HVAC Technician in Michigan

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

Median annual salary

$60,090

trending_up +0.5% vs. national

BLS OEWS 2024, Michigan.

engineering

13,720

Jobs (MI)

monitoring Surging

+8.1%

10-yr job growth

payments

$400

Licensing fees

schedule

3 years

Time to complete

route How to become an hvac technician in Michigan

To become an HVAC Technician in Michigan, you must obtain a Mechanical Contractor license with a specific classification, such as HVAC Equipment, through the Michigan Department of Licensing and Regulatory Affairs (LARA). This requires a minimum of three years (6,000 hours) of experience in the chosen classification, though up to one year of experience can be fulfilled by completing an approved HVAC program. Applicants must pass the Michigan Mechanical Contractor Exam for their specific classification and pay the associated application and exam fees. Michigan does not have reciprocity agreements with other states for this license, and an EPA Section 608 Certification is also necessary for handling refrigerants.

bar_chart Salary percentiles

10th percentile (entry) $39,560

25th percentile $47,620

50th (median) $60,090

75th percentile $74,460

90th (experienced) $84,070

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

checklist Michigan requirements

Licensing body	Michigan Department of Licensing and Regulatory Affairs (LARA)
State license	Required
Education	High school diploma or equivalent.
Experience	6,000.0 hours
Exam	Michigan Mechanical Contractor Exam (specific classification exams, e.g., HVAC Equipment) ($100)
Application fee	$300
Renewal	Every 3.0 years
Notes	Requires a Mechanical Contractor license with a specific classification (e.g., HVAC Equipment). Requires 3 years (6,000 hours) of experience in the specific classification. Education from a recognized HVAC program can substitute for up to 1 year (2,000 hours) of experience. Minimum age is 18 years old and requires a high school diploma or GED equivalent. EPA Section 608 Certification is also required for handling refrigerants. A background check may be required. Some cities and counties may have additional local licensing or registration requirements. There is no continuing education required for renewal.

Source: Michigan Department of Licensing and Regulatory Affairs (LARA)

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

psychology

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Frequently asked questions

What's required to work as an hvac technician in Michigan? expand_more

Michigan requires hvac technicians to complete the required education (High school diploma or equivalent.), gain 6,000.0 hours of supervised experience, pass the Michigan Mechanical Contractor Exam (specific classification exams, e.g., HVAC Equipment), and submit your application ($300 fee).

Does Michigan require hvac technician licensure? expand_more

Michigan mandates state licensure for hvac technicians. Michigan Department of Licensing and Regulatory Affairs (LARA) oversees the process, which includes passing the Michigan Mechanical Contractor Exam (specific classification exams, e.g., HVAC Equipment).

What do hvac technicians earn in Michigan? expand_more

The median hvac technician salary in Michigan is $60,090 per year. That's roughly in line with the $59,810 national median. New hvac technicians start around $39,560; seasoned professionals can reach $84,070.

How much does it cost to become an hvac technician in Michigan? expand_more

Costs include exam fee ($100) and application fee ($300). The estimated total investment is varies, including education and training.

What's the timeline to become an hvac technician in Michigan? expand_more

Expect to spend 3 years from start to finish in Michigan — covering coursework, supervised experience, and examination.