If you like working with your hands and have good technical skills, a career in the field of Heating, Air Conditioning and Refrigeration can sound like a good option for you.
In Arizona, the average annual wage reported by HVAC mechanics and installers is $50,420 as of May 2021, according to BLS.
Salaries vary between less than $30,000 and more than $77,000 depending on education, certifications, experience level, and a variety of other factors.
If you live in Arizona and you’re contemplating the idea of starting a career in the HVAC industry, this page provides you with information about the top training programs in the region.
1National Training Institute
About the School
National Training Institute offers its students the opportunity of earning an HVAC/R certificate and starting a career in the field in only three months.
Students can choose their schedules; training is available on weekends and weekdays, daytime or nighttime.
A proprietary Fusion Training Program allows students to take classes online and apply the skills by attending HVAC labs one day per week.
Courses Offered
The following HVAC/R programs are available:
- HVAC Install Technician
- Certified HVAC/R Technician
The HVAC Install Technician program costs $3,255 and includes 88 hours in total, structured into four courses:
- Electrical I: Basic Electrical Theory
- Electrical II: Electrical Application
- Air Conditioning & Refrigeration Fundamentals
- EPA Certification Seminar and Exam
The Certified HVAC/R Technician program includes 192 hours of training and costs $6,895 (tuition, books, and tools included).
This program starts with the knowledge acquired during the Install Technician course and adds more advanced skills needed to help students become fully-qualified HVAC/R techs.
Its curriculum covers topics on:
- Advanced Air Conditioning
- Commercial Refrigeration Systems
- Gas Heating
- Components of a Commercial Refrigeration System
- Heat Pumps
- Troubleshooting Commercial Refrigeration Systems
- HVAC Troubleshooting
Contact Information
- Address: 3660 E Wier Ave, Phoenix, AZ 85040
- Phone: (480) 359-4052
- Website: https://phoenixhvacschool.com
2UEI College
About the School
For more than 35 years, UEI College helps students start rewarding careers in a variety of fields.
Its catalog includes classes such as Dental Assistant, Electrical Technician, HVAC, Medical Assistant, and more.
The total cost for this diploma program is $21,500 and includes tuition, books, supplies, and uniforms.
UEI College is accredited by the Accrediting Council for Continuing Education and Training to award Diplomas.
The College is licensed by the Arizona State Board for Private Postsecondary Education and approved for Veteran’s Education Benefits.
Courses Offered
A Heating, Ventilation, and Air Conditioning program is available in Phoenix.
This program allows students to graduate in as few as ten months and combines online with in-class learning.
HVAC students learn how to install, maintain, repair, and troubleshoot HVAC systems and get ready to earn EPA Certifications.
The course includes hands-on training using real HVAC equipment.
The HVAC program includes classes such as:
- Basic Electricity, Motors, and HVAC Controls
- Basic Refrigeration Theory and Application
- Heating Systems
- Commercial Refrigeration Systems
- Regulation and Building Automation
- Electrical and Mechanical Troubleshooting
- And more
Contact Information
- Address: 9215 N. Black Canyon Highway Phoenix, AZ 85021
- Phone: (623) 226-7300
- Website: https://www.uei.edu
3Vocational Training Institute
About the School
Vocational Training Institute offers training programs in Heating, Ventilation, Air Conditioning, and Welding.
The programs combine theoretical and practical applications.
Students apply the things learned in class hands-on in a simulated real-world environment.
Graduates receive lifetime job placement assistance.
The classes are kept small so instructors and staff are accessible to students.
Courses Offered
The following HVAC programs are available:
- HVAC/R Technician Training Program- a 600-hour program that costs $20,945 (which includes books, tools, and training materials)
- HVAC/R Entry-Level Technician Training program- a 200-hour curriculum that costs $10,945 (which includes books and training materials)
- The HVAC/R Technician Training Program can be completed in 24 weeks by daytime students or in 30 weeks by nighttime students.
The 600-hour program covers topics on:
- Orientation HVAC/R Mechanical and Electrical System Introduction
- Mechanical Refrigeration Components & Electrical Controls Function
- Certification Exam Preparation
- Refrigerant Transition & Recovery Certification
- Heating Systems- Heat Pumps, Electric Heat, Gas Heat, and Oil Heat
- Introduction to Commercial Refrigeration
- Construction Blueprint Reading
- And more
Contact Information
- Address: 2101 W. Alice Ave. Phoenix AZ 85021
- Phone: (602) 243-9926
- Website: https://myvocationaltrainingaz.com
4Arizona Automotive Institute
About the School
Arizona Automotive Institute offers a comprehensive Heating, Ventilation, Air Conditioning & Basic Refrigeration program that prepares students for careers as HVAC professionals.
