HVAC Programs in Nebraska

The demand for HVAC technicians nationwide continues to grow. According to the BLS (2017), the number of openings in this field is expected to grow 15 percent nationwide between 2016 and 2026. That’s more than double the anticipated average growth among all fields in that time period Furthermore, Nebraska is experiencing an even more robust growth in its demand for HVAC professionals. In fact, Projection Central (2017) predicted a 20.9 percent statewide increase in positions for the decade ending in 2026.

Several factors contribute to the growth of the HVAC industry:

• Construction of new commercial buildings and residences
• Increasing complexity of climate control systems
• Contemporary emphasis on energy efficiency and reducing pollution
• Replacing, retrofitting, or upgrading older systems

Technicians in NE who understand electronics and have superb troubleshooting skills are likely to enjoy the best job prospects.

HVAC mechanics and installers held 307,060 jobs nationwide in 2016. The BLS (October 2017) reported that nationwide, the largest employers of heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanics and installers were contractors. About nine percent of technicians were self-employed. Most technicians work full time and often have overtime during peak seasons.

While the employment growth prospects both across the country and NE are promising, the profession is not easy. HVAC equipment is installed indoors and outdoors. Technicians must service the outside equipment, regardless of the weather. Additionally, indoor work can be uncomfortable when the equipment malfunctions and repairs sometimes must be made in awkward or cramped spaces. Therefore, technicians have a relatively high rate of job injuries. They may suffer electrical shock, burns, or muscle strains from moving heavy equipment. Training includes safety procedures to minimize injuries.

That said, the demand for qualified HVAC workers is strong in Nebraska. By illustration, Indeed (Nov. 2018) had 357 listings for technicians of all experience levels with companies such as Goodwin Tucker Group, Hamilton Service Company, and Pegasus Support Services, LLC all seeking technicians. Also, Monster’s (Nov. 2018) 166 Nebraska-based listings included organizations like Johnson Controls, the US Army and the Army National Guard.

HVAC Worker Salary in Nebraska

The BLS (2017) reported that HVAC-R mechanics and installers received an average salary of $49,530 annually around the country. Nebraska-based technicians, by contrast, received a $47,120 annually, roughly on par with the national figures. Although Nebraskans earn marginally less than their counterparts in other states, their wages go farther. The cost of living index for Nebraska is 94.8. That means that Nebraskans only pay $94.80 for what costs $100.00 in the average state. Additionally, the Missouri Economic Research and Information Center (MERIC 2018) found that NE was the twentieth most affordable state in the country, boasting particular savings in housing.

More granularly, the BLS (2017) found the following average salaries and percentiles among HVAC professionals in the US and Nebraska in particular:

The national figures were slightly different according to another source of data, Payscale (Nov. 2018), which relies on self-reported salaries. Among the HVAC workers reporting their annual salaries, Payscale found these percentiles:

United States: 889 HVAC workers responding

• 10th percentile: $29,000
• 25th percentile: $36,000
• 50th percentile (median): $44,532
• 75th percentile: $56,000
• 90th percentile: $71,000

An additional 4,873 HVAC workers gave Payscale their hourly salary figures, resulting in these percentile wages:

• 10th percentile: $13.00/hr.
• 25th percentile: $15.00/hr.
• 50th percentile (median): $19.24/hr.
• 75th percentile: $24.00/hr.
• 90th percentile: $30.00/hr.

The BLS designated seven regions within Nebraska for which employment data is available. The 360 HVAC workers in the Lincoln area earned the highest average salary in the state ($53,870). Following are the detailed salary data for the state of Nebraska:

Central Nebraska nonmetropolitan area (450 HVAC workers): $37,160 annual average salary

Grand Island, NE (130 HVAC workers): $45,650 annual average salary

Lincoln, NE (360 HVAC workers): $53,870 annual average salary

Northeast Nebraska nonmetropolitan area (240 HVAC workers): $35,120 annual average salary

Northwest Nebraska nonmetropolitan area (number of HVAC workers unreported): $39,290 annual average salary

Omaha-Council Bluffs, NE-IA (1120 HVAC workers): $52,510 annual average salary

Southeast Nebraska nonmetropolitan area (110 HVAC workers): $40,360 annual average salary

Federal law requires all HVAC technicians who work with environmentally sensitive refrigerants to obtain Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) Section 608 certification. Certification requires passing an exam on the safe handling of refrigerants. Four levels of certifications are available based the size and type of equipment, and the universal certification (Type IV) allows technicians to work on all equipment.

Technicians may obtain additional training and certifications from industry organizations. These include, but aren’t limited to:

• Refrigeration Service Engineers Society (RSES)
• North American Technician Excellence (NATE)
• HVAC Excellence

Finally, all HVAC professionals in Nebraska must ensure that they have all necessary licenses and permits before beginning work. While HVAC technicians and apprentices aren’t required to have state licenses, all contractors with one or more employees must have a state-issued contractor license from the Nebraska Department of Labor. It’s important to note that local requirements may vary. For example, the City of Lincoln requires HVAC apprentices and journey-level technicians to be credentialed, and contractors and self-employed technicians must be licensed, bonded, and insured. Journey-level masters and contractors must have completed a minimum number of hours of work experience and pass a written exam. All credentials and licenses are valid for one year and can be renewed following the completion of continuing education hours.

In order to remain in compliance with local laws, all Nebraskans in HVAC are encouraged to contact local offices to ensure they have all necessary documentation.