If you live in Idaho and want to start a career in the HVAC industry, this page is for you.
Before being ready to seek employment as an HVAC technician, mechanic, or installer in Idaho, you should first complete specialized training and earn a license.
This page includes information about the top training programs available in the region.
Programs are available for high school students who want to earn college credits and for adults who want to prepare for a new career.
We invite you to read further and find out more.
1North Idaho College
About the School
North Idaho College offers a variety of training programs through its Workforce Training Center.
The college’s catalog includes courses that prepare students for careers in healthcare, emergency services, industry, apprenticeships, business, and professional development, as well as customized training.
Its HVAC apprenticeship combines on-the-job training with related classroom instruction.
Apprentices usually work 40 hours per week and attend Saturday or weeknight classes.
The programs usually last four years.
The apprenticeship program provided by North Idaho College is registered with the United States Office of Federal Apprenticeship and the State of Idaho.
Tuition for the four-year program is $1,700 per year.
Apprentices receive progressive wages that start at 50 percent of the wage received by an hourly trainer and increase 5 percent after every 1000 hours of work completed.
North Idaho College has been accredited by the Northwest Commission of Colleges and Universities since 1947.
Contact Information
- Address: 1000 W. Garden Ave. Coeur d’Alene, ID 83814
- Phone: (208) 769-3300
- Website: https://www.nic.edu
2College of Western Idaho
About the School
College of Western Idaho offers a variety of training programs that prepare students for rewarding careers.
Tuition is $139 per credit for residents of Ada, Canyon, Twin Falls, Jerome, Kootenai, or Bonneville Counties and $139 plus $50 per credit for a maximum of $500 per semester for other Idaho residents.
Financial aid is available for students who qualify.
College of Western Idaho is accredited through the Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities- a regional postsecondary accrediting agency recognized by the U.S. Department of Education and the Council for Higher Education Accreditation.
Courses Offered
Its catalog includes the following HVAC certification programs:
- HVAC Apprenticeship- a four-year program that prepares students for the journeyman’s test to become licensed HVAC technicians.
- HVAC Upgrade Training- these classes are available for workers who want to learn new skills, prepare for testing, and fulfill annual training.
HVAC Apprenticeship programs combine in-person and virtual classes that cover the 576 hours of classroom training and 8,000 hours of on-the-job training.
Graduates are ready to start careers in the HVAC industry in residential, commercial, and industrial settings.
Contact Information
- Physical Address: Nampa Campus Academic Building: 5500 E. Opportunity Dr. Nampa, ID 83687
- Phone: 208.562.3000
- Website: https://cwi.edu
3Kootenai Technical Education
About the School
Kootenai Technical Education provides tuition-free industry training for 11th and 12th-grade students.
The campus is a partnership between businesses and industry leaders, local school districts, and manufacturers.
Dual enrollment credits, industrial certifications, and applied skilled learning are available.
Courses Offered
Programs are available in a variety of skilled trade fields.
An HVAC program is available and it combines hands-on lab learning with classroom theory.
The program teaches students how to build mock-up control systems and includes classes on basic HVACR systems, electricity, heating systems, local fuel codes, applied thermodynamics, psychometrics, refrigeration cycle, duct system design, and diagnosis.
Students learn to use relays, sequencers, time clocks, pressure switches, and thermostats.
They also learn how to wire switches, outlets, and lighting.
Kootenai Technical Education catalog also includes a two-year Construction Trades program that covers safety, tools usage, construction techniques, and many other related topics.
Contact Information
- Address: 6838 W. Lancaster Rd. Rathdrum, ID 83858
- Phone: (208) 712-4733
- Website: https://www.ktectraining.org
4College of Eastern Idaho
About the School
College of Eastern Idaho offers a variety of programs of study designed to prepare students for rewarding careers in trades, healthcare, technology, and other high-demand fields.
Courses Offered
Associate Degree and Certificate programs in a variety of industries are offered.
Apprenticeship readiness programs that allow students to combine hands-on on-the-job training with classroom education are also available through the College’s workforce training division.
The HVAC apprenticeship is four years long.
