HVAC Technician in Nevada

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

Median annual salary

$59,230

trending_down -1.0% vs. national

BLS OEWS 2024, Nevada.

engineering

4,240

Jobs (NV)

monitoring Surging

+8.1%

10-yr job growth

payments

$440

Licensing fees

schedule

4 years

Time to complete

route How to become an hvac technician in Nevada

To become a licensed HVAC Contractor in Nevada, individuals must obtain a C-21 Refrigeration and Air Conditioning license through the Nevada State Contractors Board. This requires demonstrating at least four years (8000 hours) of experience as a journeyman, foreman, supervising employee, or contractor within the last 15 years. Applicants must pass both the C-21 Refrigeration and Air Conditioning Contractor Exam and the Contractor Management Survey (Business and Law) Exam, and submit a detailed application with a $300 fee, financial statements, and undergo a background check. Nevada offers reciprocity for the trade exam to contractors licensed in California, Arizona, or Utah who meet specific criteria.

bar_chart Salary percentiles

10th percentile (entry) $39,230

25th percentile $48,060

50th (median) $59,230

75th percentile $75,590

90th (experienced) $91,040

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

checklist Nevada requirements

Licensing body	Nevada State Contractors Board
State license	Required
Education	High school diploma or equivalent is not explicitly stated as a prerequisite, but training from an accredited college, university, or board-approved program can count for up to three years of the required experience.
Experience	8,000.0 hours
Exam	C-21 Refrigeration and Air Conditioning Contractor Exam and Contractor Management Survey Exam (Business and Law) ($140)
Application fee	$300
Renewal	Every 2.0 years
Notes	Requires 4 years of experience as a journeyman, foreman, supervising employee, or contractor in the past 15 years. Must provide financial statements, undergo a background check, and obtain a surety bond (amount varies from $1,000 to $500,000). Must also obtain a Nevada State Business License identification number. Minimum age of 18 and a valid driver's license or USA ID are also required.

Source: Nevada State Contractors Board

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_circleNevada 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?

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Frequently asked questions

What are the steps to becoming an hvac technician in Nevada? expand_more

To become an hvac technician in Nevada, you need to complete the required education (High school diploma or equivalent is not explicitly stated as a prerequisite, but training from an accredited college, university, or board-approved program can count for up to three years of the required experience.), gain 8,000.0 hours of supervised experience, pass the C-21 Refrigeration and Air Conditioning Contractor Exam and Contractor Management Survey Exam (Business and Law), and submit your application ($300 fee).

Do I need a license to work as an hvac technician in Nevada? expand_more

A state license is required in Nevada. Nevada State Contractors Board handles hvac technician licensing — the C-21 Refrigeration and Air Conditioning Contractor Exam and Contractor Management Survey Exam (Business and Law) is part of the process.

What is the average hvac technician salary in Nevada? expand_more

In Nevada, the median pay for hvac technicians comes to $59,230/year. That's roughly in line with the $59,810 national median. The range spans from $39,230 at the entry level to $91,040 for top earners.

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

Costs include exam fee ($140) and application fee ($300). The estimated total investment is varies, including education and training.

How quickly can I become an hvac technician in Nevada? expand_more

Expect to spend 4 years from start to finish in Nevada — covering coursework, supervised experience, and examination.