HVAC Technician in Alabama

Requirements, salary data, licensing costs, and career ROI for AL. Updated with 2024 BLS OEWS wage data.

Median annual salary

$49,290

trending_down -17.6% vs. national

BLS OEWS 2024, Alabama.

engineering

7,330

Jobs (AL)

monitoring Surging

+8.1%

10-yr job growth

payments

$395

Licensing fees

schedule

2 years (apprenticeship) or 18 months (work experience)

Time to complete

route How to become an hvac technician in Alabama

To become a licensed HVAC Technician in Alabama, individuals must obtain a license from the Alabama Board of Heating, Air Conditioning & Refrigeration Contractors. Key steps include meeting experience or education prerequisites (either two years as a registered apprentice, 3,000 hours of supervised work experience, or graduation from an approved HVAC/refrigeration program), passing the Heating & Air Conditioning Contractor Examination, and submitting an application with a $220 fee and proof of a $20,000 performance bond. Applicants must be at least 18 years old, hold a high school diploma or GED, and pass a criminal background check. Alabama offers reciprocity with Louisiana, Mississippi, Ohio, South Carolina, Tennessee, and West Virginia.

bar_chart Salary percentiles

10th percentile (entry) $35,940

25th percentile $42,880

50th (median) $49,290

75th percentile $59,910

90th (experienced) $69,350

Source: BLS OEWS 2024 for Alabama. Metro-area wages may differ significantly from the state aggregate.

checklist Alabama requirements

Licensing body	Alabama Board of Heating, Air Conditioning & Refrigeration Contractors
State license	Required
Education	Completion of a board-approved education program or an apprenticeship program.
Experience	3,000.0 hours
Exam	Heating & Air Conditioning Contractor Examination (includes Business and Law) ($175)
Application fee	$220
Renewal	Every 1.0 year
Continuing education	4.0 hours per cycle
Notes	Minimum age 18. Requires a high school diploma or GED. A criminal background check is required. An active license requires a $20,000 performance bond. EPA Section 608 certification is required to work with refrigerants.

Source: Alabama Board of Heating, Air Conditioning & Refrigeration Contractors

work_outline Job outlook

10-year growth

+8.1%

Much faster than average

Annual openings

40,100

Nationwide per year

Total employment

425,200

Nationwide

neurology

AI & tech impact

verified Low exposure -0.85/1.00

This career has low exposure to AI automation. Most tasks require physical presence, human judgment, or hands-on skills that AI cannot easily replicate.

hub

balance Is it worth it?

check_circleAlabama license required — clearer credential signal to employers
check_circleStrong 10-year job growth (+8.1%)
check_circleLow AI disruption risk

psychology

Wondering if an hvac technician career is the right fit?

See what the day actually looks like, who the role suits, and who should skip it — grounded in real practitioner sources.

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Frequently asked questions

What are the steps to becoming an hvac technician in Alabama? expand_more

Alabama requires hvac technicians to complete the required education (Completion of a board-approved education program or an apprenticeship program.), gain 3,000.0 hours of supervised experience, pass the Heating & Air Conditioning Contractor Examination (includes Business and Law), and submit your application ($220 fee).

Is an hvac technician license required in Alabama? expand_more

Alabama mandates state licensure for hvac technicians. Alabama Board of Heating, Air Conditioning & Refrigeration Contractors oversees the process, which includes passing the Heating & Air Conditioning Contractor Examination (includes Business and Law).

How much do hvac technicians make in Alabama? expand_more

Alabama hvac technicians bring home a median salary of $49,290. — 18% under the $59,810 national average. Wages range from $35,940 (10th percentile) up to $69,350 (90th percentile).

How expensive is hvac technician licensing in Alabama? expand_more

The full cost to enter the field runs about varies, factoring in exam fee ($175) and application fee ($220) and required training.

How long does it take to become an hvac technician in Alabama? expand_more

Most candidates in Alabama complete the process in 2 years (apprenticeship) or 18 months (work experience), from enrollment in a training program through licensure.

How many CE hours do hvac technicians need in Alabama? expand_more

To keep your license active, Alabama mandates 4.0 CE hours every 1.0 year.