How to become an HVAC technician in Texas

It only takes a few days in the Texas heat to realize that HVAC (heating, ventilation, and air conditioning) technicians are an in-demand asset to individuals, families, and businesses. Learn about the duties of a licensed HVAC technician and what steps you need to take to become one in the Lone Star State.

What does an HVAC technician in Texas do?

The general responsibilities of an HVAC technician in Texas include installing and repairing heating and cooling units in residential and commercial structures throughout the state. Examples of the work you may be doing include fixing an AC unit in someone's home during the hot summer or repairing the refrigeration unit on a cargo container in the Port of Houston.

You can expect a very hands-on career, where you'll likely spend nearly all your time actively on job sites.

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), HVAC technicians in Texas earn a mean annual salary of $54,640 as of May 2023. Additionally, Texas had the third-highest employment rate for HVAC technicians in the U.S. in 2023.

Steps to become an HVAC technician in Texas

Thanks to one of the largest HVAC workforces in the country (second only to California and Florida), the pathway to becoming a licensed HVAC technician in Texas is quite clear. Here are the steps you'll want to follow:

Step 1: Register with the state of Texas

The first step in becoming an HVAC technician in Texas is registering with the Texas Department of Licensing Regulation (TDLR). This is required before you start working under a licensed HVAC technician anywhere in the state.

Step 2: Complete a 24-month apprenticeship

Once you've registered with the state, the next step is to work for 24 months on a job site(s), learning from an experienced and licensed contractor. This apprenticeship period allows you to begin learning real-world experiences and earn money while you learn.

Step 3: Apply to become a certified ACR technician or complete additional work experience

Once you've completed your two-year apprenticeship, you'll want to choose how to pursue the next part of your training. Here are the two options:

• Option 1: Complete a 2,000-hour HVAC certification program to become a certified air-conditioning repair (ACR) technician. Ensure that Texas approves the course you choose before enrolling. For reference, 2,000 hours would take about one year if you worked full-time (40 hours per week). This option still requires 36 months (3 years) of job site experience under the direction of a licensed HVAC technician.
• Option 2: Complete 48 months (4 years) of job site experience under the direction of a licensed HVAC technician.

Your previous apprenticeship work will count toward these job site requirement totals.

Step 4: Apply for a Texas contractor license

Once you've completed one of the options mentioned above, you may apply for your Texas ACR contractor's license.

Texas offers several exemption options for people who want to immediately move to this step of the process and bypass the previous requirements. The most popular of these options are military training in air conditioning and refrigeration or a degree in mechanical engineering.

Step 5: Take the state licensing exam and obtain insurance

After you've applied for your license, you'll need to pass the Texas state licensing exam. The test has several variations based on the type of equipment with which you intend to work. The overall pass rate for all exams in 2024 was 35.98%.

If you don't pass the test on your first try, you may continue retaking it as many times as needed.

Once you pass the licensing exam, you'll then need to obtain general liability insurance and submit a certificate of insurance to the TDLR before you can be a fully licensed HVAC technician in the state.

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