The program combines classroom-style education with simulated on-the-job hands-on learning that familiarizes students with different types of equipment.
The program can be completed in ten months.
Enrollment starts every five weeks.
Graduates are ready to sit for the EPA Section 608 Technician certification.
The training covers air conditioning, electrical systems, heating and heat pumps, refrigeration, technical customer service, business communication, and equipment repairs.
The classes are small so each student gets the individualized attention they need.
Arizona Automotive Institute is accredited by the Accrediting Commission of Career Schools and Colleges.
The Institute is a member of Air Conditioning Contractors of America, the Nation Center for Construction Education and Research, and the Refrigeration Service Engineers Society.
The admission process consists of the following steps:
- Step 1: Pick a program
- Step 2: Talk to an Admissions Representative
- Step 3: Schedule a Campus Tour
- Step 4: Talk with a Financial Service Officer about the services available
- Step 5: Complete the application process and start the program
Contact Information
- Address: 6829 N. 46th Ave. Glendale, AZ 85301
- Phone: 888-419-9440
- Website: https://www.aai.edu
5East Valley Institute of Technology
About the School
East Valley Institute of Technology offers a variety of training programs for high school students and adults who want to start a new career.
Its campus spans over 65 acres and includes more than 17 academic buildings, each consisting of classrooms, computer labs, and industry-specific labs.
The programs follow curriculums that are specific to each career path and prepare students for certification exams and employment.
Its Adult Education catalog includes a program in Heating, Ventilation, Air Conditioning, and Refrigeration.
This program prepares students for careers as A/C techs, HVAC installers, HVAC service techs, HVAC technicians, Service Technicians, and other related professions.
Tuition for this program is $6,500.
Additional fees include $750 for supplies.
The estimated cost of other out-of-pocket fees, such as safety glasses, gloves, and gauge tools is $294.
East Valley Institute of Technology is accredited by the Commission of the Council on Occupational Education.
To qualify for admission, applicants need:
- A high school diploma or GED
- Proficiency in Basic Reading and Math
The HVAC program qualifies for Federal Financial Aid and VA Benefits.
Contact Information
- Address: 1601 W. Main St. Mesa, AZ 85201
- Phone: 480-461-4110
- Website: https://www.evit.com
6No Pressure Selling
About the School
If you want to start a career in selling HVAC equipment or you want to start your own business in the industry, a training program is available in Phoenix as well as online.
No Pressure Selling offers on-site and virtual training in the field of Heating, Ventilation, and Air Conditioning.
The program is designed to help students sell more premium, high-margin solutions focusing on the customer’s needs and wants.
This curriculum focuses on helping plumbing and air conditioning technicians become more successful as business owners.
Students learn how to close more sales through a customer-friendly process.
The courses teach a sales process that is based on communication, not negotiations.
The online program is available 24/7 from anywhere, anytime.
Courses Offered
The school offers HVAC selling courses, such as:
- Trane Boot Camp
- American Standard Sales Enhancement Training
- Strategies that Sell Ductless Comfort- a two-day interactive course
- Commercial HVAC Sales Training
- Virtual Ductless Comfort Strategies Course- a four-hour interactive course taught through Zoom
- Service Agreement Workshop
- No Stress Installations
- And many more
Contact Information
- Address: 201 W. Orchid Lane, Phoenix, Arizona 85021-4540
- Phone: (800) 515-0034
- Website: http://www.nopressureselling.com
7West-MEC
About the School
West-MEC is a public school district that provides career and technical education designed to help students prepare for employment.
Its CTE programs also allow students to earn college credit and industry credentials.
The district enrolls students from 48 high schools in the northern and western cities of the Phoenix Metropolitan area.
Courses Offered
The school’s catalog includes an Air Conditioning Technology program that introduces students to the basic elements of heating, ventilation, and air conditioning systems.
The program combines academic theories with practical applications.
Students get prepared for real-life situations when they have to apply practical skills in a real workplace setting.
The program can be completed in one year.
Graduates are ready to seek multiple certifications, including Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) 608, 608 Universal, 609, and GWP certifications.
Current sophomore, junior, and senior students may apply.
One credit of English with a grade of minimum C is required
One credit of Algebra I or higher with a C or higher is also required.
Students also need proof of residency, a copy of an unofficial transcript, a copy of a birth certificate, and immunizations.
Contact Information
- Address: 1617 W Williams Dr, Phoenix, AZ 85027
- Phone: 623-435-4920
- Website: https://west-mec.edu
8Gateway Community College
About the School
Gateway Community College offers a variety of educational programs that get students ready for employment in high-demand industries.
The College has five campuses in Phoenix and one campus a SouthWest Skill Center in Avondale.
