HVAC Technician in Ohio

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

Median annual salary

$60,490

trending_up +1.1% vs. national

BLS OEWS 2024, Ohio.

engineering

13,570

Jobs (OH)

monitoring Surging

+8.1%

10-yr job growth

payments

$163

Licensing fees

schedule

5 years (minimum experience requirement)

Time to complete

route How to become an hvac technician in Ohio

To become a licensed HVAC Contractor in Ohio, individuals must obtain a state license through the Ohio Construction Industry Licensing Board (OCILB). This license is mandatory for commercial HVAC work, and some local jurisdictions may also require it for residential projects. Applicants need a minimum of five years of experience in the HVAC trade, must pass both the Business and Law and the HVAC Contractor exams, and undergo state and federal background checks. Additionally, a minimum of $500,000 in liability insurance is required, and EPA Section 608 Certification is necessary for handling refrigerants.

bar_chart Salary percentiles

10th percentile (entry) $38,120

25th percentile $47,590

50th (median) $60,490

75th percentile $74,900

90th (experienced) $91,710

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

checklist Ohio requirements

Licensing body	Ohio Construction Industry Licensing Board (OCILB)
State license	Required
Education	High school diploma or equivalent is often mentioned, but the official requirements focus on experience. EPA 608 Certification is required for handling refrigerants.
Experience	10,000.0 hours
Exam	OCILB HVAC Contractor Exam (Business/Law and Trade) ($138)
Application fee	$25
Renewal	Every 1.0 year
Continuing education	8.0 hours per cycle
Notes	A state license is required for commercial HVAC work. Local jurisdictions may regulate residential HVAC work and can also require a state commercial license for residential projects. Applicants must be at least 18 years old, a U.S. citizen or legal alien, pass a state and federal background check, and hold a minimum of $500,000 in contractor liability insurance. EPA Section 608 Certification is required for anyone who handles refrigerants.

Source: Ohio Construction Industry Licensing Board (OCILB)

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_circleOhio 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

How do I become an hvac technician in Ohio? expand_more

Ohio requires hvac technicians to complete the required education (High school diploma or equivalent is often mentioned, but the official requirements focus on experience. EPA 608 Certification is required for handling refrigerants.), gain 10,000.0 hours of supervised experience, pass the OCILB HVAC Contractor Exam (Business/Law and Trade), and submit your application ($25 fee).

Does Ohio require hvac technician licensure? expand_more

Ohio mandates state licensure for hvac technicians. Ohio Construction Industry Licensing Board (OCILB) oversees the process, which includes passing the OCILB HVAC Contractor Exam (Business/Law and Trade).

How much do hvac technicians make in Ohio? expand_more

hvac technicians in Ohio earn a median of $60,490 annually. This is close to the national median of $59,810. New hvac technicians start around $38,120; seasoned professionals can reach $91,710.

How expensive is hvac technician licensing in Ohio? expand_more

The full cost to enter the field runs about varies, factoring in exam fee ($138) and application fee ($25) and required training.

How many months or years does hvac technician certification take in Ohio? expand_more

Most candidates in Ohio complete the process in 5 years (minimum experience requirement), from enrollment in a training program through licensure.

How many CE hours do hvac technicians need in Ohio? expand_more

To keep your license active, Ohio mandates 8.0 CE hours every 1.0 year.