How to Become an HVAC Technician in Texas
Thinking about launching your HVAC career in Texas? You’re not alone, and you’re right on time. With year-round demand for heating and cooling, new construction, and population growth across the Lone Star State, HVAC technicians are in high demand.
This guide explains how to become a licensed HVAC technician in Texas based on current laws from the Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation (TDLR)1 and U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA)2.
Quick answers
Do you need a license to work in HVAC in Texas?
Yes. Texas requires HVAC professionals to be registered or licensed, depending on your experience level and job duties.
What is ACR technician registration?
ACR (air conditioning and refrigeration) technician registration is the entry-level credential issued by TDLR. Registered technicians must work under a licensed contractor.
Do you need EPA Section 608 certification in Texas?
Yes. EPA Section 608 is required nationwide for anyone handling refrigerants.
How long does HVAC training take in Texas?
Training varies by path. Trade school or a tech college program is typically 6-24 months, while an apprenticeship is commonly 4-5 years.
When can you apply for a Texas HVAC contractor license?
After 48 months (8,000 hours) of experience, you can apply for a Class A or Class B contractor license. Texas may allow a combination of education and work experience.
What is the difference between a Class A and Class B HVAC license?
Class A allows work on HVAC systems of any size. Class B is limited to cooling systems under 25 tons and heating under 1.5M BTU/h.
At a glance
- Entry-level: TDLR ACR technician registration ($20) with annual renewal
- Refrigerants: EPA Section 608 certification required for handling refrigerants
- Training: trade school (6-24 months) or apprenticeship (4-5 years)
- Contractor license: 48 months (8,000 hours) experience plus the TDLR contractor exam
- Insurance: $300,000 aggregate liability insurance requirement for contractors
Do you need a license to work in HVAC in Texas?
Yes. Texas requires HVAC professionals to be registered or licensed depending on your experience level and job duties.
| Credential | Who It’s For | Issued By |
|---|---|---|
| ACR Technician Registration | Entry-level workers assisting licensed contractors | TDLR1 |
| EPA Section 608 Certification | Anyone handling refrigerants | EPA2 |
| Contractor License (Class A or B) | Experienced technicians who want to run a business | TDLR1 |
“All individuals performing air conditioning and refrigeration work in Texas must either be licensed or registered with the TDLR.” - Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation1
Step-by-step: how to become an HVAC tech in Texas
1. Meet Basic Requirements
- Be at least 18 years old
- Hold a high school diploma or GED
- Be eligible to work in the U.S.
- Pass a background check3
2. Register as an ACR Technician
This is your first official step if you’re new to the trade.
- Apply online through the TDLR ACR Technician Portal
- Fee: $20
- Renewal: Every year
- You must work under a licensed contractor
“ACR Technicians must be registered with TDLR and may not perform unsupervised HVAC work.” - TDLR1
3. Get EPA Section 608 Certified
This federal certification is required nationwide for anyone handling refrigerants.
| Certification Type | What It Covers |
|---|---|
| Type I | Small appliances (under 5 lbs) |
| Type II | High-pressure systems (residential/commercial) |
| Type III | Low-pressure systems (chillers) |
| Universal | All of the above |
The exam is offered by HVAC schools or testing centers like ESCO and HVAC Excellence.
Want a full breakdown?
Check out our EPA 608 Certification Guide for test tips, study resources, and how to get certified fast.
4. Complete HVAC Training or Apprenticeship
Texas does not mandate a specific program, but training helps you land jobs and prepare for licensure.
| Training Option | Duration | Where to Find It |
|---|---|---|
| Apprenticeship (earn & learn) | 4-5 years | Union/non-union programs, trade associations |
| Trade School / Tech College | 6-24 months | Texas community colleges, private institutes |
“Texas allows education to substitute for some work experience when applying for a license.” - TDLR1
Want to stand out after completing your HVAC training?
Consider earning your NATE Certification. It’s a nationally respected credential that can boost your job prospects and salary in Texas.
