As an HVAC tech, you will find that Georgia is one of the best places to be. The state has a very high demand for HVAC technicians so you won’t have any trouble securing a job. Nevertheless, you need to understand that you cannot enter the field immediately.
Before you can become an HVAC tech, you’ll need to obtain proper experience and certifications. Once you’ve done that, you can find employment and begin making money as an HVAC tech. So, what do you need to know about obtaining a Georgia HVAC certification? You will find out below.
What Is Required to Get Georgia HVAC Certification?
It is important to understand that the requirements for HVAC techs vary significantly from one state to another. Surprisingly, HVAC technicians in Georgia do not need a state license. This allows you to skip one headache and enter the workforce much quicker than you would elsewhere.
However, you will need to obtain one license. The state offers two licenses and you will need to acquire one of them. You can obtain the Class 1 Air Conditioning License or the Class II Air Conditioning License.
More about these licenses will be provided below.
Class I Requirements
The Class I Air Conditioning License is best for people working on units that deliver less than 175,000 BTUs of heating and 60,000 BTUs of cooling. To obtain this license, you will need to attend courses and gain at least two years of installation experience as the lead mechanic.
You’ll also need a year of experience as a service tech and a year of experience as a residential supervisor. You must complete the heat loss/gain and duct design course.
Class II Requirements
Alternatively, you may want to avoid all restrictions. If this is the case, you’ll want to become a Class II Air Conditioning Tech. This will make you suitable for all varieties of air conditioning contracting work. The only downside is that you’ll need additional experience.
For instance, you must have at least 2 years of installation experience as the lead mechanic. One year of that experience must be commercial experience. You must obtain 2 years of experience working as a commercial supervisor too. If you’ve c completed these steps, you can obtain this license and begin serving the public.
Getting Your License In Georgia
Before you can get licensed in the State of Georgia, you need to gain experience. Once you’ve done that, you’ll want to submit the application. There is a one-time application fee of $30. Then, you will need to register and pass the exam which is offered by AMP. Remember that you’ll have to pay $133 to take the exam. With that being said, it is pertinent to make sure that you’re going to pass the exam on the first attempt.
Finally, you should know that you’ll need an EPA certification. Once you’ve obtained these things, you can start working in this industry and help the public in Georgia.
Apprenticeship Or College
Since you want to enter the field of HVAC, you’ll have tons of options at your disposal. It is pertinent to find the option that is going to work best for you. To obtain your license, you will need to gain hands-on experience. You can do that in numerous ways.
However, it is best to attend training courses at your local community college or enroll in an apprenticeship. Either option is going to work exceptionally well. This will ensure that you’re able to learn more about the industry so you can be a competent HVAC tech.
Which option is best for you? College is more expensive but you’ll graduate sooner. As an apprentice, you’ll make money while learning the trade. With that being said, there are pros and cons associated with both options. You should study these pros and cons until you find the option that is going to work best for you.
Pros Of Being A Georgia HVAC Tech
You can experiment with various career opportunities but you need to a career that you’re going to love. You may like being an HVAC tech since it offers numerous benefits. For instance, you will find that this career field is growing and expanding rapidly. You shouldn’t have any trouble finding an HVAC job in this state. You’ll also appreciate the salary. As an HVAC tech, you can earn a lot of money and you’ll help the public.
Just remember that you’ll need to work diligently to gain the necessary credentials. Once you’ve done that, you can start working to help the public.
Georgia HVAC Technician Pay
The minimum wage rate is only $7.25 per hour in Georgia. Working a minimum wage job will not offer you many helpful benefits. In fact, it will only offer you a few, which is the driving force behind the HVAC certification. There are thousands of HVAC technicians working throughout the state.
Some of the professionals got their certification through apprenticeship programs while others graduated from technical schools or community colleges. Whatever the case may be, you must know what to expect as far as wages go before enrolling in an HVAC course in Georgia.
Georgia HVAC technicians earn on average $40,500 per year. However, HVAC technicians should not expect to receive such a job offer immediately after graduation. It may be several years before you work up to this type of paycheck. The longer you work in the industry, the more you will build your skills and experience level.
Another factor that can determine your salary is your job duties. For example, HVAC installers generally do not get paid as well as repair technicians. It is rare for an HVAC technician to perform both of these tasks. If you are lucky enough to score such a job, you should expect to receive a good paycheck. However, new-grads generally start out doing installations, working their way up to repair technicians.
Conclusion
The HVAC industry is growing rapidly in Georgia. With that being said, it is a good idea to enter this industry as soon as possible. As a Georgia HVAC tech, you can make money, help the public, and work with your hands. Obtain your license and you can start working right away.