HVAC Technician in Colorado

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

Median annual salary
$63,420
trending_up +6.0% vs. national

BLS OEWS 2024, Colorado.

engineering
8,870

Jobs (CO)

monitoring Surging
+8.1%

10-yr job growth

route How to become an hvac technician in Colorado

Colorado does not have a statewide licensing requirement for HVAC technicians; instead, licensing is handled at the local city or county level. To become an HVAC technician, individuals typically need to be at least 18 years old, possess a high school diploma or GED, and obtain EPA Section 608 certification for handling refrigerants. Depending on the specific work, additional state-level electrical or plumbing licenses from the Colorado Department of Regulatory Agencies (DORA) may be necessary. There is no statewide reciprocity for HVAC licenses, though some electrical licenses may have reciprocity with other states.

bar_chart Salary percentiles

10th percentile (entry) $46,600
25th percentile $50,900
50th (median) $63,420
75th percentile $80,010
90th (experienced) $100,790

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

checklist Colorado requirements

Licensing bodyN/A (Local Municipalities)
State license Not required
NotesColorado does not have a statewide licensing requirement for HVAC technicians. Licensing is handled at the city or county level (e.g., Denver). Technicians must be at least 18 years old and have a high school diploma or GED equivalent. EPA Section 608 certification is required for anyone who handles refrigerants. Depending on the scope of HVAC work, an electrician's or plumber's license from the Colorado Department of Regulatory Agencies (DORA) may also be required. Continuing education may be required by local municipalities for license renewal.

Source: N/A (Local Municipalities)

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?

  • infoNo state license required — lower barrier but weaker signal
  • 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.
arrow_forward

Frequently asked questions

What are the steps to becoming an hvac technician in Colorado? expand_more
To become an hvac technician in Colorado, contact the state licensing board for requirements.
Is a state license required for hvac technicians in Colorado? expand_more
hvac technicians in Colorado are not required to hold a state license. Note: Colorado does not have a statewide licensing requirement for HVAC technicians. Licensing is handled at the city or county level (e.g., Denver). Technicians must be at least 18 years old and have a high school diploma or GED equivalent. EPA Section 608 certification is required for anyone who handles refrigerants. Depending on the scope of HVAC work, an electrician's or plumber's license from the Colorado Department of Regulatory Agencies (DORA) may also be required. Continuing education may be required by local municipalities for license renewal.
How much do hvac technicians make in Colorado? expand_more
hvac technicians in Colorado earn a median of $63,420 annually. That's 6% above the national median of $59,810. New hvac technicians start around $46,600; seasoned professionals can reach $100,790.

Explore more