HVAC Technician in Massachusetts
Requirements, salary data, licensing costs, and career ROI for MA
How to Become an HVAC Technician in Massachusetts
To become a Refrigeration Technician in Massachusetts, individuals must obtain a license through the Massachusetts Office of Public Safety and Inspections, specifically the Bureau of Pipefitters, Refrigeration Technicians, and Sprinkler Fitters. Key steps involve completing a significant number of apprenticeship hours (ranging from 2,000 to 6,000 hours depending on education) and approved refrigeration coursework. Applicants must also pass the Refrigeration Technician examination and pay an application fee. This license is required for refrigeration work with a capacity over 10 tons, and applicants must be at least 18 years old and hold a high school diploma or GED, along with a Universal CFC Certification.
HVAC Technician Requirements in Massachusetts
| Detail | Massachusetts |
|---|---|
| Licensing Body | Massachusetts Office of Public Safety and Inspections |
| State License Required | Yes |
| Education | 250 hours of refrigeration coursework (100 hours refrigeration theory, 150 hours MA electrical code) OR 500 hours of refrigeration education (250 hours shop work, 100 hours theory, 100 hours MA electrical code) OR 1000 hours of refrigeration education (700 hours shop work, 100 hours theory, 100 hours MA electrical code). |
| Experience Required | 6,000.0 hours |
| Exam | Refrigeration Technician examination ($75) |
| Application Fee | $75 |
| Renewal | Every 2.0 years |
| Notes | Requires 6,000 hours as a licensed Refrigeration Apprentice under a licensed Refrigeration Contractor AND 250 hours of refrigeration education; OR 4,000 hours as a licensed Refrigeration Apprentice AND 500 hours of refrigeration education; OR 2,000 hours as a licensed Refrigeration Apprentice AND 1,000 hours of refrigeration education. Must be at least 18 years old and have a high school diploma or GED. Also requires Universal CFC Certification. This license is specifically for refrigeration work with a capacity over 10 tons. |
Source: Massachusetts Office of Public Safety and Inspections
License Tiers
Massachusetts offers multiple tiers of hvac technician licensing:
| Tier | Hours Required |
|---|---|
| Refrigeration Apprentice | N/A |
| Refrigeration Technician | 6,000 |
HVAC Technician Salary in Massachusetts
The median hvac technician salary in Massachusetts is $76,990 per year, which is 28.7% above the national median of $59,810.
| Percentile | Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| 10th (entry level) | $49,540 |
| 25th | $62,380 |
| 50th (median) | $76,990 |
| 75th | $96,830 |
| 90th (experienced) | $109,220 |
Massachusetts employs approximately 7,960 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 Massachusetts Worth It?
Factors to consider: Massachusetts's cost of living, the state licensing requirement, strong job growth, low AI disruption risk, and your personal career goals.