HVAC Technician Career Guide in Arkansas
Explore hvac technician salary, licensing requirements, training pathways, apprenticeships, job outlook, and career opportunities in Arkansas.
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How to Become an HVAC Technician in Arkansas
Arkansas HVAC technicians commonly complete a technical certificate, associate degree, registered apprenticeship, or employer-sponsored training program. Training generally covers refrigeration, electrical systems, heating and cooling equipment, controls, ductwork, installation, diagnostics, safety, and preparation for state registration or contractor licensing examinations.
Note: Training pathways vary by employer, program sponsor, and licensing category. Classroom education may provide useful technical preparation, but it does not automatically replace supervised work experience unless the applicable licensing authority specifically allows that credit.
HVAC Technician Salary in Arkansas
The salary figure shown on this page represents the Arkansas median wage for hvac technician workers, based on U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics occupational wage data. A median wage is the point at which half of workers earn more and half earn less. It is not a guaranteed starting salary.
Actual earnings may vary by experience, license level, metropolitan area, employer, industry, overtime, and union agreement.
Compared with the national median of $59,810, the median wage in Arkansas is approximately $11,700 lower. This comparison does not account for differences in cost of living.
Licensing Authority for HVAC Technicians in Arkansas
Note: Licensing rules, fees, examinations, exemptions, and renewal requirements may change. Applicants should verify current requirements directly with the authority listed above before beginning work, applying for an examination, or enrolling in a training program.
CAREER PREPARATIONHVAC Technician Training Requirements in Arkansas
Arkansas HVACR workers must comply with the registration and licensing requirements administered by the State HVAC/R Board. Entry-level technicians generally work as registered employees under a designated HVACR license holder.
- Complete HVACR education or employer-sponsored training in refrigeration, electricity, heating, cooling, ventilation, controls, installation, and troubleshooting.
- Apply for HVACR registration when performing regulated work as an employee of a licensed HVACR contractor.
- Gain documented field experience appropriate to the contractor classification sought.
- Obtain Board examination clearance and pass the applicable contractor examination when applying for a Class A, B, D, or E license.
- Obtain EPA Section 608 certification before servicing equipment containing regulated refrigerants.
- Complete required continuing education and renew the license or registration as required.
The scope of permitted work depends on the license classification. Local permits, inspections, building codes, fuel-gas requirements, and electrical requirements may also apply.
HVAC Technician Training Providers in Arkansas
| Provider | City | Program Website |
|---|---|---|
| University of Arkansas Community College at Morrilton – Air Conditioning, Heating and Refrigeration Technology | Morrilton | View Program |
| Southern Arkansas University Tech – HVAC-R | Camden | View Program |
| Arkansas Tech University–Ozark – Air Conditioning and Refrigeration | Ozark | View Program |
| Arkansas Northeastern College – Air Conditioning and Refrigeration | Blytheville | View Program |
Note: Program availability, admission requirements, tuition, and credit toward licensing requirements may change. Verify current details directly with the provider and the applicable state licensing authority before enrolling. Listings are informational and do not constitute rankings or endorsements.
PAID TRAINING OPPORTUNITIESHVAC Technician Apprenticeship Programs in Arkansas
HVAC Registered Apprenticeship
Organization: Arkansas Construction Education Foundation
Building Automation Systems and HVAC Controls Registered Apprenticeship
Organization: EcoPump HVAC / Shorter College / Apprenticely
HVAC Technician Licensing Requirements in Arkansas
Arkansas regulates HVACR contractors and employees through the State HVAC/R Board. Individuals performing HVACR work who do not hold an applicable contractor license generally must maintain an HVACR registration and work for a properly licensed HVACR contractor. Contractor license classifications determine the type and capacity of systems the license holder may install, service, repair, or maintain. EPA Section 608 certification is separately required for regulated refrigerant work.
EMPLOYMENT PROJECTIONSHVAC Technician Job Outlook in Arkansas
Employment of heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanics and installers in Arkansas is projected to grow 10% from 2022 to 2032, from approximately 4,020 to 4,400 jobs. Approximately 390 openings per year are projected from growth and replacement needs.
Note: State employment projections may use a different base period from national BLS projections. Projected growth is an estimate rather than a guarantee of employment, and local demand may vary by metropolitan area, industry, construction activity, and employer investment.
CAREER QUESTIONSFrequently Asked Questions
What is the hvac technician salary in Arkansas?
The statewide median wage for hvac technicians in Arkansas is approximately $48,110 per year, or $23.13 per hour, based on May 2024 occupational wage data. Actual earnings vary by experience, license level, location, employer, overtime, and industry.
Does Arkansas require hvac technician licensing?
Yes. Arkansas requires individuals performing regulated, non-exempt hvac technician work to hold the appropriate license or credential. Applicants should verify the current license category, experience, examination, and renewal requirements with Arkansas Department of Labor and Licensing – State HVAC/R Board.
How long does it take to become an hvac technician in Arkansas?
The time required depends on the license pathway and training program. A typical training pathway takes approximately 6 Months–2 Years, although licensing, apprenticeship, and employer requirements may differ.
Are hvac technicians in demand in Arkansas?
Arkansas projects hvac technician employment to grow by approximately 10% from 2022 to 2032, with about 390 openings per year. Projections include both new positions and openings created when workers leave the occupation.
Career Data Sources
State wage, employment outlook, and licensing information is reviewed using government and official regulatory sources. Data and requirements may change after publication.
- May 2024 State Occupational Employment and Wage Estimates — U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. May 2024 State OEWS
- Arkansas Wages for HVAC Technician (SOC 49-9021) — O*NET OnLine, U.S. Department of Labor. Arkansas HVAC Technician Wages
- Arkansas HVAC Technician Employment Trends — O*NET OnLine, U.S. Department of Labor. Arkansas HVAC Technician Employment Trends
- Arkansas Department of Labor and Licensing – State HVAC/R Board — Licensing authority. Arkansas Department of Labor and Licensing – State HVAC/R Board