To become an HVAC technician, you first need to complete an education suitable for this purpose, like a four-year bachelor’s degree in HVAC. You can gain three years of experience only by obtaining the appropriate bachelor's degree. Also, within five years, you can complete an apprenticeship to add about 2,000 hours of experience to your resume.
After that, you must apply for the issuing of license from the New Jersey State Board of Examiners of HVAC/R Contractors and proceed as described below:
How to Obtain a HVAC License in NJ
To obtain an HVAC license in New Jersey, you will have to follow the steps as per the N.J.S.A. License Law (Act):
- The candidates must possess a four-year bachelor's degree in HVAC or a relevant field.
- Other than education, two to three years of experience are required.
- The applicant must send an online application form with a fee of $100.
- Finally, you must pass the two parts of the license exam: a trade test and a business/law test.
What Kind of Certificate is Needed to Install HVAC in NJ?
One of these three types of certifications is necessary for HVAC technicians:
- NATE certification, which is given by the primary organization that certifies technicians.
- HVAC Excellence Certification, which is awarded only after completing the required education or training and passing the certification exam.
- EPA 608 Certification ensures that the applicant knows about purchasing and disposing of refrigerants.
How to Become a Journeyman HVAC NJ
To become a journeyman, applicants must have a relevant education. An experience requirement of at least four years is compulsory for the applicant. Then they must pass an exam.
Types of HVAC Permits Issued by Municipalities in NJ
In order to provide various HVAC related services in New Jersey, one must possess a master HVAC/R contractor license, which is the only type of permit issued by municipalities in NJ. Once you get the license and become a Master HVAC/R Contractor, you have the permission to:
- Install HVAC systems: examine the room or building where a system has to be installed, determine the best place to install it, and determine the unit that will be most suitable for the place.
- Perform routine maintenance required for HVAC units: check pipes for leakage, test thermostats, check refrigerant levels, clean ducts, and inspect air filters and motors.
For providing the aforementioned services, you can work under any company.
By possessing a license, you also have the right to start your own business and work as a leading contractor of your own company.
What Makes New Jersey a Great Place to Start an HVAC Career?
New Jersey is a state particularly famous for its HVAC industry. People who dream about making a career in HVAC mostly think about New Jersey as the ideal place to start. There are certain reasons for this, which are discussed below:
Extreme Weather Needs HVAC Systems
New Jersey gets a chance to experience harsh weather during the year. Summers can become really hot while winters can be freezing. Therefore, HVAC systems are high in demand here to provide the required heat in winter and air conditioning in summer. Therefore, HVAC technicians will have lots to do to install, service, and repair these systems.
The Higher Population Has a High Demand For HVAC
As a highly populated state, New Jersey has a large number of offices, malls, schools, and houses. The greater the number of houses, the greater the requirement of climate control systems to make residents' lives easy.
Schools For Vocational Training Regarding HVAC
The increasing demand for HVAC in New Jersey has been noticed, and many such institutes have been set up that prepare professionals to work on HVAC systems.
Job Outlook and Salary For HVAC in New Jersey
HVAC technicians have more to do in our lives than we usually realize. Be it the centralized heating systems in the winters or the air condition systems in the summers; we owe it to HVAC technicians who work hard to install these and make them functional.
What is the Demand For HVAC Technicians in New Jersey?
HVAC technicians are high in demand in New Jersey. From a recent survey done by the US Bureau of Labor Statistics, more than 10,000 HVAC technicians are currently employed in New Jersey. The demand will continue to grow at a rate of 13% within the next eight to ten years.
How Much Do HVAC Techs Make in NJ?
On average, an HVAC Technician in New Jersey can earn up to $42,000 per year. However, the pay varies depending upon the technician’s experience. According to the latest survey completed, HVAC technicians of varying experience make money as follows:
Entry Level
An entry-level technician can earn up to $30,000 annually in New Jersey.
Mid-Level
A mid-level technician can earn between $40-45,000 on average per year in New Jersey.
Master-Level
A master level HVAC technician can make up to $50,000 or more per year in New Jersey.
Insurance and Tax Information For HVAC Techs in New Jersey
An HVAC technician should have different types of insurances while working in New Jersey to ensure easy and safe business here. Commercial general liability, commercial property, professional liability insurance, and workers’ compensation are the most common types of insurance that are usually taken up by HVAC techs. The cost of your insurance is primarily based on the size of your business and its location. However, it can amount up to $50,000.
Also, to obtain an HVAC license, you must possess a Federal Tax Identification Number, which is otherwise known as Employer Identification Number. This number has to be submitted at the time of giving an application for the license.
New Jersey Cities With Highest Average HVAC Salaries
Since New Jersey is a state full of opportunities for HVAC technicians, it is important to know which cities within the state are currently offering the best in this regard. Certain cities with greater population and valuable financial assets tend to be more proliferative in this field. Some of these are discussed here:
Princeton
Princeton is a place of top-ranking universities and successful businesses. As a result, it has a greater influx of population. An increasing number of rest houses, hostels, restaurants, and hotels have a greater requirement of people who are experts in HVAC technology. As a result, they give the highest salary among all other cities in New Jersey. An HVAC technician can earn up to $43 per hour here.
Cherry Hill
Cherry Hill is famous for its food and dining. It is also well-known for its agricultural lands that are also the cause of inviting a greater abundance of the population in this area. As a result, there are good opportunities for HVAC technicians here who can earn up to $33 per hour.
Tinton Falls
Tinton Falls is particularly famous for its parks, recreational hubs, and educational institutes as well. HVAC technicians earn up to $31 an hour in this area, which means it stands third in the list of cities paying the highest to the HVAC experts.
People Also Ask
People ask some questions frequently regarding the licensing and installation of HVAC systems. These questions are important to address, too, because New Jersey laws regarding HVAC installation are somewhat more firm than other states, and you need to adhere to them if you are a resident here. So, have a view of the questions given below and resolve your queries:
How Much Does it Cost For HVAC School in New Jersey?
Some of the best colleges and universities located in New Jersey provide vocational training for those who want to become a professional in HVAC technology. Their tuition fees range from $10,000 to $45,000 per year.
What is the Scope of Work a New Jersey Master HVAC Contractor Can Perform?
A master HVAC contractor can start his own business or work for some company for as much as $60,000 or more per year. He can work on heating, ventilation, air conditioning, and refrigeration as well. A state such as New Jersey offers plenty of opportunities for such professionals.
New Jersey Licensing Laws For HVAC
New Jersey State Board of Examiners of Heating, Ventilating, Air Conditioning, and Refrigeration Contractors is responsible for issuing an HVAC license. Having a complete relevant education along with the right amount of experience is necessary to obtain the license according to laws. After that, a licensing fee is deposited, and the applicant must clear a test upon which the license is issued.
Do You Need an HVAC License to Install Mini Split Ductless Systems in New Jersey?
In most of America's states, including New Jersey, the installation of any HVAC equipment requires a license. A mini-split ductless system, too, consists of HVAC technology. Therefore, the person who installs the machinery should possess a license.
Can You Install Your Own HVAC in New Jersey?
You can install your own HVAC system in New Jersey if you are an HVAC technician. Otherwise, the laws here are quite strict and logical too. Unprofessional installations have led to accidents before, and only to prevent such mishaps in the future, these laws have been formulated. According to these, you need a professional and licensed person for this job.
Nearby HVAC Schools
Here are some HVAC schools in nearby states:
