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The HVAC industry is popular in New Jersey, and the salaries are some of the highest in the country.
In order to work in HVAC, you will need a contracting license.
Read on in order to learn info about HVAC contractor licenses in New Jersey and how you can get one.
Article Table of Contents
Why You Should Get a License
In order to start your own business and get better paid in New Jersey, you should consider a contractor license.
This will also help you carry out your HVAC projects in a professional manner.
You can become a contractor in 2 ways:
- Having experience as a journeyman in other states
- Becoming an HVAC technician in New Jersey.
Contractor Requirements
You will need to be at least 21 and have the following work experience:
- A year of practical experience and a bachelor’s degree in HVACR
- 3 years of practical experience and a bachelor’s degree in an HVAC related industry
- Having completed an HVAC program in a trade school will count as 2 years of work experience
You can still apply for a Master HVACR Contractor license if you have been an HVACR apprentice for 4 years or have an experience of 5 years as an HVACR contractor.
You will also need to pay a $100 fee to take the exam.
Exam Requirements
You will have to submit a $3000 bond to the state board upon passing the exam and wait 6 months to retake it if you haven’t passed the first time.
You will need to renew your license once at 2 years, during which further training is required.
The tests are held 4 times every year.
Taxes And Insurance
Once you become a contractor and are ready to start a business, the insurance you take should not be less than $500,000.
You will need to submit proof of insurance to the State Board.
A Federal Tax Identification Number is also required for submission before getting your license.
Salary Expectations
The median salary in the United States is $46,648 per year for those working in the HVAC field, while in New Jersey they can make on average, $51,574 per year.
Those with more experience can make around $52,858 per year across the country, and $58,440 per year in New Jersey.
Annual Salary Range:| Location | Avg. Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| Newark | $53,272 |
| Jersey City | $56,444 |
| Paterson | $53,785 |
| Elizabeth | $53,272 |
| Lakewood Township | $53,130 |
| Edison | $52,339 |
| Woodbridge Township | $52,339 |
| Toms River | $52,355 |
| Clifton | $53,785 |
| Trenton | $52,712 |
Education
If you do not meet the requirements for your license, you will have to take additional classes.
The schools below can help in this regard.
| School Name | Address |
|---|---|
| Fortis Institute | 201 Willowbrook Blvd. Wayne, New Jersey 07470 |
| Hohokus School-RETS Nutley | 103 Park Ave Nutley, New Jersey 07110 |
| Lincoln Technical Institute | 70 McKee Dr Mahwah, New Jersey 07430 |
| Mercer County Community College | 1200 Old Trenton Rd West Windsor, New Jersey 08550 |
| Monmouth County Vocational School District | 105 Neptune Boulevard Neptune, New Jersey 07753 |
| Ocean County Vocational-Technical School | 137 Bey Lea Rd Toms River, New Jersey 08753 |
| Pennco Tech | 99 Erial Road Blackwood, New Jersey 08012 |
| Raritan Valley Community College | 118 Lamington Road Branchburg, New Jersey 08876 |
| Union County Vocational-Technical School | 1776 Raritan Rd Scotch Plains, New Jersey 07076 |
Make sure you are well prepared for the exam in order to avoid waiting 6 months to take it again.
Read the full guide: How to Become an HVAC Technician
HVAC Schools by City
HVAC Schools by State