HVAC Jobs

The Government of Canada’s Job Bank says there’s a strong risk of labour shortages for HVAC mechanics from 2024 to 2033. 

That means there’s likely going to be lots of job openings soon.

On April 5th 2025, current prime minister Mark Carney announced that the government would cover the cost of skilled trades apprenticeship programs if he is re-elected.

This article will explain the basics of becoming an HVAC technician. Let’s get right in!

What is an HVAC Technician? 

An HVAC technician is a skilled worker who installs, maintains, and repairs heating, ventilation, and air conditioning systems. They also check and clean systems to prevent problems before they start. 

As of 2023, about 46,100 people in Canada work as HVAC mechanics. Some specialize in residential work, while others focus on commercial or industrial settings.

What Do HVAC Technicians Do?

HVAC technicians handle everything related to heating, cooling, and ventilation systems. Here’s what they do daily:

• Installing furnaces, air conditioners, ductwork, and thermostats.
• Repairing broken heating and cooling units.
• Performing routine maintenance like filter changes and refrigerant checks.
• Diagnosing system issues and recommending fixes.
• Working with electrical components like wiring and circuit boards.
• Following safety codes and local building regulations.
• Providing consultations to customers.

How to Become an HVAC Technician?

Carrier, a leading HVAC company, estimates a shortage of 400,000 HVAC technicians across North America over the next decade. If you’re looking for a stable, hands-on career with strong demand, HVAC could be a great choice. Here’s how to get started.

Step #01: Go to College or Trade School

Most provinces require you to complete secondary school (high school) or get the equivalent certificate like Canadian Adult Education Credential (CAEC, formerly GED) to start an HVAC career. From there, many people take a college program or vocational training course to build their skills before entering an apprenticeship, although a college degree is often not essential.

Program lengths vary depending on the school and training level. Some intensive courses can be completed in under a year, while diploma programs may take multiple years. Many colleges also offer co-op placements or work experience as part of the curriculum.

Many programs combine classroom instruction with hands-on lab work, giving you theoretical knowledge and practical skills. Some courses also include preparation for gas licensing exams and other industry certifications.

Do you need a college degree to become an HVAC technician in Canada?

Generally speaking, a college degree is not essential, provided you complete an apprenticeship and get your certifications and licenses in your province or territory. However a college or vocational school certificate may help you land an apprenticeship and provide a good foundation for becoming a technician.

HVAC Technician Courses

Here are some examples of HVAC programs in different provinces:

The cost of training is often more affordable than other post-secondary education paths. Public colleges typically offer subsidized tuition for domestic students, and financial aid or scholarships are available for those pursuing trades. 

Financial Aid and Government Incentives

Getting into HVAC doesn’t have to break the bank. There is financial support to help you along the way.

• Apprenticeship Grants: The Government of Canada offers up to $4,000 in grant money to apprentices in Red Seal trades. You can get $1,000 after each of the first two years and $2,000 when you complete your apprenticeship.
• Canada Apprentice Loan: Apprentices can borrow up to $4,000 per period of technical training as an interest-free loan. The loan stays interest-free during training and for a year after.

Step #02: Complete an HVAC Pre-apprenticeship Training Program (Optional)

A pre-apprenticeship training program is a short vocational course designed to prepare you for an HVAC apprenticeship. These programs typically last 4 to 12 months and provide basic trade skills, making you “apprenticeship-ready.”

Most programs require a high school diploma (or equivalent) and are aimed at youth or career changers. Some specifically support underrepresented groups in the trades. Completing a pre-apprenticeship can give you a head start by shortening your actual apprenticeship and improving your chances of getting hired.

In some provinces, pre-apprenticeship training is free or funded through government initiatives. For example, Ontario’s Pre-Apprenticeship Training Program covers tuition, textbooks, tools, and safety equipment at no cost to students for programs up to 52 weeks.

Step #03: Register and Start Your Apprenticeship

To officially become an HVAC technician, you must register as an apprentice in your province. Apprenticeships are regulated at the provincial level, and each jurisdiction has its own registration process.

The length of apprenticeship is measured in hours and divided into levels (or periods). Most provinces require 8,000 to 9,000 hours of on-the-job training (depending on your province and whether you focus on residential or commercial HVAC), which lasts about four to five years. 

In Ontario, for example:

• The trade is called 313A – Refrigeration and Air Conditioning Systems Mechanic.
• The apprenticeship includes 8,280 hours of combined on-the-job and in-class training.
• Apprentices typically alternate between jobsite work and three levels of in-school training.

One of the biggest advantages of an apprenticeship is that you get paid while you train. Apprentices start at 50%–60% of the journeyperson wage in their first year and gradually earn more each year. By the final year, wages usually reach 85%-90 % of a licensed technician’s pay.

For example, if a fully licensed HVAC tech earns $35/hour, an apprentice might start at $18–$20/hour and work their way up as they gain experience.

