Kansas HVAC: How to get certified and licensed in KS

The cold, snowy Kansas winters and hot summers mean that HVAC professionals are always busy. The overall cost of living in the state is low, and job growth is steady, meaning that pursuing an HVAC career in the Jayhawk State may be a smart move.

If you’re considering an HVAC job in heating and cooling service in Kansas, this guide to getting a Kansas HVAC license will help you. We also include resources to help you advance your career, so keep reading!

What are the different types of HVAC licenses in Kansas?

Unlike many other states, the state of Kansas does not issue a state license for heating, cooling, and ventilation work. However, many major metro areas do require a license for HVAC work, such as Overland Park and Wichita. Check with your local city or county government to determine what, if any, licensing requirements it has.

You can get some optional certifications and licenses, though, which demonstrate your skills and abilities and enable you to work legally on refrigeration units.

EPA License

The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) issues a certification to enable you to work on refrigeration units and cooling equipment that uses refrigerants. An EPA Section 608 Technician Certification is valid in all 50 states and does not expire once you get it. You may pursue other optional EPA certifications if you want to do niche or specialty work.

NATE Certificate

The North American Technical Excellence (NATE) is a nationwide, non-profit HVAC training, education, and certification organization. It issues several types of HVAC and refrigeration certifications, starting with the Ready to Work certification for apprentice HVAC workers, plus other certifications that reflect your training, education, and skills. NATE certificates are recognized in all 50 states and demonstrate the best of the best of HVAC professionals.

Benefits of getting an HVAC license

Although Kansas does not have state HVAC licenses, getting licensed in the larger cities that offer them has several benefits. First, it enables you to legally perform work in the cities where a license is required.

Secondly, if you have an HVAC license in another Kansas city or county, even if you’re working in an area that does not require a license, it demonstrates to clients or potential employers that you’re a licensed professional and capable of proving that in the licensing exam.

Average earnings for HVAC professionals in Kansas

The average hourly wage for Kansas HVAC techs, mechanics, and installers is between $17.37 to $40.76, although many earn close to the state median of $26.60 per hour. You may be able to earn more if your employer offers overtime or a higher rate for responding to emergency calls on weekends or evenings.

Salaried HVAV professionals, such as field supervisors or managers, can earn anywhere from $67,278 to $107,572 per year; the state average is $85,072. If your employer offers bonuses, you may be able to earn more. And for professionals who open their own HVAC business, the sky could be the limit on your earnings.

Both hourly and salaried HVAC professionals may earn more if they have an EPA Section 608 Certification and one or more NATE Certifications, sometimes as much as 15% more than someone without. Additionally, if you are capable of specialty or niche work or can work on older models, then you may be able to command a higher wage than someone who can only perform the basics.

How much does it cost to get an HVAC license in Kansas?

The cost of a license in cities that require one can vary. For example, a Wichita Journeyman HVAC license issued by the Sedgwick County Metropolitan Area Building and Construction Department (MABCD) costs $125 for the application fee plus $35 for the license fee. A Wichita Master HVAC license costs $35, while a Contractor license is $360.

As another example, a Topeka HVAC license issued by the City of Topeka Development Services Division (DSD) costs $33 for an HVAC apprentice license. A Journeyman license costs $50 for the application fee and $53 for the licensing fee, while the master HVAC license is $103.

How to get an HVAC license in Kansas

The requirements for an HVAC license in Kansas depend on the issuing municipality. Usually, you’ll have to demonstrate certain experience, education, and training.

An HVAC trade school program or an associate’s degree in HVAC technology is often sufficient. You can also check out the Kansas Works Registered Apprenticeship Program, but you must have a high school diploma or a GED to enroll. Other good VHAC educational programs in Kansas include WSU Tech, Wichita Technical Institute, and Johnson County Community College.

Most licensing programs (and HVAC career paths in general) start at the apprentice level. You’ll usually work under the supervision of a licensed Master HVAC professional, sometimes under a journeyman HVAC professional whose license permits them to supervise newer techs.

Once you meet the apprentice requirements, you’ll apply for your Journeyman license and then complete the experience requirements for a Master license. Depending on the municipality, each stage can take 2 to 6 years.

Exams required for a Kansas HVAC license

Most licenses require that you pass at least one exam, sometimes two: a Trade Exam and a Business & Law Exam. Usually, you must have a passing score of 70%-75%, depending on the exam.

Kansas HVAC insurance and bonding requirements

Most contractors must have general liability insurance and often a surety bond. The insurance coverage you need usually depends on the scope of the project and its cost; sometimes, the municipality you’re working in will require certain insurance or bonding. Make sure you check insurance and bonding requirements before you accept a job.

Kansas HVAC licensing and renewal requirements

The continuing education requirement for a Kansas license depends on the requirements of the issuing agency. Each agency will also set a renewal schedule and fees, although most licenses renew annually or every two years.