HVAC Technician in Oregon

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

Median annual salary
$62,740
trending_up +4.9% vs. national

BLS OEWS 2024, Oregon.

engineering
3,690

Jobs (OR)

monitoring Surging
+8.1%

10-yr job growth

payments
$170

Licensing fees

schedule
2-4 years (apprenticeship)

Time to complete

route How to become an hvac technician in Oregon

To become an HVAC technician in Oregon, individuals must obtain a Limited Energy Technician Class B (LEB) license from the Oregon Building Codes Division (BCD). This typically involves completing a board-approved apprenticeship program or accumulating 4,000 hours of work experience and 288 hours of classroom training. Additionally, technicians who handle refrigerants must obtain EPA Section 608 certification. Those wishing to operate as an HVAC contractor must also obtain a license from the Oregon Construction Contractors Board (CCB), which requires 16 hours of pre-license training and passing a separate business and law exam.

bar_chart Salary percentiles

10th percentile (entry) $45,390
25th percentile $49,360
50th (median) $62,740
75th percentile $78,290
90th (experienced) $93,620

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

checklist Oregon requirements

Licensing bodyOregon Building Codes Division (BCD) for technicians; Oregon Construction Contractors Board (CCB) for contractors
State license Required
EducationHigh school diploma or GED equivalent, and one year of high school algebra or equivalent post-high school algebra course with a passing grade of 'C' or better.
Experience4,000.0 hours
ExamLimited Energy Technician Class B (LEB) Exam (for technicians); CCB licensing exam (for contractors) ($120)
Application fee$50
RenewalEvery 3.0 years
Continuing education16.0 hours per cycle
NotesHVAC technicians installing or servicing low-voltage controls need a Limited Energy Technician Class B (LEB) license from the BCD. To operate as an HVAC contractor, a license from the CCB is also required. Minimum age for apprenticeship is 17 to apply, 18 to begin. EPA Section 608 certification is required for technicians who handle refrigerants.

Source: Oregon Building Codes Division (BCD) for technicians; Oregon Construction Contractors Board (CCB) for contractors

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_circleOregon 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

How do you get certified as an hvac technician in Oregon? expand_more
The path to hvac technician licensure in Oregon: complete the required education (High school diploma or GED equivalent, and one year of high school algebra or equivalent post-high school algebra course with a passing grade of 'C' or better.), gain 4,000.0 hours of supervised experience, pass the Limited Energy Technician Class B (LEB) Exam (for technicians); CCB licensing exam (for contractors), and submit your application ($50 fee).
Is an hvac technician license required in Oregon? expand_more
Yes, Oregon requires a state license to practice as an hvac technician. The licensing body is Oregon Building Codes Division (BCD) for technicians; Oregon Construction Contractors Board (CCB) for contractors. You must pass the Limited Energy Technician Class B (LEB) Exam (for technicians); CCB licensing exam (for contractors).
What do hvac technicians earn in Oregon? expand_more
The median hvac technician salary in Oregon is $62,740 per year. This is close to the national median of $59,810. Entry-level (10th percentile) starts at $45,390, while experienced professionals (90th percentile) earn $93,620.
What are the fees to become an hvac technician in Oregon? expand_more
Plan on spending varies total — that covers exam fee ($120) and application fee ($50) plus your education and training.
How many months or years does hvac technician certification take in Oregon? expand_more
Expect to spend 2-4 years (apprenticeship) from start to finish in Oregon — covering coursework, supervised experience, and examination.
What are the continuing education requirements for hvac technicians in Oregon? expand_more
Oregon requires 16.0 hours of continuing education every 3.0 years to maintain your hvac technician license.

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