Step #04: Pass Your Certification Exams

After completing your apprenticeship, you’ll need to pass the Certificate of Qualification (C of Q) exam for your trade. If you pass, you earn journeyperson status and, in many provinces, become eligible for Red Seal endorsement, which allows you to work across Canada.

Since many HVAC systems include gas-fired equipment like furnaces and boilers, technicians must also be certified to handle natural gas or propane. The specific requirements depend on the province:

• Ontario: HVAC technicians must obtain Gas Technician certifications regulated by the Technical Standards and Safety Authority (TSSA). The entry-level certification is G3 (Gas Technician Level 3), which only allows you to work under supervision. To work independently on residential and light commercial gas appliances, you need a G2 certification.
• Alberta, British Columbia, and other provinces: Gasfitting is considered a separate Red Seal trade, with two main levels:
  • Gasfitter – Class B: Allows you to install and service appliances up to 400,000 BTU.
  • Gasfitter – Class A: Has no BTU limit, meaning you can work on industrial and high-capacity systems.

In regions where oil-fired furnaces are common (e.g., Atlantic Canada and rural Ontario), a licence is required to service oil heating equipment. Some provinces have a Red Seal trade called Oil Heat System Technician.

HVAC work often involves ductwork. In some provinces, Sheet Metal Worker is a separate compulsory trade – meaning if you are installing or significantly modifying ducting, a licensed sheet metal worker must do the work or an apprentice under supervision. HVAC companies often employ sheet metal journeypersons for this purpose. 

It’s worth noting that HVAC is a continually evolving field. Building codes update, and new refrigerants and green technologies emerge (e.g., CO₂ refrigeration, heat pumps, smart controls). You’ll need to attend upgrade courses or manufacturer training sessions throughout your career. 

Benefits of Pursuing a Career in HVAC

The Canadian HVAC equipment market is expected to grow from 3.38 million units in 2025 to 4.05 million units by 2030

Job Security

HVAC technicians are in constant demand because heating, cooling, and refrigeration systems need regular maintenance, repairs, and replacements. Most systems last 15 to 20 years, meaning there’s always work upgrading old equipment. With the push for energy-efficient buildings, many aging systems are retrofitted with heat pumps and advanced climate control technology, creating even more job opportunities.

Another big advantage is the long-term career potential. Many HVAC technicians gain experience, build industry connections, and eventually start their contracting businesses. This allows for higher earnings and flexibility in choosing jobs and clients.

Short-term job outlooks are also strong across Canada. According to the Job Bank, most provinces rate HVAC mechanics as having “Good” (4/5) demand, and no region is rated as poor.

Mobile Work

Most HVAC jobs involve travel within a local area, with some roles requiring longer-distance service calls. If you prefer a hands-on job that takes you to different sites instead of the same workplace every day, HVAC offers that variety.

To maximize your opportunities, be open to relocation or travel. Certain provinces or remote areas may have acute shortages and higher pay (e.g., mining sites in the north or rapidly growing suburbs). 

Life Safety

While HVAC involves working with electricity, gas lines, and refrigerants, the profession is relatively safe compared to other skilled trades. 

According to the Electrical Safety Foundation International, HVAC mechanics in the U.S. have an average electrical fatality rate of 0.97 per 100,000 workers—lower than electricians and roofers. This is partly due to strict safety training, certification requirements, and industry regulations that help minimize risks.

Good Potential Earnings

HVAC is a high-demand trade with promising earning potential. Entry-level technicians typically start at around $60,380 per year, while experienced professionals can earn up to $92,625 annually.

Wages vary depending on location and specialization. In Ontario, HVAC technicians can earn as much as $58.00 per hour, making it one of the better-paying trades. Those who move into management roles, start their own business, or become contractors can see their earnings exceed $100,000 annually.

Opportunities for Rewarding Challenges

HVAC work keeps you engaged, as no two days are exactly the same. One day, you might be installing a brand-new HVAC system in a residential home; the next, you could be diagnosing an emergency breakdown in a large commercial building. 

Beyond technical challenges, there’s also the satisfaction of helping people stay comfortable and safe.

Skills of an HVAC Technician

HVAC technicians need a mix of technical knowledge and hands-on skills to install, repair, and maintain heating and cooling systems. 

Here are some key skills every HVAC technician should have:

• Practical Communication: Explain system issues to customers, work with team members, and follow instructions from engineers or contractors.
• Troubleshooting Skills: Diagnose problems quickly, figure out solutions, and ensure HVAC systems run efficiently.
• Time Management: Handle multiple service calls in a day, complete jobs on schedule, and balance emergency repairs with routine maintenance.
• Mechanical Skills: Work with electrical components, motors, and refrigeration systems while understanding how different parts function together.
• Attention to Detail: Follow safety codes, properly measure and install equipment, and ensure everything is set up correctly.
• Knowledge of Power and Hand Tools: Use tools like wrenches, screwdrivers, gauges, and specialized HVAC equipment for installation and repairs.

How Much Do HVAC Technicians Make?

Here’s a breakdown of hourly wages across different regions in Canada:

Source: Labour Force Survey – Statistics Canada

Frequently Asked Questions