HVAC Technician in Oregon
Requirements, salary data, licensing costs, and career ROI for OR
How to Become an HVAC Technician in Oregon
To become an HVAC technician in Oregon, individuals must obtain a Limited Energy Technician Class B (LEB) license from the Oregon Building Codes Division (BCD). This typically involves completing a board-approved apprenticeship program or accumulating 4,000 hours of work experience and 288 hours of classroom training. Additionally, technicians who handle refrigerants must obtain EPA Section 608 certification. Those wishing to operate as an HVAC contractor must also obtain a license from the Oregon Construction Contractors Board (CCB), which requires 16 hours of pre-license training and passing a separate business and law exam.
HVAC Technician Requirements in Oregon
| Detail | Oregon |
|---|---|
| Licensing Body | Oregon Building Codes Division (BCD) for technicians; Oregon Construction Contractors Board (CCB) for contractors |
| State License Required | Yes |
| Education | High school diploma or GED equivalent, and one year of high school algebra or equivalent post-high school algebra course with a passing grade of 'C' or better. |
| Experience Required | 4,000.0 hours |
| Exam | Limited Energy Technician Class B (LEB) Exam (for technicians); CCB licensing exam (for contractors) ($120) |
| Application Fee | $50 |
| Renewal | Every 3.0 years |
| Continuing Education | 16.0 hours per cycle |
| Notes | HVAC technicians installing or servicing low-voltage controls need a Limited Energy Technician Class B (LEB) license from the BCD. To operate as an HVAC contractor, a license from the CCB is also required. Minimum age for apprenticeship is 17 to apply, 18 to begin. EPA Section 608 certification is required for technicians who handle refrigerants. |
HVAC Technician Salary in Oregon
The median hvac technician salary in Oregon is $62,740 per year, which is 4.9% above the national median of $59,810.
| Percentile | Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| 10th (entry level) | $45,390 |
| 25th | $49,360 |
| 50th (median) | $62,740 |
| 75th | $78,290 |
| 90th (experienced) | $93,620 |
Oregon employs approximately 3,690 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 Oregon Worth It?
Factors to consider: Oregon's cost of living, the state licensing requirement, strong job growth, low AI disruption risk, and your personal career goals.