HVAC technicians in Virginia earn a median of $59,730 a year (BLS OEWS, May 2025). This page lists HVAC training options near Smithfield, with metro distances, EPA 608 prep, and the steps to licensure. Most enter through a 6-to-12-month certificate or a registered apprenticeship.
Key Facts
State median wage: $59,730/yr
State pay range (10th-90th pct): $39,760 to $83,420
We first gather the schools closest to the city or state page you are viewing, then rank that
local group by BOC Score, with the highest at the top. The BOC Score is computed from federal
IPEDS and College Scorecard data; schools without enough data to score appear last.
LOCAL RANK
Location / proximity to this page
Defines the local group
Graduation rate
30%
Median earnings, 10 years after entry
25%
Average net price (lower is better)
20%
Retention rate
15%
Fully online availability
10%
Schools without enough federal outcome data appear after ranked schools, without a score.
Advertising never affects these rankings. Read the full methodology.
Annual Wage by Percentile - Heating, Air Conditioning, and Refrigeration Mechanics and InstallersSource: BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics, May 2025
Heating, Air Conditioning, and Refrigeration Mechanics and Installers annual wage percentiles
Percentile
Annual wage
10th
$40,050
25th
$48,360
50th (median)
$61,010
75th
$77,060
90th
$95,210
Projected employment growth, Heating, Air Conditioning, and Refrigeration Mechanics and Installers, 2024-2034Source: BLS Employment Projections, 2024-2034
Heating, Air Conditioning, and Refrigeration Mechanics and Installers employment projection 2024 to 2034
Year
Employment
2024
425,200
2034 projected
459,700
Percent change
+8.1%
Pay & Outlook
Metric
Value
Source
Virginia median annual wage
$59,730
BLS OEWS, May 2025
Virginia pay range (10th-90th pct)
$39,760 to $83,420
BLS OEWS, May 2025
Virginia employment
14,690 workers
BLS OEWS, May 2025
National job outlook (2024-2034)
+8.1% growth, about 40,100 openings/yr
BLS Employment Projections, 2024-2034
Wages reflect the 49-9021 occupation (Heating, Air Conditioning, and Refrigeration Mechanics and Installers). Earnings vary by employer, specialization, and experience.
How to become an HVAC technician in Virginia
Complete an approved HVAC program or apprenticeship. Finish an HVAC trade school, community college program, or registered apprenticeship near Smithfield that covers refrigeration, heating, and controls fundamentals.
Earn EPA 608 certification. Pass the EPA Section 608 exam, which federal law requires to handle regulated refrigerants. Most programs include 608 exam preparation.
Build supervised work experience. Accumulate on-the-job hours through an apprenticeship or entry-level role. Hour requirements vary; confirm totals with the state board.
Meet Virginia licensing requirements. Satisfy Virginia’s state or local mechanical/HVAC licensing rules and pass any required licensing exam before working unsupervised.
Apprenticeships & Pathways
Registered HVAC apprenticeships combine paid on-the-job training with related classroom instruction and typically run 3 to 5 years. Sponsors include local contractors, union locals, and community colleges. Hour totals and ratios differ by program, so confirm the exact requirements with the state apprenticeship agency or licensing board before you commit.
What You Study in an HVAC Program
Refrigeration cycle, thermodynamics, and heat transfer
Electrical fundamentals, motors, and HVAC controls
Heating systems: furnaces, heat pumps, and boilers
Air conditioning install, charging, and troubleshooting
EPA 608 refrigerant handling and recovery
Load calculation, ductwork, and indoor air quality
Tips for Choosing a School
Confirm accreditation and whether credits transfer.
Tour the lab to see refrigeration trainers, heat pumps, and live controls.
Compare schedules — many Smithfield programs offer evening, weekend, or accelerated tracks.
Verify the program includes EPA 608 exam prep and apprenticeship hour tracking.
Ask about job-placement support and employer partnerships.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does HVAC technician training take near Smithfield?
HVAC certificate programs near Smithfield typically take 6 to 12 months of full-time study, while associate degree programs generally run about 2 years. Many technicians instead enter through a registered apprenticeship, which combines paid on-the-job training with classroom instruction and usually takes 3 to 5 years. Actual time depends on schedule and prerequisite coursework.
How much do HVAC technicians earn in Virginia?
According to BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (May 2025), HVAC technicians in Virginia earned a median annual wage of about $59,730 (BLS OEWS, May 2025). The 10th-to-90th-percentile range was about $39,760 to $83,420. Pay varies with experience, certification, and employer.
What is the job outlook for HVAC technicians?
BLS projects employment of HVAC mechanics and installers to grow +8.1% (2024-2034) with about 40,100 openings projected per year (BLS Employment Projections, 2024-2034). Replacement of aging climate-control systems and tighter efficiency standards continue to drive demand.
Do I need EPA 608 certification to work as an HVAC technician?
Yes. Federal law (Clean Air Act, Section 608) requires technicians who maintain, service, or dispose of equipment that uses regulated refrigerants to hold EPA 608 certification. Most HVAC programs include EPA 608 exam prep.
How do I become a licensed HVAC technician in Virginia?
Complete an approved HVAC program or registered apprenticeship, earn EPA 608 certification, then meet Virginia's state or local mechanical/HVAC licensing requirements and pass any required exam. Confirm current rules with your state or local licensing board, as requirements vary by jurisdiction.
About this guide: Researched and written by the TradeCareerPath Editorial Team. Our editorial team researches and sources every trade school and career guide using federal labor and education data, including BLS OEWS and Employment Projections, DOL apprenticeship records, IPEDS, College Scorecard, and state licensing boards. We follow the editorial standards documented at /editorial-policy/.
Data sources
Figures on this page are sourced from the federal and state datasets below. Methodology: how we rank and source data.
Data
Provider
Vintage
Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS)