During the training period, students learn about tools and materials, blueprints/ construction math, work readiness, and OSHA 10, among other topics.
The apprenticeship fees sum up to $850 per year plus fees.
After completing the four-year program, students are ready to earn their journeyman license.
Those interested can enroll by visiting the college’s website.
Transcripts from the last high school attended or a GED certificate is required as part of the admissions process.
Job Corps is also available as a non-residential option that allows students to live at home while receiving career training.
To be eligible, applicants must be between 16-24 years of age.
Parental consent is also required if under 18.
Other eligibility requirements include meeting income qualifications and being registered for Selective Service.
Contact Information
- Address: 1600 S 25th E, Idaho Falls, ID 83404
- Phone: (208) 524-3000
- Website: https://www.cei.edu
5Northwest HVAC/R Association and Training Center
About the School
Northwest HVAC/R Association and Training Center is a private vocational college that aims to train and update the skills of technicians who are currently employed in the HVAC/R industry and students who want to start a career in the field.
Founded in 1958, Northwest HVAC/R is now a leading membership organization that represents contractors, businesses, and maintenance departments in the Northwest region.
Courses Offered
The school offers a 900-hour training program that also includes an HVAC/R internship.
The subjects are covered in theory and practical applications.
To qualify for admission, applicants need:
- A valid driver’s license
- A High school diploma or GED
- The ability to pass a criminal background check
Those interested can apply by filling out a form on the school’s website.
Northwest HVAC/R Association and Training Center is accredited by the Council of Occupational Education.
Financial aid is available for students who qualify.
Contact Information
- Address: 204 E. Nora Spokane, WA 99207
- Phone: (509)747-8810
- Website: https://inwhvac.org
6College of Southern Idaho
About the School
College of Southern Idaho offers its students the opportunity of earning a degree or certificate.
A Dual Credit program is available for high school students who want to earn college credit.
College of Southern Idaho is accredited by the Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities.
Courses Offered
The College of Southern Idaho catalog includes an Air Conditioning, Refrigeration, and Heat program.
The program offers the following degrees and certificates:
- Air Conditioning- Refrigeration and Heat, Associate of Applied Science
- Air Conditioning- Refrigeration and Heat, Basic Technical Certificate
- Air Conditioning- Refrigeration and Heat, Intermediate Technical Certificate
The Associate of Applied Science Degree requires 60 credits and includes classes such as:
- National Electrical Code
- Air Conditioning
- EPA
- Commercial Refrigeration
- Heat Pumps
- And more
Students need eight credits for the Basic Technical Certificate.
The Intermediate Technical Certificate requires 32.5 credits.
Contact Information
- Address: Main Campus: 315 Falls Ave, Twin Falls, ID 83301
- Phone: (208) 732-9554
- Website: https://www.csi.edu
7Lewis Clark State College
About the School
Lewis Clark State College offers more than 130 programs in a variety of fields.
According to its website, the College offers the lowest tuition among Idaho public four-year institutions.
Classes are kept small, giving each student a personalized classroom experience.
Lewis Clark State College catalog includes a Heating, Ventilation, and Air Conditioning Apprenticeship.
To obtain this degree students need 16-18 General Education credits and 64 HVAC-R-based credits and apprenticeship work.
An Associate Degree in HVAC-R Technology is also available and requires 68 credits.
Students need 55 credits to obtain a Certificate in Heating, Ventilation, Air Conditioning, and Refrigeration Technology.
Tuition is approximately $3,500 per semester for Idaho residents.
Lewis Clark State College is accredited by the Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities.
High school seniors, those who have already graduated from high school or have a GED and have attempted fewer than 14 transferable credits can apply as first-year students.
Contact Information
- Address: Technical and Industrial: Schweitzer Training Center 216: 2947 Cecil Andrus Way, Lewiston, ID 83501
- Phone: 208-792-2220
- Website: https://www.lcsc.edu
8Idaho State University
About the School
Idaho State University offers degree and certificate programs that prepare students for employment in a variety of industries.
Costs vary depending on the type of program and the number of credits.
Part-time tuition for Idaho residents is $335.03 per credit with additional fees summing up to $71.41.
