Texas
How to Become a HVAC-R Technician
Learn what HVAC-R technician professionals do, how to enter the field, and how the career can grow—plus current Texas earning potential.
Texas Median Salary
$57,760
2026 EDITION
Time to Entry
6–12 months) while actively employed, and keep copies in your
Total Investment
$180–$260 per exam depending on specialty
Employment #s
34730
Our Features
Every figure in this guide is dated and traced to the agency or survey it came from. Wage data: BLS OEWS May 2025 (released 15 May 2026).
Who It's For:
For people exploring HVAC-R technician and ready-to-start candidates who want a clear, source-backed view of the work, the entry requirements, the time and cost involved, and the paths available after qualification.
What's in the Guide:
What the work involves, where the role fits, and what employers expect | A step-by-step entry roadmap covering education, regulation, credentials, exams, time, and cost | Career-specific skills and realities: EPA — Federal Authority (Refrigerant Handling); TDLR — Texas State Authority (Contractor/Technician Licensing) | Current Texas and U.S. pay ranges and the factors that shape earning potential | A source-backed 90-day action plan
Earning Potential
Texas
$38,100 – $81,860
United States
$38,100 – $81,860
BLS OEWS May 2025 (released 15 May 2026)
Regulatory Authority
Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation
Is a license required?
Yes
Credential
The License/Certification — Multiple Layers
Continuing Education
16 hours of approved continuing education or retake the exam
Examination
The Exam Curriculum (What You Actually Must Know
Heading 3
Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation controls the gate. This guide maps it.
Common Questions
Credential