Their Construction Trades pathway includes an HVAC- clock program and an HVAC- credit program.
The HVAC- clock program is a non-credit program that equips students with the skills needed for entry into the workforce.
Those enrolled in this program attend classes four days per week, Monday to Thursday.
Graduates of this Certificate of Competency program may earn industry credentials through the National Center for Construction Education and Research.
This program includes 667 hours and can be completed in seven to eight months.
The cost is $5,260, including tuition, lab fees, and estimated book fees.
A Certificate of Completion Residental and Light Commercial Air Conditioning which costs approximately $2,200 is also available.
A Certificate of Completion in Air Conditioning, Refrigeration, and Facilities Maintenance costs approximately $3,900, while the estimated cost for the Associate of Applied Science in Air Conditioning/Refrigeration/Facilities is $6,500.
Contact Information
- Washington Campus: 108 North 40th Street, Phoenix, AZ 85034
- Phone: (602) 238-4350
- SouthWest Skill Center: 3000 North Dysart Road, Avondale, AZ 85392
- Phone: (602) 392-5401
- Website: https://www.gatewaycc.edu
9Arizona Western College
About the School
Arizona Western College offers a variety of training programs through its Career and Technical Education Division.
Its catalog includes an Air Conditioning and HVAC program designed to provide students with the essential skills needed for employment in this fast-growing field.
Tuition is $92 per credit hour for Arizona and California residents who are 59-years of age or under and $83 for Arizona and California students who are over 60.
Graduates are equipped with industry-specific skills and experience using:
- Refrigerants
- HVAC electrical controls
- Installation and servicing of air supply systems
- Heat pump system
- Estimating heating/cooling loads
- Selection, installation, operation, and maintenance of generators
- And more
Arizona Western College is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission.
The College has 12 locations across its 10,000 square mile service area and hosts three state universities that offer face-to-face classes.
Courses Offered
The following HVAC programs are available:
- AAS in Air Conditioning and Refrigeration- a degree program
- Air Conditioning and Refrigeration- a program that leads to a certificate
- Basic Air Conditioning & Refrigeration Service Technician- a certificate program
Contact Information
- Address: 2020 S Ave 8 E, Yuma, AZ 85365
- Phone: (928) 317-6000
- Website: https://www.azwestern.edu
10Carrington College
About the School
Carrington College offers a variety of trade and industrial programs.
Its catalog includes a Heating, Ventilation, Air Conditioning, and Refrigeration program.
The program is designed to provide hands-on training in the fundamental skills needed for a career in the HVAC industry.
Students can receive a Certificate of Achievement in as few as ten months or an Associate Degree in 15 months.
This program is available at the College’s Trades Education Center in Phoenix.
Graduates are equipped with the skills needed for the following tasks:
- Installing electrical components and wiring
- Discussing system malfunctions with customers
- Repairing or replacing worn or defective parts
- Recommending ways to improve a system’s performance
- Keeping records of the work performed
- And more
Carrington College is accredited by the Accrediting Commission for Community and Junior Colleges, Western Association of Schools and Colleges.
The Certificate in HVAC program in Arizona costs $19,610 in total.
An online degree program is also available and costs $8,630.
The cost includes an iPad, ebook, physical textbook, and uniform, as required.
Total costs vary depending on the credit transfer acceptance.
Contact Information
- Address: 2149 W Dunlap Ave, Ste 103, Phoenix AZ 85021
- Phone: (602) 497-1135
- Website: https://carrington.edu
Regional Salary in Arizona
Region | Employed | Avg. Annual Salary | Avg. Hourly Pay | Top 10% Annual Salary | Bottom 10% Annual Salary |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
Flagstaff, AZ | 110 | $54,990 | $26.44 | $78,680 | $39,040 |
Lake Havasu City-Kingman, AZ | 210 | $51,100 | $24.57 | $65,880 | $36,500 |
Phoenix-Mesa-Scottsdale, AZ | 8,180 | $56,400 | $27.11 | $78,020 | $38,570 |
Prescott, AZ | 290 | $51,340 | $24.68 | $66,540 | $37,210 |
Sierra Vista-Douglas, AZ | 120 | $56,030 | $26.94 | $105,110 | $36,420 |
Tucson, AZ | 1,590 | $52,050 | $25.02 | $74,140 | $33,270 |
Yuma, AZ | 240 | $51,980 | $24.99 | $66,410 | $36,400 |
* Employment conditions in your area may vary.
Final Thoughts
A degree or certificate in Heating, Air Conditioning, and Refrigeration can lead to a rewarding career.
The first step towards this goal is to complete your training at a trade school or community college.
There are many options available, so make sure to gather information about all the factors that are relevant to you before deciding where to apply.