Battling muggy winds and high humidity, Louisiana heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) technicians are vital in keeping buildings cool and comfortable.
Louisiana does not license or monitor HVAC techs at the state level, but you will still need some training to become a marketable HVAC employee. After gaining sufficient experience as a tech, you can later apply for state licensure as an HVAC contractor.
Today we’re breaking down each step to learn how to become an HVAC tech in LA.
Do You Need an HVAC License in Louisiana?
You do not need a license to be an HVAC tech in Louisiana, but all technicians working with refrigerants should have their federally-mandated Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) certificate.
You will need a state license if you want to be an HVAC contractor.
Becoming an HVAC Tech in Louisiana
HVAC technicians are professionally trained individuals who install, upkeep, test, service, and repair heating and cooling systems. There are also HVAC-R (refrigeration) technicians who work with refrigeration systems.
The state of Louisiana does not offer an official guidebook on pursuing an HVAC career, but there are a few key steps that almost all techs do to join the HVAC field.
- Complete an HVAC program
- Get an EPA Certification
- Work for an HVAC Company or Contractor
- Complete an HVAC program
To gain the necessary HVAC skills and training, you’ll need to either complete an HVAC educational program or an apprenticeship.
Many HVAC educational programs are certification courses that last a few months. Others are Associate Degree programs at a technical or community college. Most require you to be at least 18 years old with a high school diploma or GED.
Apprenticeships combine classroom learning with hands-on, paid work experience. Their requirements will vary and most last four years. You can find a registered apprenticeship through the Department of Labor’s LA Workforce Commission or employment websites like Monster and Indeed.
- Get an EPA Certification
The federal Clean Air Act requires all HVAC techs working with refrigerants to have their EPA Section 608 Technician Certification. There are four types of this certification to choose from, and you can complete them through one of the approved technician certification programs.
- Work for an HVAC Company or Contractor
Once you’re trained and certified, you can seek employment through an HVAC company or by working for a licensed HVAC contractor. Some employers may have additional certification requirements you will need to meet before working.
Becoming an HVAC Contractor in Louisiana
If you plan to perform commercial or residential HVAC work valued over $10,000, you will need to get your HVAC Builder OR Mechanical Contractor’s License. Both of these license types have an HVAC subclassification.
For more information on license requirements, the application, and examinations, see here.
HVAC Tech Salaries in Louisiana
As per Indeed, the average HVAC tech in the U.S. makes $50,600 per year. In Louisiana, the average is about 6% lower at $47,615 per year. When comparing the state salary to the national average, it’s important to consider that Louisiana has a 13% lower cost of living compared to the average U.S. state, so HVAC techs end up getting more bang for their buck in LA.
Here are the average salaries for HVAC techs in the most popular Louisiana cities.
- New Orleans: $49,700
- Baton Rouge: $49,185
- Bossier City: $44,636
- Lafayette: $48,626
These salaries are estimates and can vary greatly in the field. The more experience and certifications you have as an HVAC tech, the higher your potential salary.
