How to Become an HVAC Technician in Ohio (2026)
Ohio employs about 14,150 hvac technicians earning a median $62,510 a year (BLS OEWS, May 2025). Training as an hvac technician here means working through a trade school or registered apprenticeship and meeting the Ohio Department of Commerce - Division of Industrial Compliance credentialing requirements.
Compare HVAC Technician Schools in Ohio
| # | School | BOC Score (0–100) | Tuition (published, per year) | Median grad earnings (all majors) | Graduation rate | Online | Distance |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Pickaway Ross Joint Vocational School District | 83.0 | Contact school for pricing | $52,422 | 100% | — | 41 mi |
| 2 | Career and Technology Education Centers of Licking County | 71.2 | Contact school for pricing | $46,534 | 79% | — | 31 mi |
Sponsored Ad | |||||||
| 3 | Knox County Career Center | 61.8 | Contact school for pricing | $44,510 | 100% | — | 40 mi |
| 4 | Auburn Career Center | 59.7 | Contact school for pricing | $48,563 | 69% | — | 19 mi |
Sponsored Ad | |||||||
| 5 | Eastland-Fairfield Career and Technical Schools | 58.9 | Contact school for pricing | $44,754 | 81% | — | 8 mi |
| 6 | Central Ohio Technical College | 56.8 | $5,256 in-state / $8,016 out-of-state | $59,751 | 30% | Yes* | 30 mi |
Sponsored Ad | |||||||
| 7 | Columbus State Community College | 56.1 | $5,488 in-state / $11,224 out-of-state | $52,681 | 28% | Yes* | 1 mi |
| 8 | Clark State College | 46.3 | $4,393 in-state / $8,049 out-of-state | $50,997 | 22% | Yes* | 43 mi |
Sponsored Ad | |||||||
| 9 | Fortis College-Columbus | 28.3 | $14,935 | $40,980 | 40% | — | 10 mi |
Schools closest to the page's primary location are gathered first, then ranked by BOC Score; distance from the page's primary location is shown for reference. The BOC Score is an independent measure of school outcomes (graduation, earnings, net price, retention) expressed as a 0–100 percentile within each school's peer group; higher is better and advertising never affects it. *Online availability refers to coursework; hands-on trade training is completed in person. Read the full methodology.
Ohio employs approximately 14,150 hvac technicians according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, with a median annual wage of $62,510 1. Nationally, hvac technician employment is projected to grow 8.1% from 2024 to 2034, with about 40,100 openings per year 2. This page covers how to become an HVAC Technician in Ohio, including licensing requirements, training programs, and salary data.
At a Glance
- Training paths: trade school, community college, or apprenticeship
- Typical timeline: 1 to 5 years depending on the path
- Licensing authority: Ohio Department of Commerce - Division of Industrial Compliance
- Median wage (Ohio): $62,510 per year 1
- Exam requirement: State exam required
Quick Answers About How to Become an HVAC Technician in Ohio
How to become an HVAC Technician in Ohio? Ohio requires credentials such as HVAC Certificate. The licensing authority is the Ohio Department of Commerce - Division of Industrial Compliance 3. You also need to complete an approved training program or apprenticeship.
How long does it take? Most paths into the hvac technician field take 1 to 5 years, depending on whether you complete a trade school program, a registered apprenticeship, or a combination of both.
Do I need a license in Ohio? Yes. Ohio has licensing or registration requirements for hvac technicians. The Ohio Department of Commerce - Division of Industrial Compliance oversees licensing 3. See the licensing section below for details.
What do hvac technicians earn in Ohio? The median annual wage for hvac technicians in Ohio is $62,510 according to BLS data. Entry-level wages start around $38,630 and experienced professionals can earn $98,310 or more 1.
How to Become an HVAC Technician in Ohio
- Finish high school or earn a GED. Most Ohio training programs and registered apprenticeships require a high school diploma or GED to enroll.
- Complete a training program or apprenticeship. Enroll in an approved trade school program or a registered apprenticeship in Ohio that combines classroom instruction with supervised hands-on hours.
