HVAC Technician in Massachusetts
Requirements, salary data, licensing costs, and career ROI for MA. Updated with 2024 BLS OEWS wage data.
BLS OEWS 2024, Massachusetts.
Jobs (MA)
10-yr job growth
Licensing fees
Time to complete
route How to become an hvac technician in Massachusetts
To become a Refrigeration Technician in Massachusetts, individuals must obtain a license through the Massachusetts Office of Public Safety and Inspections, specifically the Bureau of Pipefitters, Refrigeration Technicians, and Sprinkler Fitters. Key steps involve completing a significant number of apprenticeship hours (ranging from 2,000 to 6,000 hours depending on education) and approved refrigeration coursework. Applicants must also pass the Refrigeration Technician examination and pay an application fee. This license is required for refrigeration work with a capacity over 10 tons, and applicants must be at least 18 years old and hold a high school diploma or GED, along with a Universal CFC Certification.
bar_chart Salary percentiles
Source: BLS OEWS 2024 for Massachusetts. Metro-area wages may differ significantly from the state aggregate.
checklist Massachusetts requirements
| Licensing body | Massachusetts Office of Public Safety and Inspections |
| State license | Required |
| Education | 250 hours of refrigeration coursework (100 hours refrigeration theory, 150 hours MA electrical code) OR 500 hours of refrigeration education (250 hours shop work, 100 hours theory, 100 hours MA electrical code) OR 1000 hours of refrigeration education (700 hours shop work, 100 hours theory, 100 hours MA electrical code). |
| Experience | 6,000.0 hours |
| Exam | Refrigeration Technician examination ($75) |
| Application fee | $75 |
| Renewal | Every 2.0 years |
| Notes | Requires 6,000 hours as a licensed Refrigeration Apprentice under a licensed Refrigeration Contractor AND 250 hours of refrigeration education; OR 4,000 hours as a licensed Refrigeration Apprentice AND 500 hours of refrigeration education; OR 2,000 hours as a licensed Refrigeration Apprentice AND 1,000 hours of refrigeration education. Must be at least 18 years old and have a high school diploma or GED. Also requires Universal CFC Certification. This license is specifically for refrigeration work with a capacity over 10 tons. |
Source: Massachusetts Office of Public Safety and Inspections
workspace_premium Massachusetts license tiers
Massachusetts offers multiple tiers of hvac technician licensing:
| Tier | Hours required |
|---|---|
| Refrigeration Apprentice | N/A |
| Refrigeration Technician | 6,000 |
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_circleMassachusetts license required — clearer credential signal to employers
- check_circleStrong 10-year job growth (+8.1%)
- check_circleLow AI disruption risk