HVAC Tech Responsibilties:
Install or repair heating, central air conditioning, HVAC, or refrigeration systems, including oil burners, hot-air furnaces, and heating stoves.
HVAC Tech Benefits:
HVAC techs can get lots of overtime work since many people require fixes and upgrades during the summer and winter months. The shortage of HVAC techs means there are more opportunities than ever in this space!
Do you need an HVAC License in Maryland?
Yes, in Maryland you are required to have an HVAC license in order to work as an HVAC technician in the state.
Maryland HVAC Licenses and Job Opportunities
In the state of Maryland, there are different types of HVACR licenses available for individuals interested in a career in HVAC. These licenses allow you to specialize in different aspects of heating, ventilation, air conditioning, and refrigeration.
Journeyman License
A journeyman license is a valuable starting point for individuals in the HVAC field. With this license, you have the opportunity to work on all types of heating and air conditioning units. However, it is important to note that you must work under the supervision of a licensed contractor.
Limited Contractor License
If you want to have the ability to repair and maintain one or more specific types of HVAC systems, a limited contractor license is suitable for you. This license allows you to specialize in a particular area of HVAC work.
Master Contractor License
A master contractor license provides the highest level of HVAC expertise. With this license, you have the authority to repair, maintain, and install any type of HVAC unit without supervision. This license opens up the opportunity for you to start your own HVAC business.
Salary Information
As an HVACR journeyman in Maryland, you can expect to earn an average salary of $49,000 annually. On the other hand, a master contractor can make approximately $68,000 per year.
Additional Information
It's important to note that Maryland HVAC licenses are categorized as HVACR licenses, which means they allow you to work with refrigerants.
Overall, acquiring the appropriate HVAC license in Maryland can provide you with various job opportunities in the HVAC industry and the potential to grow in your career.
The HVAC industry in Maryland has continual signs of growth. According to Lincoln Tech, by 2022, the number of employees in the HVAC industry is expected to grow by nearly 21% within the next decade, resulting in more than 55,000 new jobs.
Even when starting out as an apprentice in HVAC, you can earn around $40,000 per year. Becoming an HVAC contractor in Maryland also allows you to work with new technologies, such as those related to Freon bans and dual-fuel heat pumps.
Getting an HVAC license in Maryland is a simple process, although it may take some time. You can find more information about the licensing process here.
If you want to gain the education necessary to work with modern HVAC systems, attending a vocational school or HVAC technical college is beneficial. Some of the top HVAC schools in Maryland include the Community College of Baltimore County, Montgomery College, and Brightwood College.
Tuition for an associate’s degree can cost around $10,000-$15,000. If you are interested in pursuing a bachelor’s degree in the HVAC field, top universities in Maryland such as Johns Hopkins Whiting School of Engineering and the University of Maryland in Baltimore are recommended. Keep in mind that tuition at a state university can cost about $40,000 for a four-year program, while private universities like Johns Hopkins can charge up to $50,000 per year. Remember to contact the schools to explore financial aid options, and inquire about the possibility of taking some classes online. These programs typically have a curriculum that focuses on both theory and practical lessons.
To obtain a journeyman license in Maryland, you need to gain three years of experience. There are several ways to achieve this requirement. First, you could complete an HVACR certificate program or degree and acquire a year or two of experience under a master HVACR technician or journeyman.
Another option is to enter into an apprenticeship program for three years, which equates to 1,875 hours of experience. In this program, you will mainly assist journeyman and master technicians in standard repair and maintenance services. Lastly, you could gain the necessary three years of experience in the HVAC industry while working in another state. In order to obtain a master contractor license, you will need to work for three years as a journeyman.
The Maryland Board of Heating, Ventilation, Air Conditioning and Refrigeration Contractors is responsible for issuing all HVAC licenses in Maryland.
In order to receive your HVACR license, you are required to pass an examination. The type of exam depends on the license classification. The journeyman, limited contractor, and master contractor licenses have exams that cost $150. You will have 120 minutes to complete the limited contractor exam and 240 minutes to complete the journeyman and master contractor exams. If you are aiming for specialized licenses such as the journeyman restricted or master restricted license, the testing fees are $50, and you will also have 120 minutes to complete these exams.
These exams are administered daily throughout Maryland. If you happen to fail the test, you can retake it again in 30 days. Your education and/or training will prepare you for the exams. If you want to practice for the test, you’ll find a variety of HVAC practice tests at this link.
In Maryland, you are required to renew your HVAC license every two years. The renewal fee is $20.
It will take a minimum of three years of experience or education before you can apply for your journeyman or contractor license in Maryland. After passing the necessary exams, it can take a few weeks before you receive your Maryland HVAC license.
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