DELAWARE CAREER DATA PROFILE

HVAC Technician Career Guide in Delaware

Explore hvac technician salary, licensing requirements, training pathways, apprenticeships, job outlook, and career opportunities in Delaware.

Last reviewed Reviewed by Career In Trades Editorial Team

HVAC Technician in Delaware Snapshot
Median Salary $62,320
Hourly Wage $29.96
Job Growth +16% (2024–2034)
License Required

How to Become an HVAC Technician in Delaware

Most technicians complete a registered HVACR apprenticeship combining paid supervised work and classroom instruction before applying for journeyperson certification.

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 Delaware

The salary figure shown on this page represents the Delaware 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.

Delaware Median $62,320
Hourly Wage $29.96
National Median $59,810

Compared with the national median of $59,810, the median wage in Delaware is approximately $2,510 higher. This comparison does not account for differences in cost of living.

OFFICIAL REGULATORY SOURCE

Licensing Authority for HVAC Technicians in Delaware

Delaware Division of Professional Regulation — Board of Plumbing, Heating, Ventilation, Air Conditioning and Refrigeration Examiners

Official Website: https://dpr.delaware.gov/boards/plumbers/

License Types:

  • HVACR Apprentice
  • HVACR Journeyperson
  • Master HVACR
  • Master HVACR Restricted
  • Master HVACR Restricted — Heating
  • Master HVACR Restricted — Refrigeration

Authority Notes:

License classifications have separate experience, examination, and scope requirements. Apprentice registration is handled through the state apprenticeship system. Electrical and plumbing work may require additional credentials.

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 PREPARATION

HVAC Technician Training Requirements in Delaware

1Registered Apprenticeship
2Trade or Technical School
3Employer Training

Delaware HVAC technicians must follow the state’s apprenticeship and professional-licensing requirements for their intended work scope.

  • Register as an apprentice and enter an approved HVACR apprenticeship or equivalent qualifying pathway.
  • Complete supervised work and related instruction in refrigeration, heating, electricity, controls, airflow, gas systems, and safety.
  • Meet the education and experience requirements for journeyperson or master HVACR licensure.
  • Pass the examination required for the applicable license classification.
  • Obtain EPA Section 608 certification and maintain required state renewals and continuing education.
EDUCATION DIRECTORY

HVAC Technician Training Providers in Delaware

Provider City Program Website
Delaware Technical Community College — Stanton Campus Newark View Program
Delaware Skills Center Wilmington View Program
POLYTECH Adult Education Woodside View Program
Sussex Technical Adult Education Georgetown 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 OPPORTUNITIES

HVAC Technician Apprenticeship Programs in Delaware

HVACR Apprenticeship

Organization: ABC Delaware

Program Website

HVACR Apprenticeship

Organization: Delaware Technical Community College

Program Website

HVAC Service Apprenticeship

Organization: UA Local 74

Program Website

Delaware Registered Apprenticeship Program

Organization: Delaware Department of Labor

Program Website

STATE AND LOCAL RULES

HVAC Technician Licensing Requirements in Delaware

Delaware requires HVACR professionals to hold the apprentice registration, journeyperson certificate, master HVACR license, or restricted master license appropriate to their work.

EMPLOYMENT PROJECTIONS

HVAC Technician Job Outlook in Delaware

+16% (2024–2034) Projected Employment Growth
2024 - 2034 Projection Period
200 Annual Openings

Delaware projects HVAC technician employment to grow 16% from 2024 to 2034, from approximately 1,880 to 2,170 jobs, with about 200 openings annually.

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 QUESTIONS

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the hvac technician salary in Delaware?

The statewide median wage for hvac technicians in Delaware is approximately $62,320 per year, or $29.96 per hour, based on May 2024 occupational wage data. Actual earnings vary by experience, license level, location, employer, overtime, and industry.

Does Delaware require hvac technician licensing?

Yes. Delaware 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 Delaware Division of Professional Regulation — Board of Plumbing, Heating, Ventilation, Air Conditioning and Refrigeration Examiners.

How long does it take to become an hvac technician in Delaware?

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 Delaware?

Delaware projects hvac technician employment to grow by approximately 16% from 2024 to 2034, with about 200 openings per year. Projections include both new positions and openings created when workers leave the occupation.

DATA TRANSPARENCY

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.

  1. May 2024 State Occupational Employment and Wage Estimates — U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. May 2024 State OEWS
  2. Delaware Wages for HVAC Technician (SOC 49-9021) — O*NET OnLine, U.S. Department of Labor. Delaware HVAC Technician Wages
  3. Delaware HVAC Technician Employment Trends — O*NET OnLine, U.S. Department of Labor. Delaware HVAC Technician Employment Trends
  4. Delaware Division of Professional Regulation — Board of Plumbing, Heating, Ventilation, Air Conditioning and Refrigeration Examiners — Licensing authority. Delaware Division of Professional Regulation — Board of Plumbing, Heating, Ventilation, Air Conditioning and Refrigeration Examiners
CAREER DISCOVERY

Related Trade Careers in Delaware

STATE CAREER GUIDES

Explore HVAC Technician Careers by State