HVAC Technician in Delaware
Requirements, salary data, licensing costs, and career ROI for DE
How to Become an HVAC Technician in Delaware
To become a licensed HVAC Technician in Delaware, individuals must obtain a Master HVACR license from the Delaware Division of Professional Regulation, Board of Plumbing, Heating, Ventilation, Air Conditioning and Refrigeration Examiners. This typically involves completing a federally-approved apprenticeship program and gaining two years of post-apprenticeship experience under a master licensee, or accumulating seven years of experience under a master licensee and passing an Apprenticeship By-Pass Exam. Applicants must then pass the Master HVACR exam, pay the application fee of $173 and an exam fee of $100. Licenses are renewed every two years and require 5 hours of continuing education per cycle, starting in 2026. Delaware offers full reciprocity with Connecticut, Iowa, and Maryland, and limited reciprocity with several other states.
HVAC Technician Requirements in Delaware
| Detail | Delaware |
|---|---|
| Licensing Body | Delaware Division of Professional Regulation, Board of Plumbing, Heating, Ventilation, Air Conditioning and Refrigeration Examiners |
| State License Required | Yes |
| Education | Completion of a registered apprenticeship program or equivalent education. |
| Exam | Master HVACR Exam (or Master HVACR Restricted Exam) ($100) |
| Application Fee | $173 |
| Renewal | Every 2.0 years |
| Continuing Education | 5.0 hours per cycle |
| Notes | Master HVACR license requires either a Journeyman Certificate plus 2 years of post-apprenticeship experience under a master licensee, OR 7 years of experience under a master licensee and passing the Apprenticeship By-Pass Exam. Applicants must be at least 18 years old, have a high school diploma or GED, and pass a criminal background check. Federal EPA Section 608 Certification is also mandatory for all technicians handling refrigerants. Licenses expire on October 31st of even years. |
License Tiers
Delaware offers multiple tiers of hvac technician licensing:
| Tier | Hours Required |
|---|---|
| Journeyman | 8,000 |
| Master | 14,000 |
HVAC Technician Salary in Delaware
The median hvac technician salary in Delaware is $59,940 per year, which is 0.2% above the national median of $59,810.
| Percentile | Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| 10th (entry level) | $44,460 |
| 25th | $48,980 |
| 50th (median) | $59,940 |
| 75th | $76,730 |
| 90th (experienced) | $95,160 |
Delaware employs approximately 1,790 hvac technicians.
HVAC Technician Job Outlook
AI Impact on HVAC Technicians
Low AI Exposure (Score: -0.85/1.00)
This career has low exposure to AI automation. Most tasks require physical presence, human judgment, or hands-on skills that AI cannot easily replicate.
Is Becoming an HVAC Technician in Delaware Worth It?
Factors to consider: Delaware's cost of living, the state licensing requirement, strong job growth, low AI disruption risk, and your personal career goals.