- Gain supervised work experience. Build documented on-the-job hours under a qualified supervisor; confirm the exact total currently required with the licensing board.
- Pass the state exam and apply for your license. Apply to the Ohio Department of Commerce - Division of Industrial Compliance, pass the required examination, and obtain the hvac technician credential before working unsupervised in Ohio.
Steps and hour totals vary by credential level; confirm current requirements with the state board before you apply.
HVAC Technician License Requirements in Ohio
The Ohio Department of Commerce - Division of Industrial Compliance oversees hvac technician licensing in Ohio 3.
License Types
| License | Requirements |
|---|---|
| HVAC Certificate | Please refer to the licensing authority or the Ohio Career Information System (OCIS) at (800) 700-6247 for more information on license requirements. |
Additional Requirements
- Background check: Specific type of conviction prohibited
- Exam: State exam required
- Experience: Work experience required
License information sourced from CareerOneStop 4.
HVAC Technician Apprenticeship Information in Ohio
Apprenticeships combine paid on-the-job training with classroom instruction and typically last 3 to 5 years. Ohio’s apprenticeship program is administered by the Ohio Office of Apprenticeship 5.
Contact Information:
- Office: Ohio Department of Job and Family Services - ApprenticeOhio
- Phone: (614) 466-6282
- Email: [email protected]
Federal Prevailing Wage in Ohio
Under the Davis-Bacon Act, hvac technicians working on federally funded construction projects in Ohio earn a prevailing wage set by the U.S. Department of Labor. Recent Ohio general wage determinations show approximately $35.12 per hour in base pay plus $0.00 per hour in fringe benefits, for an effective hourly rate of about $35.12 (Source: DOL Wage and Hour Division, Davis-Bacon wage determinations, 2026) 6.
Prevailing wages apply to federal construction contracts above the Davis-Bacon threshold and may differ from typical private-sector pay reported by the Bureau of Labor Statistics. Rates also vary by county and by classification within hvac technician work.
HVAC Technician Wages by Metro Area in Ohio
Heating, Air Conditioning, and Refrigeration Mechanics and Installers Wages by Metro Area in Ohio
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics ( OES data), heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanics and installers wages in Ohio vary by metro area.
| Metro Area | Employment | Median Annual Wage | Avg. Annual Wage | Entry Level (10th pctile) | Experienced (90th pctile) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Columbus | 3,000 | $64,440 | $68,730 | $40,680 | $100,590 |
| Cincinnati | 2,950 | $62,240 | $65,290 | $39,750 | $96,400 |
| Cleveland | 2,610 | $62,790 | $66,940 | $39,220 | $98,310 |
| Dayton-Kettering-Beavercreek | 1,090 | $62,500 | $65,880 | $38,630 | $96,620 |
| Akron | 850 | $61,090 | $64,000 | $38,240 | $96,690 |
| Toledo | 650 | $62,460 | $67,560 | $38,610 | $99,740 |
| Canton-Massillon | 420 | $58,910 | $60,310 | $37,110 | $91,920 |
| Youngstown-Warren | 370 | $61,260 | $64,370 | $36,590 | $95,570 |
| Huntington-Ashland | 360 | $48,860 | $52,080 | $35,780 | $73,400 |
| Lima | 160 | $60,950 | $60,410 | $39,210 | $77,530 |
| Mansfield | 130 | $59,010 | $61,670 | $36,280 | $92,850 |
| Sandusky | 120 | $61,040 | $62,590 | $38,700 | $94,400 |
| Wheeling | 100 | $56,240 | $56,630 | $36,510 | $77,850 |
| Springfield | 80 | $62,670 | $63,540 | $34,940 | $93,280 |
| Weirton-Steubenville | 80 | $57,000 | $56,590 | $32,200 | $77,210 |
Wages reflect survey data and vary based on experience, credentials, employer, and local market conditions. Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS), May .
