HVAC Technician in Tennessee
Requirements, salary data, licensing costs, and career ROI for TN
How to Become an HVAC Technician in Tennessee
To become a licensed HVAC Technician in Tennessee, you must obtain a CMC-C (HVAC/Refrigeration Contractor) license from the Tennessee Board for Licensing Contractors. This license is required for projects valued at $25,000 or more. Key steps include demonstrating at least three years (6,000 hours) of verifiable HVAC experience, passing both the Tennessee Business and Law Exam and the Tennessee HVAC/Refrigeration Exam, and submitting a comprehensive application package that includes a financial statement, proof of insurance, and a letter of reference. Applicants must also be at least 18 years old, have a high school diploma or GED, and possess an EPA Section 608 Certification. Tennessee offers trade exam waivers for qualified applicants licensed in Alabama, Arkansas, Georgia, Louisiana, Mississippi, North Carolina, Ohio, South Carolina, West Virginia, and those holding the NASCLA National Exam.
HVAC Technician Requirements in Tennessee
| Detail | Tennessee |
|---|---|
| Licensing Body | Tennessee Board for Licensing Contractors |
| State License Required | Yes |
| Education | High school diploma or equivalent. |
| Experience Required | 6,000.0 hours |
| Exam | TN Business and Law Exam & TN HVAC/Refrigeration Exam ($114) |
| Application Fee | $250 |
| Renewal | Every 2.0 years |
| Notes | A state contractor's license (CMC-C) is required for projects valued at $25,000 or more. Local jurisdictions may have journeyman/master licensing. Applicants must be at least 18 years old and have a high school diploma or GED. EPA Section 608 Certification is required for handling refrigerants. A financial statement reviewed by a CPA and proof of general liability and workers' compensation insurance are also required. A letter of reference is typically needed. |
HVAC Technician Salary in Tennessee
The median hvac technician salary in Tennessee is $51,480 per year, which is 13.9% below the national median of $59,810.
| Percentile | Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| 10th (entry level) | $38,100 |
| 25th | $45,220 |
| 50th (median) | $51,480 |
| 75th | $63,430 |
| 90th (experienced) | $76,600 |
Tennessee employs approximately 10,510 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 Tennessee Worth It?
Factors to consider: Tennessee's cost of living, the state licensing requirement, strong job growth, low AI disruption risk, and your personal career goals.