5. Apply for an HVAC Contractor License (Optional but Valuable)
Once you have 48 months (8,000 hours) of experience, you can apply for your own Class A or Class B license.
| License Type | Description |
|---|---|
| Class A License | Work on any size HVAC system (no limit) |
| Class B License | Limited to cooling systems <25 tons, heating <1.5M BTU/h |
Requirements:
- 48 months of experience (can combine education + work)
- Pass TDLR contractor exam (administered by PSI)4
- Submit fingerprints and background check
- Carry liability insurance (min. $300,000 aggregate)
Estimated Cost Breakdown
| Item | Estimated Cost |
|---|---|
| ACR Technician Registration | $20 |
| HVAC Trade School / Training | $2,000-$15,000 |
| EPA 608 Certification | $50-$100 |
| Contractor Exam (Class A/B) | ~$64 |
| License Application (TDLR) | $115 |
| Liability Insurance | $200-$600/year |
| Fingerprinting / Background Check | $40-$100 |
| Total Estimated Cost | $2,500-$16,000+ |
HVAC Technician Wages by Metro Area in Texas
Heating, Air Conditioning, and Refrigeration Mechanics and Installers Wages by Metro Area in Texas
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (2025 OES data), heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanics and installers wages in Texas vary by metro area.
| Metro Area | Employment | Median Annual Wage | Avg. Annual Wage | Entry Level (10th pctile) | Experienced (90th pctile) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Dallas-Fort Worth-Arlington | 10,910 | $59,560 | $61,760 | $40,290 | $84,880 |
| Houston-Pasadena-The Woodlands | 7,680 | $58,940 | $60,390 | $38,780 | $83,120 |
| San Antonio-New Braunfels | 3,160 | $58,590 | $59,150 | $37,960 | $82,400 |
| Austin-Round Rock-San Marcos | 3,140 | $60,820 | $63,930 | $44,030 | $92,180 |
| El Paso | 790 | $47,270 | $49,300 | $28,130 | $72,600 |
| Corpus Christi | 640 | $51,760 | $56,020 | $37,350 | $79,420 |
| McAllen-Edinburg-Mission | 530 | $47,170 | $50,380 | $36,060 | $73,010 |
| Waco | 440 | $55,860 | $54,410 | $38,440 | $74,010 |
| Lubbock | 420 | $49,850 | $54,140 | $37,430 | $74,100 |
| Killeen-Temple | 410 | $49,630 | $53,300 | $33,430 | $75,180 |
| Beaumont-Port Arthur | 390 | $56,720 | $56,580 | $37,000 | $79,490 |
| Amarillo | 350 | $49,840 | $55,060 | $37,420 | $77,020 |
| Longview | 350 | $55,050 | $56,470 | $36,990 | $75,370 |
| Tyler | 290 | $49,300 | $57,220 | $36,120 | $82,570 |
| College Station-Bryan | 270 | $48,530 | $52,660 | $37,790 | $69,220 |
| Abilene | 260 | $54,330 | $54,510 | $34,970 | $75,920 |
| Brownsville-Harlingen | 260 | $47,910 | $50,650 | $35,810 | $71,380 |
| Midland | 260 | $57,800 | $60,270 | $37,640 | $81,630 |
| Laredo | 180 | $48,450 | $50,420 | $36,260 | $69,740 |
| Sherman-Denison | 170 | $56,330 | $56,970 | $34,950 | $83,260 |
| Odessa | 160 | $58,580 | $57,520 | $33,280 | $79,130 |
| Wichita Falls | 160 | $49,240 | $52,110 | $34,200 | $71,100 |
| San Angelo | 130 | $49,330 | $53,430 | $36,070 | $71,290 |
| Texarkana | 130 | $47,760 | $52,490 | $37,150 | $71,570 |
| Victoria | 100 | $48,550 | $52,710 | $37,700 | $75,780 |
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 2025.
Related Trades in Texas
Related Resources
Frequently Asked Questions
Is HVAC licensing required in Texas?
Yes. At a minimum, you must register as an ACR Technician if you’re doing any HVAC work.
Can I work without a license?
Only under the supervision of a licensed HVAC contractor and with ACR registration.
How long does it take to become a licensed HVAC contractor?
It typically takes 4 years of experience, but time can be reduced with trade school credit.
Is EPA certification required in Texas?
Yes. It’s a federal requirement for handling any refrigerants.
Citations
Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation - Air Conditioning & Refrigeration: https://www.tdlr.texas.gov/acr/acr.htm ↩︎ ↩︎ ↩︎ ↩︎ ↩︎ ↩︎
U.S. Environmental Protection Agency - Section 608: https://www.epa.gov/section608 ↩︎ ↩︎
Texas Department of Public Safety - Criminal History Checks: https://www.dps.texas.gov ↩︎
PSI Exams - Texas HVAC Licensing: https://www.psiexams.com ↩︎
About this guide: Researched and written by the TradeCareerPath Editorial Team. Our editorial team researches and sources every trade career guide using BLS, DOL, and state licensing data. We follow the editorial standards documented at /editorial-policy/.