HVAC Technician in Delaware
Requirements, salary data, licensing costs, and career ROI for DE. Updated with 2024 BLS OEWS wage data.
BLS OEWS 2024, Delaware.
Jobs (DE)
10-yr job growth
Licensing fees
Time to complete
route How to become an hvac technician in Delaware
To become a licensed HVAC Technician in Delaware, individuals must obtain a Master HVACR license from the Delaware Division of Professional Regulation, Board of Plumbing, Heating, Ventilation, Air Conditioning and Refrigeration Examiners. This typically involves completing a federally-approved apprenticeship program and gaining two years of post-apprenticeship experience under a master licensee, or accumulating seven years of experience under a master licensee and passing an Apprenticeship By-Pass Exam. Applicants must then pass the Master HVACR exam, pay the application fee of $173 and an exam fee of $100. Licenses are renewed every two years and require 5 hours of continuing education per cycle, starting in 2026. Delaware offers full reciprocity with Connecticut, Iowa, and Maryland, and limited reciprocity with several other states.
bar_chart Salary percentiles
Source: BLS OEWS 2024 for Delaware. Metro-area wages may differ significantly from the state aggregate.
checklist Delaware requirements
| Licensing body | Delaware Division of Professional Regulation, Board of Plumbing, Heating, Ventilation, Air Conditioning and Refrigeration Examiners |
| State license | Required |
| Education | Completion of a registered apprenticeship program or equivalent education. |
| Exam | Master HVACR Exam (or Master HVACR Restricted Exam) ($100) |
| Application fee | $173 |
| Renewal | Every 2.0 years |
| Continuing education | 5.0 hours per cycle |
| Reciprocity | Delaware offers full reciprocity with some states and limited reciprocity with others, often requiring experience.Reciprocal states: Full reciprocity with Connecticut, Iowa, and Maryland. Limited reciprocity with Alabama, Arkansas, District of Columbia, Florida, Georgia, Michigan, New Hampshire, New Jersey, North Carolina, Ohio, Rhode Island, South Carolina, Virginia, and West Virginia (requires proof of 7 years experience after licensure). |
| Notes | Master HVACR license requires either a Journeyman Certificate plus 2 years of post-apprenticeship experience under a master licensee, OR 7 years of experience under a master licensee and passing the Apprenticeship By-Pass Exam. Applicants must be at least 18 years old, have a high school diploma or GED, and pass a criminal background check. Federal EPA Section 608 Certification is also mandatory for all technicians handling refrigerants. Licenses expire on October 31st of even years. |
Already licensed elsewhere and moving to Delaware? See whether Delaware recognizes an out-of-state credential — with the tier and pathway for all 50 states — in our HVAC Technician license reciprocity guide.
workspace_premium Delaware license tiers
Delaware offers multiple tiers of hvac technician licensing:
| Tier | Hours required |
|---|---|
| Journeyman | 8,000 |
| Master | 14,000 |
work_outline Job outlook
AI & tech impact
This career has low exposure to AI automation. Most tasks require physical presence, human judgment, or hands-on skills that AI cannot easily replicate.
balance Is it worth it?
- check_circleDelaware license required — clearer credential signal to employers
- check_circleStrong 10-year job growth (+8.1%)
- check_circleLow AI disruption risk
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