electrical laboratory, and tools and equipment.
Tuition
$89 - $153 per CreditContact
(800) 342-4325
ndscs.admissions@ndscs.edu
Turtle Mountain Community College
Belcourt, ND Campus Only
Turtle Mountain Community College also offers an associate of applied science degree program for HVAC technicians that can be completed in two years. The program includes courses covering plumbing basics, HVAC standards, codes and regulations, and more.
Tuition
$93 per CreditContact
(701) 477-7862
rjay@tm.edu
Bismarck State College
Bismarck, ND Campus Only
Bismarck State College allows students to earn an associate degree in HVAC technology after completing 60 credits of instruction and a certificate after completing 44 credits. Accepted applicants will develop expertise in light commercial refrigeration, estimation and controls, water systems, and more.
Tuition
$210 - $369 per CreditContact
(701) 224-2429
bsc.cet@bismarckstate.edu
Explore HVAC technician schools in North Dakota by City:
Salary & Career Outlook
The Bureau of Labor Statistics continues to release relevant data showing that not only is the employment rate for HVAC technicians on the rise across the country but this figure is expected to continue increasing every year for at least the next decade.
In North Dakota, the annual average salary of an HVAC technician can be around $36,694 if they are among the bottom 10%, $60,703 if they are among the median earners, or $100,420 if they are among the top 10%. The most common, of course, are those in the median category.
By examining the factors influencing where a candidate will fall, we find that experience and location are two key criteria. Things like specialty areas and professional credentials also come into play.
Examining individual locations in the state revealed that Minot is the destination where HVAC technicians are most highly rewarded in North Dakota, thanks to their annual return average of $77,772. Those who work in West Fargo and Hillsboro can expect annual average salaries of $69,176 and $67,452, respectively.