There is a growing demand for HVAC technicians across the US, and this is especially true when Kentucky is in question.
However, Kentucky does require you to have a license in order to carry out work as a HVAC technician.
Some of the licensing requirements involve enough hours of experience, basic education, and boosting your skills.
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Salary
A HVAC technician in Kentucky can expect to earn anywhere from $14 to $32 per hour.
There are various factors that can affect your salary. Some of the main factors are experience, skills, and knowledge.
That is how at the very beginning you may find yourself earning about $31,000 and as you further your career you may expect your earnings to run up to $75,000.
Here is a table that displays HVAC technician’s salaries in ten largest cities in Kentucky:
Annual Salary Range:Average Salary of HVAC Techs in Kentucky
| City Name | Salary |
|---|---|
| Lexington-Fayette | $44,004 |
| Louisville | $44,065 |
| Owensboro | $43,700 |
| Bowling Green | $42,111 |
| Covington | $45,695 |
| Hopkinsville | $42,055 |
| Frankfort | $42,686 |
| Henderson | $43,980 |
| Richmond | $43,559 |
| Jeffersonvile | $43,633 |
Technician Requirements
The HVAC technician license will enable you to carry out work on installation and repair tasks in the state of Kentucky.
You may wish to start an apprenticeship first. If that be the case, then you do not need a license.
However, you do need to register at the the Division of HVAC of the Department of Housing, Buildings and Construction.
Additional requirements include working with the oversight a master HVAC contractor, as well as being at least 18.
There are different license classifications.
Therefore, for every license, according to the level you need to reach, there are specific requirements you must meet.
You will definitely need to have particular educational qualification, apprenticeship hours.
You will also need to pass examinations. To be eligible for any license you will need to be at least 18 years of age.
You will have two options to begin with – a career of a HVAC journeyman or a master.
For these two options, you will have to have a minimum of two years documented work experience.
The experience that will be taken into account is only that which has occurred after January 1, 1990 and under the licensed contractor’s supervision.
Your trade education can only be counted as one year of work experience maximum.
Limited Journeyman
Limited journeyman license only allows you to install duct work, and work under the supervision of a master contractor.
Therefore, this license is applicable to ductwork jobs.
Limited Journeyman HVAC Installer
The limited Journeyman HVAC installer license may only install HVAC systems under the watchful eye of a master HVAC contractor.
Journeyman
A journeyman in Kentucky needs to follow the regulations and requirements of the Kentucky HVAC Codes and Standards.
They can work independently, but with the supervision of a master HVAC contractor.
HVAC journeyman installs, maintains, remodels, and repairs HVAC systems.
Master HVAC Contractor
The job of a master HVAC contractor involves: contracting, and engaging in the HVAC industry, as well as being familiar with the Kentucky law, codes and regulations.
If you want to apply for the Master HVAC contractor license, you must be at least 18 years old, and submit a certified application that proves that you have been regularly or principally engaged in the HVAC trade under a master HVAC contractor for minimum of 2 years.
To become a HVAC master, you need to pass the business and law exam. Prior to passing the exam, you need to finish relevant education and apprenticeship. Each contractor has general liability insurance that adds up to $500,000.
The ones who wish to renew their license need to complete 8 hours of continuing education.
Examination
There are two types of exams you can opt to take – the master exam, and the journeyman exam.
To pass either one of them, you need to have 70% correct answers. The master exam has 75 questions.
You will have 2.5 hours to complete them. The journeyman exam has 60 questions.
The time that you will have to complete that exam will be 3 hours.
The testing company is ICC (1-800-211-2754).
Additionally, the fee for either of the exams is $60.
Here is a list of books that may help you to prepare for the exams:
- 2009 NFPA 54
- 2012 International Mechanical Code
- Kentucky Contractor’s Reference Manual
- Modern Refrigeration and Air Conditioning
- Refrigeration and Air Conditioning Technology
Schools
Rather than preparing on your own, why not complete some trade education?
Not only will it add a maximum of one year experience to your resume, but it will also provide you with the knowledge and the skills you will need for the license examination, as well as on the job.
Here is a table of schools that offer approved HVAC programs:
17 HVAC Schools in Kentucky
| School Name | Address |
|---|---|
| Ashworth College | 6625 The Corners Pkwy NW #500, Norcross, GA 30092 |
| Sullivan College of Technology and Design | 3100 Bardstown Rd, Louisville, KY 40205 |
| Ashland Community Technical College | 4818 Roberts Drive, Ashland, KY 41102 |
| Big Sandy Comm. & Technical College-Mayo Campus | 513 3rd Street, Paintsville, KY 41240 |
| Bluegrass Community & Technical College | 164 Opportunity Way, Lexington, KY 40511 |
| Bowling Green Technical College | 1845 Loop Drive, Bowling Green, KY 42101 |
| Elizabethtown Technical College | 620 College Street Road, Elizabethtown, KY 42701 |
| Gateway Community & Technical College | 1025 Amsterdam Road, Covington, KY 41011 |
| Hazard Technical College | 1 Community College Drive, Hazard, KY 41701 |
| hvacredu.net (Online Training) | P.O. Box 77, Heron, MT 59844 |
| Madisonville Community College | 2000 College Drive, Madisonville, KY 42431 |
| Mayesville Community College/Mayesville Campus | 1755 US 68, Mayesville, KY 41056 |
| Mayesville Community College/Rowan Campus | 609 Viking Drive, Morehead, KY 40351 |
| Meade County Area Technology Center | 110 Greer Street, Brandenburg, KY 40108 |
| Owensboro Techncial College | 1501 Frederica Drive, Owensboro, KY 42301 |
| Somerset Community College | 100 University Drive, London, KY 40741 |
| West Kentucky Technical College | 4810 Alben Barkley Drive, Paducah, KY 42002 |
License
Your application for the license will be $50. In case you are applying for a master license, the fee is $250.
The address you should send your application to is Division of HVAC101 Sea Hero Road Suite 100Frankfort, KY 40601Phone: 502-573-0395 ext 128Fax: 502-573-1401
The checkout should the Kentucky State Treasurer. Should you fail to make it out to the Treasurer; the application will be returned to you.
After acquiring the license, you will have to take 8 hours of Continuing Education to renew it.
EPA Requirements
The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency makes it obligatory for HVAC, and other technicians who wish to work with refrigerants, to acquire EPA Section 608 certification.
There are different classifications of the EPA Section 608 certification depending on the type of equipment the technician wants to work with.
You must complete an exam that meets the EPA standards. Once you pass the EPAA exam a type 1, 2 or 3 certification will be awarded to you.
These three certifications are for small appliances, high pressure or low pressure respectively. There is a fourth EPA certification type.
It is dubbed the universal certification, and it certifies that the technician can install, repair, and dispose of all types of equipment irrespective of the refrigerant type.
Career
Once you obtain the license, you will be a certified Kentucky HVAC technician.
HVAC technicians work with electrical equipment.
It ranges from the smallest details about electrical equipment to large electrical projects.
If your client asks you for a verification of your license, you can use this link to provide them with details and information on your license: https://ky.joportal.com/License/Search.
Conclusion
If you are looking for a stable income and a steady job then the career of a HVAC technician is the right one for you.
If you take care of your education and further your career, your salary will rise.
However, be mindful and always stay on top of the regulations you have to adhere to and requirements you have to meet!
HVAC Schools by City
