by 
Learning a trade can be useful, and HVAC techs are sought after in Ohio.
Let’s take a look at what you need to do in order to work in HVAC in Ohio.
Article Table of Contents
Expected Salary
In Ohio, on average workers make about $45,628 a year, and you can earn up to $51,701 per year after getting more experience.
As a benchmark, across the US, the median income for HVAC workers is $46,731 annualy, while the most expereinced and skilled can make around $52,951.
| Location | Avg. Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| Columbus | $45,960 |
| Cleveland | $46,365 |
| Cincinnati | $45,698 |
| Toledo | $45,189 |
| Akron | $44,866 |
| Dayton | $45,427 |
| Canton | $44,629 |
| Youngstown | $44,301 |
| Lorain | $45,502 |
| Hamilton | $45,511 |
Ohio HVAC Contractor Job
To be a contractor, you need vast experience in the installing and repair of HVAC systems.
In order to be successful, you first need to attend a trade school and become a licensed apprentice.
The program will teach you everything you need to know about air conditioning systems and how they function.
You can attend any of the schools below.
| School Name | Address |
|---|---|
| Adult and Community Education-Hudson | 2323 Lexington AvenueColumbus, Ohio 43211 |
| Adult Center for Education | 400 Richards RdZanesville, Ohio 43701 |
| American School of Technology | 4599 Morse CenterColumbus, Ohio 43229 |
| Ashtabula County Technical and Career Campus | 1565 State Route 167Jefferson, Ohio 44047 |
| Auburn Career Center | 8140 Auburn RdConcord Twp, Ohio 44077 |
| Belmont College | 120 Fox Shannon PlaceSaint Clairsville, Ohio 43950 |
| Butler Tech-D Russel Lee Career Center | 3603 Hamilton Middletown RdHamilton, Ohio 45011 |
| Career and Technology Education Centers of Licking County | 150 Price RdNewark, Ohio 43055 |
| Columbus State Community College | 550 E Spring StColumbus, Ohio 43215 |
| Cuyahoga Valley Career Center | 8001 Brecksville RoadBrecksville, Ohio 44141 |
| Fortis College | 555 E Alex Bell RdCenterville, Ohio 45459 |
| Great Oaks Institute of Technology and Career Development | 3254 E Kemper RdCincinnati, Ohio 45241 |
| Greene County Vocational School District | 2960 West Enon RoadXenia, Ohio 45385 |
| Kaplan Career Institute | 8720 Brookpark RoadBrooklyn, Ohio 44129 |
| Kaplan College | 2800 East River RoadDayton, Ohio 45439 |
| Knox County Career Center | 306 Martinsburg RdMount Vernon, Ohio 43050 |
| Medina County Career Center | 1101 W Liberty StMedina, Ohio 44256 |
| Miami Valley Career Technology Center | 6800 Hoke RdClayton, Ohio 45315 |
| Northwest State Community College | 22600 State Route 34Archbold, Ohio 43502 |
| O C Collins Career Center | 11627 State Rte 243Chesapeake, Ohio 45619 |
| Ohio Hi Point Joint Vocational School District | 2280 St Rte 540Bellefontaine, Ohio 43311 |
| Owens Community College | 30335 Oregon RdPerrysburg, Ohio 43551 |
| Penta County Joint Vocational School | 9301 Buck RoadPerrysburg, Ohio 43551 |
| Pike County Joint Vocational School District | 175 Beaver Creek RdPiketon, Ohio 45661 |
| Polaris Career Center | 7285 Old Oak BlvdMiddleburg Heights, Ohio 44130 |
| RG Drage Career Center | 2800 Richville Dr SWMassillon, Ohio 44646 |
| Sinclair Community College | 444 W. Third St.Dayton, Ohio 45402 |
| Stark State College | 6200 Frank Ave NWNorth Canton, Ohio 44720 |
To get a contractor license, you have to be an apprentice for at least 5 years, be 18 years old and a US citizen.
You also need to submit a $500,000 liability insurance, pay some fees and take a background check.
Keep the records and permits of the commercial projects you worked on, as they will be required as proof of the 5 years of experience in the trade.
Getting Licensed
After gathering the paperwork, submit it to the Ohio Construction Industry Licensing Board along with a $25.00 fee.
If it’s approved, you can then get ready for the exam.
You won’t need to take the exam if you already have a license in Louisiana or Kentucky, due to reciprocity agreements between the states.
Check out the Ohio.gov website if you are a military veteran.
There you can find more info on what you need to do to apply and get your DD214 form.
The Exam
The exam is managed by PSI Exams, and you can take some mock tests online before the actual examination.
The trade exam lasts for 4 hours, costs $138.00 and is open book.
The business and law test lasts for 2 hours and requires a $69.00 fee.
EPA Guidelines
HVAC techs that work with refrigerants must get EPA certified under Section 608.
These dangerous substances are regulated by The Environmental Protection Agency, and you must train and pass an exam to handle them.
There are 3 types of EPA certification:
- Type 1: allows you to work with small appliances
- Type 2: allows you to with high-pressure appliances
- Type 3: enables you to handle low-pressure appliances.
The Universal certification enables you to handle all the different types and does not expire.
Conclusion
As you can see, becoming an HVAC contractor requires preparation and training.
Hopefully, this article provided you with the info you needed to start your career.
Read the full guide: How to Become an HVAC Technician
HVAC Schools by State