Keep Buildings Comfortable. Keep Communities Running.
Heating, Ventilation, Air Conditioning, and Refrigeration (HVAC) technicians install, maintain, troubleshoot, and repair the systems that keep homes, businesses, schools, hospitals, and manufacturing facilities safe and comfortable year-round.
Not sure where to start?
A career navigator can help you compare pathways, explore financial assistance, prepare your resume, and take the next step.
Career Progression
HVAC careers offer excellent wages, strong job security, and multiple pathways into the skilled trades through technical training or paid apprenticeships. Whether you’re beginning your career or looking for a new opportunity, HVAC professionals are in demand throughout the Omaha area and across Nebraska.
Now →
Examples: HVAC Helper, Installer Assistant, Maintenance Technician
Typical Training Requirments:
- High school diploma or equivalent (preferred by many employers)
- On-the-job training
- HVAC certificate or diploma (optional but beneficial)
- OSHA 10 certification (recommended)
- EPA Section 608 Certification may be required for technicians who work with refrigerants
Next →
Examples: Residential HVAC Technician, Commercial HVAC Technician, Refrigeration Technician, Service Technician
Typical Training Requirments:
- HVAC certificate or associate degree from a technical college or
- Registered Apprenticeship (typically 4–5 years)
- EPA Section 608 Certification
- 2–5 years of hands-on experience
- Additional manufacturer or specialty certifications may be required depending on the employer
Later →
Examples:
Journeyman HVAC Technician, Controls Technician, HVAC Supervisor, Project Manager, Business Owner
Typical Training Requirements:
- Completion of a Registered Apprenticeship or extensive industry experience
- Journeyman-level experience
- Advanced technical and troubleshooting skills
- Leadership or supervisory experience for management roles
- Continuing education and industry certifications to stay current with new technologies and building automation systems
Note: Salary and annual opening estimates are based on labor market analysis of occupations included within each pathway and are intended to provide a general overview of career opportunities in the Omaha area.
Employers that hire for these positions:
Explore direct hiring pages for local companies.
Programs that may help pay for HVAC training:
Heartland Workforce Solutions can help eligible career seekers explore funding and support programs that may help pay for training related to manufacturing occupations.
Career Readiness to Eliminate Disparities (CRED)
Eligibility-Based
CRED may help eligible participants access career readiness support and training assistance for in-demand career pathways.
Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act (WIOA)
Eligibility-Based
WIOA programs may help eligible adults, dislocated workers, and youth pay for approved training connected to employment goals.
Not sure what you qualify for?
Next Step
A career navigator can help you understand eligibility, required documents, approved training options, and next steps. Find out what programs you qualify for today!
Explore Apprenticeships
Earn While You Lean
Explore apprenticeship opportunities, paid training programs, career pathways, and workforce resources. Learn about apprenticeship programs, pre-apprenticeships, training opportunities, and workforce support available across Nebraska.
Funding is not guaranteed and depends on eligibility, program requirements, available resources, and whether the training aligns with approved career goals.
HVAC Career Pathway Examples
Below are videos with more information about what HVAC jobs entail.