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!
In order to perform HVAC work in South Carolina, it is mandatory to possess a South Carolina HVAC license.
South Carolina offers a basic HVAC license that requires additional certifications to obtain. These certifications include a residential HVAC certificate, a journeyman unlimited certificate, and a master mechanical certificate. To receive these certifications, you will need to submit an application and pass a test.
The residential HVAC certificate allows you to work on various residential HVAC equipment. The journeyman unlimited certificate allows you to work on HVAC units of any size but requires supervision from a holder of a master certificate or contractor license. The master certificate allows you to work unsupervised, while a contractor license enables you to own your own HVAC company, specifically for residential HVAC units.
Salary-wise, working as an apprentice or with a journeyman license typically earns an average of $30,000-$40,000. With a master mechanic certification, the average salary increases to $50,000-$60,000. A fully licensed HVAC contractor earns an average salary of around $65,000.
If you plan to work with refrigerant, you must obtain an EPA certificate. This requirement is due to Section 608 of the Clean Air Act, which mandate HVAC technicians handling refrigerants to possess an EPA certificate along with passing an additional examination.
The EPA offers three types of certifications: Type I, Type II, and Type III. Alternatively, you can obtain a universal certification, which allows you to perform any work covered by the Type I, Type II, and Type III licenses.
1. Wide range of job opportunities: With an HVAC license in South Carolina, you can work in various settings, including residential homes, factories, and school buildings.
2. High earning potential: HVAC technicians in South Carolina have the opportunity to earn high salaries. The top 10% of earners make upwards of $100,000 per year.
3. Career advancement prospects: There is a high potential for career growth and advancement in the HVAC industry.
1. Journeyman licensing: While gaining experience to obtain a journeyman license, you will be paid as you learn.
2. Entry-level earnings: As an entry-level HVAC worker, you can expect to earn approximately half of the average journeyman salary.
For more information and specific salary details, you can visit this Indeed webpage.
To obtain an HVAC license in South Carolina, there are specific requirements you need to fulfill. One of the main prerequisites is having a journeyman or master mechanic license as a contractor. Additionally, you will be required to pass the necessary exams and submit a surety bond.
For detailed information on the requirements and process of obtaining an HVAC license in South Carolina, you can visit this website.
Enroll in an Alabama HVAC apprentice program. After you have completed the program, you are eligible to sit for the HVAC contractor and refrigeration contractor examinations.
While master certificates and contractor licenses have any education requirements, you must obtain 24 months of experience to receive your initial journeyman certificate. This experience can come in the form of a two-year vocational program or an apprenticeship. If you’re looking to obtain a certificate or associate’s degree, the best colleges include Aiken Technical, Central Carolina Technical, and Greenville Technical.
Tuition can range from $5,000-$20,000 for a two-year program. Ask your school about financing options. While some colleges include online coursework, these programs require a significant amount of hands-on training. You also might want to purchase your own set of HVAC tools.
To qualify for a license as an HVAC contractor, you must have at least one year of experience working under the supervision of a master mechanic or contractor. To obtain a journeyman license, you must gain 24 months of experience. A two-year vocational program equates to one year of experience. In general, you can expect to qualify for this license after three years of experience. If you obtain a master mechanic certificate before the contractor license, you must have an additional four years of journeyman experience.
The main contractor license is issued by the SCLRR. The three HVAC certificates are issued by the Municipal Association of South Carolina.
The examination process for a South Carolina HVAC license begins after you submit your application and get approval from SCLRR. The main exam will include a total of 80 questions. You have 4 hours to complete the exam. You must get a passing grade of 65% or higher. The fee for this exam is $100. The topics include:
You can take some free practice tests for the South Carolina HVAC license at this link.
Your license should be renewed every two years. Renewal generally occurs during the summer.
The licensing board can take up to a month to approve your license. Upon approval, you can expect the license to be mailed to you in a few weeks.
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