If you're looking to jumpstart a career in HVAC in Daphne, AL, the first step is understanding the educational and licensing requirements set by the state. In 2025, aspiring HVAC technicians can start their careers through apprenticeship programs or vocational training, with over 70 HVAC technician positions currently open in Daphne and competitive pay rates ranging from $25 to $32 per hour 12. The demand for HVAC professionals in Daphne has notably increased from 2020 to 2025, with the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics projecting 5% national growth for the HVAC field between 2022 and 2032 3. Learn more about national trends at U.S. Residential HVAC Industry Report.
Before diving into the steps, it's essential to understand what being an HVAC technician entails. HVAC technicians are skilled professionals who install, repair, and maintain heating, ventilation, air conditioning, and refrigeration systems in residential, commercial, and industrial buildings. This includes working on various components such as thermostats, compressors, ductwork, and refrigerant systems, with more detailed insights available on HVAC Career Now.
Yes! To work as an HVAC contractor in Alabama, you must obtain a license from the Alabama Board of Heating, Air Conditioning & Refrigeration Contractors 3. Visit Alabama's Licensing Guide for full details. The key requirements for licensing include:
According to the Alabama Board of Heating, Air Conditioning & Refrigeration Contractors, entry-level technicians typically begin as registered apprentices, working under the supervision of a licensed contractor 4. To register as an apprentice:
To find an apprenticeship:
To become an HVAC technician in Daphne, AL, you must meet specific basic requirements:
For more on educational pathways, check HVAC Training in Daphne.
While not always mandatory, completing an HVAC education program can give you a solid foundation in the trade. These programs are offered by trade schools, community colleges, and technical institutes in Alabama and usually cover topics like:
Read about industry growth and program details at ACCA Industry Growth.
An apprenticeship is a crucial step in becoming an HVAC technician. In Alabama, you'll need to complete an HVAC apprenticeship to gain the hands-on experience required for licensing. Apprenticeships typically last 2 years (3,000 hours) and involve both on-the-job training and classroom instruction.
During your apprenticeship, you'll work under the supervision of a licensed HVAC contractor and learn the practical skills needed for the job, such as installing HVAC systems, troubleshooting climate control issues, and adhering to local codes.
While not always required for initial apprenticeship, EPA Section 608 certification is often obtained to handle refrigerants and may be provided as part of vocational training programs 5. This certification is essential for working with refrigerants and is often included in vocational training programs, as detailed in Skilled Trades in Demand.
After completing your apprenticeship and obtaining necessary certifications, you can apply for your HVAC contractor license. To qualify for the license, you must demonstrate at least 3,000 hours (about two years) of supervised work experience or completion of an approved college/vocational training program 64.
You must then take and pass the Alabama HVAC contractor licensing exam, which includes 80 questions over four hours for the general contractor license or 60 questions over three hours for refrigeration. A minimum score of 70% is required. The exam fee is $150 3.
The demand for HVAC professionals in Daphne has steadily climbed and will continue to grow through 2025 and beyond. This rising demand aligns with broader industry trends, including:
Daphne's subtropical climate with high humidity, extreme summer heat, and chillier winters demands technicians to handle intense, frequent workloads and urgent repair needs. This environment requires HVAC professionals to be highly skilled and prepared to work quickly, especially for air conditioning services, which are considered essential in the area 3. For more on job prospects, visit Indeed Salaries.
The average salary for entry-level HVAC technicians in Daphne, AL in 2025 is approximately $25.62 per hour, which translates roughly to about $53,000 annually assuming full-time hours 7. More general HVAC technician salaries in Daphne range higher, with averages reported from $58,523 to $76,133 per year depending on source and experience level 2.
Pay rates in Daphne for HVAC technicians generally range from approximately $20 to $30 per hour, with some positions offering sign-on bonuses up to $3,000 and commissions on system sales, indicating competitive compensation packages 28. Benefits frequently include medical, dental, vision insurance, paid time off, and 401(k) plans, which enhance overall employment attractiveness 28. Check current openings on Glassdoor.
In preparation for 2025, local HVAC training options accessible to residents of Daphne, AL include:
This 11-week accelerated non-credit program begins classes in September 2025 (with additional start dates in January and May 2026) and runs Monday to Thursday, 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. The program teaches technical skills in repair, installation, servicing, and maintenance of HVAC systems, including diagnostics and electrical principles. Graduates earn Bishop State and EPA Section 608 Refrigerant certifications. The cost is $4,500, and scholarships may be available 1. Visit the program page at Bishop State HVAC Fast Track.
Located in Baldwin County, this program offers HVAC training with a focus on troubleshooting and machinery analysis in different facilities, targeting high school students or preparatory learners near Daphne 2.
Although located approximately two hours from Daphne, this state-of-the-art facility offers a wide range of HVAC training programs, from basic to advanced courses, including certification exam reviews (e.g., Alabama HVAC Contractor's License, Refrigerant Recovery Certification) and NATE exams. Their classes combine classroom and extensive hands-on training 3.
| Training Program | Location | Duration | Cost | Certification Offered |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Bishop State Community College HVAC Fast Track | Mobile, AL | 11 weeks | $4,500 | Bishop State and EPA Section 608 Refrigerant certifications |
| Baldwin County Preparatory Program | Baldwin County, AL | Varies | Varies | Basic HVAC skills |
| Alabama Power HVAC Training Center | Jasper, AL | Varies | Varies | Alabama HVAC Contractor's License, Refrigerant Recovery Certification, NATE exams |
Individuals pursuing an HVAC trade job in Daphne, AL in 2025 might face several potential challenges despite the availability of numerous job openings:
Starting a career as an HVAC technician in Daphne, AL is an exciting opportunity to enter a field that is essential and well paid. Whether you're just finishing high school or considering a career change, following these steps will set you on the path to success in this critical industry. As you gain experience and build your credentials, the opportunities in HVAC will only continue to grow.
The HVAC industry in Daphne, AL offers a promising career path with numerous opportunities for growth and advancement. With the right training, experience, and licensing, you can establish yourself as a skilled professional in this in-demand trade.
https://www.indeed.com/q-hvac-technician-l-daphne,-al-jobs.html ↩ ↩2
https://www.ziprecruiter.com/Jobs/Hvac/-in-Daphne,AL ↩ ↩2 ↩3 ↩4 ↩5 ↩6 ↩7
https://sfaac.com/skilled-trades-in-high-demand-for-2025-hvac-a-stable-and-secure-choice/ ↩ ↩2 ↩3 ↩4 ↩5 ↩6
https://www.best-trade-schools.net/locations/alabama/hvac-tech-in-al/ ↩ ↩2
https://www.bishop.edu/programs/workforce-development/hvac-fast-track ↩
https://www.glassdoor.com/Job/daphne-hvac-jobs-SRCH_IL.0,6_IC1127539_KO7,11.htm ↩ ↩2
https://www.ache.edu/wp-content/Instruction/2025_Statewide_InDemand_Occ.pdf ↩ ↩2
