HVAC Technician in Maryland

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

Median annual salary
$65,000
trending_up +8.7% vs. national

BLS OEWS 2024, Maryland.

engineering
6,380

Jobs (MD)

monitoring Surging
+8.1%

10-yr job growth

payments
$170

Licensing fees

schedule
4 years (apprenticeship) + additional experience for higher licenses

Time to complete

route How to become an hvac technician in Maryland

To become a licensed HVAC Technician in Maryland, individuals must obtain a license from the Maryland Board of Heating, Ventilation, Air Conditioning and Refrigeration Contractors (HVACR). The path typically begins with an apprenticeship, requiring four years and 6,000 hours of training under a licensed HVACR contractor, followed by passing the journeyman examination. Maryland offers reciprocity with Delaware and Virginia, allowing licensed individuals from these states to apply for a Maryland license if they meet equivalent qualifications. Applicants must be at least 18 years old and have a high school diploma or GED.

bar_chart Salary percentiles

10th percentile (entry) $45,140
25th percentile $52,080
50th (median) $65,000
75th percentile $80,200
90th (experienced) $100,760

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

checklist Maryland requirements

Licensing bodyMaryland Board of Heating, Ventilation, Air Conditioning and Refrigeration Contractors (HVACR)
State license Required
EducationCompletion of a registered apprenticeship program OR four years (6000 hours) of training as an apprentice under a licensed HVACR contractor.
Experience6,000.0 hours
ExamMaryland HVACR Master/Journeyman Exam ($150)
Application fee$20
RenewalEvery 2.0 years
NotesMinimum age of 18 and a high school diploma or GED equivalent are required. Journeyman license requires 4 years of experience (6000 hours) as an apprentice. Master license requires 3 years of experience as a licensed journeyman (1875 hours in the year prior to application). All master, master restricted and limited contractors must also submit proof of general liability and property damage insurance. EPA 608 certification is required to work with refrigerants.

Source: Maryland Board of Heating, Ventilation, Air Conditioning and Refrigeration Contractors (HVACR)

workspace_premium Maryland license tiers

Maryland offers multiple tiers of hvac technician licensing:

Tier Hours required
Journeyman 6,000
Master 6,000

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_circleMaryland 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.
arrow_forward

Frequently asked questions

What's required to work as an hvac technician in Maryland? expand_more
The path to hvac technician licensure in Maryland: complete the required education (Completion of a registered apprenticeship program OR four years (6000 hours) of training as an apprentice under a licensed HVACR contractor.), gain 6,000.0 hours of supervised experience, pass the Maryland HVACR Master/Journeyman Exam, and submit your application ($20 fee).
Is an hvac technician license required in Maryland? expand_more
Yes, Maryland requires a state license to practice as an hvac technician. The licensing body is Maryland Board of Heating, Ventilation, Air Conditioning and Refrigeration Contractors (HVACR). You must pass the Maryland HVACR Master/Journeyman Exam.
How much do hvac technicians make in Maryland? expand_more
The median hvac technician salary in Maryland is $65,000 per year. — 9% higher than the $59,810 national figure. The range spans from $45,140 at the entry level to $100,760 for top earners.
What's the total cost to get hvac technician certified in Maryland? expand_more
Costs include exam fee ($150) and application fee ($20). The estimated total investment is varies, including education and training.
What's the timeline to become an hvac technician in Maryland? expand_more
In Maryland, becoming an hvac technician generally takes 4 years (apprenticeship) + additional experience for higher licenses, accounting for education requirements, hands-on training, and the exam process.

Explore more