For a 12-credit program, Idaho residents pay approximately $3,980 in total.
Idaho State University is accredited by the Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities.
Courses Offered
Idaho State University’s catalog includes an Advanced Manufacturing program and an Electrical Apprenticeship, among many other programs.
The Advanced Manufacturing program includes classes such as:
- Introduction to Machining
- Electronics Orientation
- Introduction to Advanced Manufacturing Welding Processes
- Industrial Health and Safety
- CAD and CAM Theory
- Fluid and Pneumatic Power
- ADMT Materials and Metallurgy
- And more
The Electrical Apprenticeship is four years long and combines on-the-job experience with theory and instruction.
The on-the-job training takes place under the supervision of a journeyman electrician.
Contact Information
- Address: 921 South 8th Avenue, Pocatello, Idaho, 83209
- Phone: (208) 282-4636
- Website: https://www.isu.edu
9Dennis Technical Education Center
About the School
Dennis Technical Education Center offers a variety of career technical education programs.
The center links high school technical programs to certificate and degree programs at a technical college.
High school students who are interested in professional-technical courses can choose between two options:
- CTE Dual Credit
- Technical Competency Credit
Courses Offered
Dennis Technical Education Center catalog includes a Plumbing, HVAC, and Electrical Trades program.
This program introduces students to residential, commercial, and industrial work in plumbing, heating, ventilation, air conditioning, and electrical trades.
During their second year of training, students choose a pathway and begin a paid registered apprenticeship in that path.
The curriculum covers topics on safety, trade-specific tools and techniques, theory, mathematics, codes, and blueprint reading.
Graduates are ready for careers as plumbers, HVAC technicians, sheet metal workers, electricians, pipefitters, and other related professions.
Enrollment at the Center is free but, depending on the pathway, students may be required to buy protective equipment.
High school students from across Treasure Valley are eligible to apply for programs offered at the Dennis Technical Education Center.
Bus transportation is also provided to and from the Center.
Contact Information
- Address: 8201 W. Victory Rd. Boise, ID 83709
- Phone: 208-854-5810
- Website: https://www.boiseschools.org
10Idaho Technical Career Academy
About the School
Idaho Technical Career Academy is an online public school program for students in grades 9 to 12.
The training focuses on preparing students for employment and is free.
Students also have the opportunity to earn college credits while attending high school.
Trainees gain industry experience and develop real-world skills.
Among the career-ready courses available at the Technical Career Academy, there is a Manufacturing pathway with classes in Manufacturing Systems and Manufacturing Product Development.
The teachers focus on helping each student reach their potential.
Each student attending an Idaho public school has an allocation of $4,125 granted by the state of Idaho- which can be used toward Advanced Opportunities in grades 7-12.
These funds can be used for a variety of programs, including dual credits.
Students can earn credit from College of Eastern Idaho, College of Southern Idaho, College of Western Idaho, Lewis and Clark State College, Idaho State University, Northwest Nazarene University, University of Idaho, or Boise State University.
Contact Information
- Address: 1965 S. Eagle Road, Suite 150, Meridian, ID 83642
- Phone: 208.917.2420
- Website: https://itca.k12.com
Regional Salary in Idaho
Region | Employed | Avg. Annual Salary | Avg. Hourly Pay | Top 10% Annual Salary | Bottom 10% Annual Salary |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
Boise City, ID | 1,680 | $51,390 | $24.71 | $69,820 | $36,750 |
Coeur d'Alene, ID | 390 | $50,670 | $24.36 | $69,000 | $37,440 |
Idaho Falls, ID | 270 | $48,880 | $23.5 | $65,610 | $35,240 |
Lewiston, ID-WA | 120 | $52,620 | $25.3 | $72,740 | $37,490 |
Twin Falls, ID | 190 | $47,630 | $22.9 | $60,070 | $35,180 |
* Employment conditions in your area may vary.
Final Thoughts
Now that you have read our list, it’s time to continue the research and apply for the program that best meets your needs.
This is an important step, so we encourage you to gather information about all the factors that are relevant to your decision.