HVAC Apprentice Jobs
Paid HVAC apprenticeships and helper roles hiring across the U.S. Most accept candidates with no experience. Browse open positions, see what apprentices earn, and apply free. No signup required.
Start a Paid HVAC Apprenticeship
An HVAC apprenticeship is the most common way into the trade, and one of the few skilled-trade careers where you earn a full paycheck from day one while you learn. As an apprentice you work alongside experienced technicians installing, maintaining, and repairing heating, ventilation, air conditioning, and refrigeration systems, while completing coursework toward journeyman certification.
Most employers on this page hire apprentices and helpers with no prior experience. What they look for is reliability, a clean driving record, and a willingness to learn. Below are open apprentice and helper roles, followed by what the work pays, the typical requirements, and how to get started.
What HVAC Apprentices Earn
Apprentice pay rises on a set schedule as you complete training hours. These national figures are drawn from real HVAC job postings on HVACJobsHQ.
| Stage | Annual pay |
|---|---|
| Entry level (10th percentile) | $36,000 |
| Median (50th percentile) | $45,000 |
| Senior apprentice (75th percentile) | $50,000 |
| Top earners (90th percentile) | $70,000 |
HVAC Apprentice & Helper Jobs Hiring Now
133 active apprentice and helper listings. Updated November 2026. Expired roles are removed automatically.
How to Become an HVAC Apprentice
You can enter an HVAC apprenticeship in two main ways: apply directly to a contractor hiring apprentices or helpers, or enroll through a union program. Both pay you while you train.
- Apply directly to a contractor. Most residential and commercial HVAC companies hire helpers and apprentices year-round. This is the fastest route, and many of the roles listed above take entry-level candidates.
- Join a union apprenticeship. Programs run by SMART or the UA combine paid work with structured classroom hours and clear pay-step raises. Competitive to enter, but strong long-term pay and benefits.
- Start through a trade school. A short HVAC certificate can make you a stronger apprentice applicant, though it is not required to start.
Typical requirements
- High school diploma or GED
- Valid driver's license and reliable transportation
- Ability to pass a background check and drug screen
- Comfortable with physical work and lifting
- No prior HVAC experience needed for most helper and apprentice roles
HVAC Apprentice Jobs: Common Questions
How do I become an HVAC apprentice with no experience?
How much do HVAC apprentices make?
What is the difference between an HVAC apprentice and an HVAC helper?
How long is an HVAC apprenticeship?
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