Looking to start an HVAC trade career in Montgomery, AL in 2025? Montgomery presents a strong job market with approximately 101 HVAC job openings on ZipRecruiter and about 52 HVAC technician jobs available on Indeed as of June 2025 12. With competitive hourly wages ranging from $20 to $50 depending on experience and specializations 3, and an industry growing at 13.5% between 2016 and 2026 4, now is an excellent time to join the HVAC profession in Montgomery.
HVAC technicians in Montgomery install, maintain, and repair heating, ventilation, air conditioning, and refrigeration systems in residential, commercial, and industrial settings. Their responsibilities include:
Technicians work with various technologies from traditional HVAC systems to advanced smart climate control systems required in modern "smart" buildings. As Montgomery's construction industry continues to grow and existing buildings require maintenance, HVAC technicians will remain in high demand.
Find HVAC apprenticeship opportunities in Montgomery AL now
Yes, you need a license to work as an HVAC technician in Alabama. In Montgomery, all technicians must obtain a license through the Alabama Board of Heating, Air Conditioning & Refrigeration Contractors. The licensing process includes:
As of 2025, technicians must also prepare for the transition to low Global Warming Potential (GWP) refrigerants like R-454B and R-32 mandated by EPA regulations 37.
Montgomery offers several excellent training options for aspiring HVAC technicians:
Trenholm State Community College: Offers an Air Conditioning & Refrigeration Technology program at its Patterson Campus (3920 Troy Highway, Building E) 6.
Fortis College: Provides an HVAC-R program that can be completed in 40–48 weeks 5
Alabama State University Career Training: Offers an HVAC/R Technician training course with included vouchers for certification support 3
Located in Jasper, AL, this center offers:
This center has trained over 38,000 participants since 1986 and provides performance-based classroom instruction with up-to-date equipment 4.
Here's a comparison of local training programs:
| Program | Location | Duration | Notable Features |
|---|---|---|---|
| Trenholm State Community College | Montgomery, AL | Not specified | Hands-on instruction, classroom learning, college credit options |
| Fortis College | Montgomery, AL | 40–48 weeks | Focused HVAC-R curriculum, job search assistance 5 |
| Alabama State University | Montgomery, AL | Not specified | Certification support vouchers included 3 |
| SkillCat | Online | Flexible | Self-paced learning from any location 7 |
| Alabama Power HVAC Training Center | Jasper, AL | Variable | Industry-recognized certifications 4 |
To succeed in Montgomery's HVAC industry, you'll need a combination of technical, practical, and personal skills:
Montgomery's HVAC job market remains robust with multiple factors contributing to high earning potential:
Explore current HVAC job openings in Montgomery
| Job Type | Hourly Rate | Annual Salary Range | Notable Features |
|---|---|---|---|
| General HVAC Technician | $25.20 (Average) | $52,000–$58,000 | Basic installation, maintenance, and repair 6 |
| HVAC Installer | Around $22.50 | $46,800 | Focus on system installation 3 |
| Union HVAC Technician | $30.08 (Average) | $62,567 | Higher wages and benefits 3 |
| Senior/Experienced Technician | $30+ | $65,000+ | Overtime pay increases total compensation, up to $6,750 annually 5 |
| HVAC Lead Technician | Up to $42.56 | $88,500+ | Supervisory roles with premium pay 3 |
This salary range positions HVAC technicians in Montgomery ahead of many other skilled trade careers in the region. With overtime pay adding approximately $6,750 per year on average 5, and union jobs offering more stable employment with increased benefits, at 2025, HVAC careers present excellent financial potential.
Here's a step-by-step guide to launching your HVAC trade career in Montgomery:
Before you can begin training, ensure you meet these fundamental criteria:
Enroll in an HVAC education program to build foundational skills:
Starting your HVAC career in Montgomery begins with quality education
Apprenticeships combine on-job training with classroom instruction:
After completing your education and apprenticeship:
Pursue essential certifications to boost your employability:
To work independently as an HVAC technician in Montgomery:
Now you're ready to launch your career:
Search for HVAC apprenticeships and technician jobs in Montgomery today
Several key factors position HVAC careers in Montgomery for continued expansion:
As HVAC systems evolve into intelligent, self-regulating systems that adjust based on real-time weather data and integrate with smart home ecosystems, Montgomery technicians skilled in these technologies will be highly sought after 4. This includes:
Homeowners and businesses in Montgomery increasingly prioritize energy efficiency, creating demand for technicians proficient in:
With the transition away from R-410A systems to low-GWP refrigerants like R-454B and R-32 taking effect in 2025, technicians will need updated training in handling these new systems 37.
Construction of new commercial spaces in Montgomery requires integration with building automation systems, creating demand for technicians with knowledge of these advanced controls 4.
Montgomery's ongoing development supports the need for HVAC services both in new construction and for upgrading existing systems, creating plentiful job opportunities for qualified technicians 4.
Alongside growth opportunities, the HVAC industry in Montgomery faces several challenges:
Labor Shortages: Difficulty finding and retaining skilled technicians is a major issue, both locally and nationally 53.
Refrigerant Regulations: The mandated transition away from R-410A systems by 2025 requires technicians to adapt and upskill 4.
Smart Technology Integration: Growing market for smart HVAC systems demands technicians expand their digital skills 67.
Price Competition: Pricing pressure in the industry may impact smaller businesses unless they emphasize quality service and expertise 5
Regulatory Changes: Ongoing updates to building codes and environmental regulations require ongoing education and compliance 64.
Technicians and companies that invest in continuous training and workforce development will be best positioned to overcome these challenges and capitalize on emerging trends in smart home and energy-efficient HVAC technology 7.
Starting an HVAC trade career in Montgomery, AL in 2025 offers exciting opportunities in a growing field with competitive salaries ($20–$50/hour) 3 and strong demand supporting approximately 100+ job openings 2. Whether you're just finishing high school or considering a career change, the HVAC industry offers a path tailored to your interests and capabilities.
As you gain experience and build your credentials with certifications like NATE and Refrigerant Recovery, your career opportunities will expand from entry-level positions to highly paid union roles with companies like Trane.
Start your HVAC journey with apprenticeship opportunities on Gild
Technicians with up-to-date skills in new refrigerants 7, smart HVAC systems 4, and energy efficiency standards will find their services especially in demand. With proper training, licensing, and a commitment to ongoing professional development, you can build a rewarding and lucrative career in Montgomery's HVAC industry.
Remember, the HVAC field in Montgomery had approximately 101 job openings reported on ZipRecruiter as of June 2025 1, with salaries ranging from $20–$50/hour 3, making it an excellent time to enter this essential and dynamic industry. With the right training and commitment, you can become part of the experienced workforce contributing to Montgomery's growth and comfort.
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