how to become an hvac in colorado (2026)
Becoming a licensed hvac in Colorado takes 3–5 years (apprenticeship or school + OJT). You'll go through trade school or an apprenticeship, accumulate on-the-job hours, and pass the Colorado Dept of Regulatory Agencies exam. Here's exactly what to expect — and how to do it as fast as possible.
step 1: choose your training path
There are two main routes to becoming a licensed hvac in Colorado:
| path | timeline | cost | best for |
|---|---|---|---|
| Union Apprenticeship | 3–5 years (apprenticeship or school + OJT) | Low to free (paid while learning) | Maximum wages, full benefits, union card |
| Trade School + OJT | 3–5 years (apprenticeship or school + OJT) | $5,000–$20,000 tuition | Faster classroom phase, more flexible |
| Vo-Tech / Community College | 3–5 years (apprenticeship or school + OJT) | $3,000–$12,000 | Lower cost, stackable credentials |
Training sources in Colorado: RSES, NCCER, union apprenticeships, vo-tech programs. These are the primary pathways that lead to the Colorado Dept of Regulatory Agencies exam.
step 2: complete your apprenticeship hours
Regardless of which training path you choose, Colorado requires documented on-the-job experience hours before you can sit for the journeyman exam. You'll work under a licensed journeyman or master hvac, learning hands-on skills including:
- Refrigerants
- electrical controls
- ductwork
- heat load calculations
step 3: pass the Colorado Dept of Regulatory Agencies exam
The licensing exam tests your knowledge of trade theory, state-specific code, safety regulations, and practical applications. The exam is administered by the Colorado Dept of Regulatory Agencies. Key things to know:
Exam prep tip: Most candidates who fail on the first attempt do so because they underestimate the code section. Focus on the applicable code book ({"electrician":"NEC (National Electrical Code)","plumber":"UPC or IPC (plumbing codes)","hvac":"ASHRAE standards, EPA 608","welder":"AWS welding codes","carpenter":"IBC, local building codes"}.get(trade_slug, "trade code")) and practice calculations, not just definitions.
step 4: work as a journeyman, advance to master
Once you pass the journeyman exam, you can work independently on permitted jobs in Colorado. The next milestone is the master hvac license, which typically requires 2+ additional years of journeyman experience. With a master license, you can:
- Pull permits independently
- Run your own crew or business
- Bid on commercial and government contracts
- Command salaries of $77,112–$94,248 per year
salary outlook in colorado
Colorado's construction boom has continued for over a decade. Denver's growth and the state's clean energy investment keep all trade categories busy. HVAC Technicians here earn a median of $57,120 per year. Entry-level work starts around $42,268, and master-licensed tradespeople and contractors can reach $88,536 or more.
Demand drivers: climate change driving ac demand, building retrofits, heat pumps. BLS projects 9% job growth nationally through 2032, and Colorado tracks at or above that rate.
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How do I become an hvac in Colorado?
Complete trade school or a union apprenticeship (RSES, NCCER, union apprenticeships, vo-tech programs), accumulate the required on-the-job hours, then pass the Colorado Dept of Regulatory Agencies licensing exam. The full process takes 3–5 years (apprenticeship or school + OJT).
How long does it take to become an hvac in Colorado?
Typically 3–5 years (apprenticeship or school + OJT) — this includes the classroom/theory phase plus the apprenticeship hours required to sit for the journeyman exam.
How much do hvacs make in Colorado?
HVAC Technicians in Colorado earn a median of $57,120 per year. Entry-level: $42,268. Experienced journeyman: $65,688–$77,112. Master license: $77,112+.
Is becoming an hvac worth it in Colorado?
Yes. Colorado's hvac market is strong — colorado's construction boom has continued for over a decade. denver's growth and the state's clean energy investment keep all trade categories busy. Hardhat's AI survival score for hvacs is 81/100. This work is difficult to automate and in high demand.