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the job outlook for hvac technicians in Ohio? Ohio currently employs approximately 14,150 hvac technicians 1. Nationally, hvac technician employment is projected to grow 8.1% from 2024 to 2034 2.
Can I work as an hvac technician in Ohio with an out-of-state license? Contact the Ohio Department of Commerce - Division of Industrial Compliance for details on reciprocity and credential transfer.
What training programs are available in Ohio? Options include trade schools, community colleges, and apprenticeship programs. Use the school finder above to search for programs in Ohio. You can also contact the Ohio Office of Apprenticeship for apprenticeship opportunities.
How much do hvac technicians earn in Ohio compared to the national average? The median annual wage for hvac technicians in Ohio is $62,510, which is $2,700 above the national median of $59,810 according to BLS data 1.
Related guides
In Ohio
Top local programs
- Best HVAC Schools in Akron, Ohio (2026)
- Best HVAC Schools in Alliance, Ohio (2026)
- Best HVAC Schools in Amherst, Ohio (2026)
- Best HVAC Schools in Ashland, Ohio (2026)
- Best HVAC Schools in Ashtabula, Ohio (2026)
- Best HVAC Schools in Athens, Ohio (2026)
- Best HVAC Schools in Aurora, Ohio (2026)
- Best HVAC Schools in Avon Lake, Ohio (2026)
- Best HVAC Schools in Avon, Ohio (2026)
- Best HVAC Schools in Barberton, Ohio (2026)
- Best HVAC Schools in Bay Village, Ohio (2026)
- Best HVAC Schools in Beachwood, Ohio (2026)
Related trades & nearby areas
- Best Carpenter Schools in Ohio (2026)
- Best Electrician Schools in Ohio
- Best HVAC Schools in Indiana (2026)
- Best HVAC Schools in Kentucky (2026)
- Best HVAC Schools in Michigan (2026)
- Best HVAC Schools in Pennsylvania (2026)
Explore More Trades in Ohio
- Electrician in Ohio
- Plumber in Ohio
- Welder in Ohio
- Carpenter in Ohio
- Solar Installation Technician in Ohio
- Auto Mechanic in Ohio
- CNC Machinist in Ohio
- Certified Nursing Assistant in Ohio
- Medical Assistant in Ohio
- Massage Therapist in Ohio
Citations
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/.
References
Bureau of Labor Statistics - Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics: https://www.bls.gov/oes/ ↩︎ ↩︎ ↩︎ ↩︎ ↩︎
Bureau of Labor Statistics - Employment Projections: https://www.bls.gov/emp/ ↩︎ ↩︎
Ohio Department of Commerce - Division of Industrial Compliance - Licensing Information: https://www.com.ohio.gov/divisions-and-programs/industrial-compliance ↩︎ ↩︎ ↩︎
CareerOneStop - Licensed Occupations: https://www.careeronestop.org/Toolkit/Training/find-licenses.aspx ↩︎
Ohio Office of Apprenticeship: http://jfs.ohio.gov/apprenticeship/Apprenticeship-Opportunities.stm ↩︎
U.S. Department of Labor, Wage and Hour Division - Davis-Bacon General Wage Determinations: https://sam.gov/wage-determinations ↩︎
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) | U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics | May 2025 |
| Employment Projections | U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics | 2024-2034 |
| Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System | National Center for Education Statistics (IPEDS) | 2024 |
| College Scorecard (school-level outcomes) | U.S. Department of Education | latest release |
| College Scorecard (field-of-study earnings) | U.S. Department of Education | latest release (updated 2026-06-12) |
| Occupational licensing requirements | CareerOneStop (U.S. Department of Labor) | latest release (updated 2026-02-22) |
| Registered apprenticeship programs | CareerOneStop / Apprenticeship.gov (U.S. Department of Labor) | latest release (updated 2025-10-25) |
| O*NET occupation profiles (skills, tasks, tools, job zones) | U.S. Department of Labor (O*NET / Employment & Training Admin.) | O*NET 29.1 (updated 2026-06-13) |