HVAC Technician Schools in Hickory, North Carolina

HVAC Technician programs in Hickory, North Carolina can help you prepare for a skilled career path. Many programs include classroom instruction and supervised hands-on learning to help you build practical skills before entering the workforce.

HVAC Technician Schools Near Hickory, North Carolina

#1

Catawba Valley Community College

Hickory, NC 3.7 miles away

Catawba Valley Community College is a Public, 2-year in Hickory, NC serving about 3,517 students and accredited by Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges. Graduates gain job-ready skills that align with employer demand across NC.

Tuition
  • In-state tuition: $2,367
  • Out-of-state tuition: $7,743
Contact

Source:IPEDSScorecardACCSC

#2

Mitchell Community College

Statesville, NC 24.2 miles away

Mitchell Community College is a Public, 2-year in Statesville, NC. Graduates gain job-ready skills that align with employer demand across NC.

Tuition Contact school for pricing
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Source:IPEDSScorecardACCSC

#3

NASCAR Technical Institute

Mooresville, NC 27.9 miles away

NASCAR Technical Institute is a Private for-profit, 2-year in Mooresville, NC. Graduates gain job-ready skills that align with employer demand across NC.

Tuition Contact school for pricing
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Source:IPEDSScorecardACCSC

#4

Gaston College

Dallas, NC 30.9 miles away

Gaston College is a Public, 2-year in Dallas, NC. Graduates gain job-ready skills that align with employer demand across NC.

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Source:IPEDSScorecardACCSC

#5

Cleveland Community College

Shelby, NC 33.3 miles away

Cleveland Community College is a Public, 2-year in Shelby, NC serving about 1,236 students and accredited by Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges. Graduates gain job-ready skills that align with employer demand across NC.

Tuition
  • In-state tuition: $2,602
  • Out-of-state tuition: $8,746
Contact

Source:IPEDSScorecardACCSC

#6

McDowell Technical Community College

Marion, NC 36.3 miles away

McDowell Technical Community College is a Public, 2-year in Marion, NC. Graduates gain job-ready skills that align with employer demand across NC.

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Source:IPEDSScorecardACCSC

#7

Central Piedmont Community College

Charlotte, NC 45.7 miles away

Central Piedmont Community College is a Public, 2-year in Charlotte, NC serving about 13,640 students and accredited by Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges. Graduates gain job-ready skills that align with employer demand across NC.

Tuition
  • In-state tuition: $2,792
  • Out-of-state tuition: $8,936
Contact

Source:IPEDSScorecardACCSC

#8

Rowan-Cabarrus Community College

Salisbury, NC 47.9 miles away

Rowan-Cabarrus Community College is a Public, 2-year in Salisbury, NC. Graduates gain job-ready skills that align with employer demand across NC.

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Source:IPEDSScorecardACCSC

#9

Surry Community College

Dobson, NC 55.9 miles away

Surry Community College is a Public, 2-year in Dobson, NC serving about 1,445 students and accredited by Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges. Graduates gain job-ready skills that align with employer demand across NC.

Tuition
  • In-state tuition: $2,545
  • Out-of-state tuition: $8,689
Contact

Source:IPEDSScorecardACCSC

#10

York Technical College

Rock Hill, SC 58.8 miles away

York Technical College is a Public, 2-year in Rock Hill, SC serving about 3,813 students and accredited by Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges. Graduates gain job-ready skills that align with employer demand across SC.

Tuition
  • In-state tuition: $5,512
  • Out-of-state tuition: $10,824
Contact

Source:IPEDSScorecardACCSC

Comparing HVAC Technician Schools Near Hickory

There are 10 schools within 59 miles of Hickory.

SchoolDistanceTuitionGrad RateType
Catawba Valley Community College3.7 mi$2,367N/APublic, 2-year
Mitchell Community College24.2 miN/AN/APublic, 2-year
NASCAR Technical Institute27.9 miN/AN/APrivate for-profit, 2-year
Gaston College30.9 miN/AN/APublic, 2-year
Cleveland Community College33.3 mi$2,602N/APublic, 2-year
McDowell Technical Community College36.3 miN/AN/APublic, 2-year
Central Piedmont Community College45.7 mi$2,792N/APublic, 2-year
Rowan-Cabarrus Community College47.9 miN/AN/APublic, 2-year
Surry Community College55.9 mi$2,545N/APublic, 2-year
York Technical College58.8 mi$5,512N/APublic, 2-year

Source: National Center for Education Statistics, Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System (IPEDS).

HVAC Technician Salary in North Carolina

Entry-level heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanics and installers in North Carolina earn around $37,750 per year. The median salary is $51,940, which is 13.2% below the national median of $59,810. Top earners make up to $75,470 per year.

North Carolina vs. National HVAC Technician Wages
MetricNorth CarolinaNational
Median salary$51,940$59,810
Average salary$54,710$62,690
25th percentile$46,360$47,850
75th percentile$61,650$74,820
90th percentile$75,470$91,020

North Carolina employs approximately 13,750 heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanics and installers (2.8 per 1,000 workers, location quotient: 1.09).

Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics, May 2024.

HVAC Technician Job Outlook

8.1% growth (2024–2034)

Employment of heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanics and installers is projected to grow 8.1% from 2024 to 2034, much faster than the average for all occupations. This represents a change from 425,200 to 459,700 jobs nationwide. About 40,100 openings are projected each year on average over the decade, driven by workers transferring to other occupations, retiring, or leaving the labor force.

In North Carolina, the concentration of heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanics and installers is near the national average (location quotient: 1.09), which may reflect strong local demand for this trade.

Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics, May 2024.

Frequently Asked Questions

How much do heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanics and installers make in North Carolina?

The median annual salary for heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanics and installers in North Carolina is $51,940. Wages range from $37,750 at the entry level (10th percentile) to $75,470 for top earners (90th percentile). This is based on the most recent Bureau of Labor Statistics data.

How many hvac technician schools are near Hickory?

There are 104 HVAC Technician schools within commuting distance of Hickory. The closest is Catawba Valley Community College, approximately 3.7 miles away. Programs typically combine classroom instruction with hands-on lab work to prepare graduates for entry-level positions.

What is the job outlook for heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanics and installers?

Employment of heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanics and installers is projected to grow 8.1% from 2024 to 2034. About 40,100 job openings are projected each year on average, including positions from growth and replacement needs.

What does hvac technician training cost near Hickory?

Annual tuition for hvac technician programs near Hickory ranges from $1,956 to $26,990. Costs vary based on program length, institution type, and whether the school is public or private. Financial aid and scholarships may be available to help offset costs.

Is a hvac technician in demand in North Carolina?

Demand for heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanics and installers in North Carolina is typical compared to the rest of the country, with a location quotient of 1.09. The state employs 2.8 heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanics and installers per 1,000 workers.