If you looking for HVAC training in Washington State look no further I got you covered!
TL;DR (Quick Summary)
If you want to become an HVAC technician in Washington State, you have strong options. Public colleges like Clover Park, Renton Tech, and Bates Tech offer accredited, hands-on programs that count toward your Washington 06A Specialty Electrical License. Most students finish in 1–2 years and start jobs paying $55K–$80K depending on location and experience.
➡️ Top pick: Clover Park Technical College (fast, accredited, high placement).
Best HVAC Schools in Washington State
As a workforce Dean in Washingtons Community and Technical College System I have been around the block a time or two.
If you’re considering a career in Heating, Ventilation, Air Conditioning, and Refrigeration (HVAC/R), Washington State is one of the best places to start. With year-round demand for skilled technicians, HVAC offers competitive wages, long-term job security, and plenty of advancement opportunities.
According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, HVAC technicians in Washington earn a median salary of around $65,000 per year, with top earners in the Seattle–Tacoma region making $80,000 or more. Whether you’re interested in a fast-track program or a comprehensive associate degree, several Washington colleges offer excellent training options to prepare you for success in this growing industry.
Below, we break down some of the best HVAC programs in Washington State, highlighting what makes each stand out.
Best HVAC Programs in Washington State
Clover Park Technical College (Lakewood & Tacoma, WA) — Editor’s Choice
Program Length: 4 quarters (1 year)
Highlights:
– Accredited 06A HVAC/R program with strong employer advisory board
– Hands-on labs with modern systems and diagnostic tools
– Preparation for seven nationally recognized certification exams
– ESCO certifications in electrical, heating, and refrigeration
– Over 800 hours credited toward a Washington State 06A Specialty Electrical License
– Career placement support across the Puget Sound region
Why it stands out:
Of course I am going to put my own program first and why not. Clover Park Technical College offers one of the fastest accredited paths to HVAC career readiness in Washington. In just four quarters, students gain deep technical knowledge, extensive hands-on practice, and a direct route to licensing and certifications. Recognized by the Washington State Career Launch initiative, the program blends classroom instruction with real-world application, producing graduates who are job-ready from day one. CPTC HVAC program runs at 2 locations one located at its main campus in Lakewood, WA and the other at the Eastside Training Center in Tacoma, WA.
Renton Technical College (Renton, WA)
Program Length: About 6 quarters
Highlights:
– Strong apprenticeship and union pathways
– Training in HVAC, boiler controls, and building systems
– Certificates and associate degree options
– Strong job market placement in the Seattle–Bellevue area
Why it stands out:
Renton Technical College emphasizes commercial building systems, preparing students for roles that go beyond traditional HVAC. Graduates leave with versatile skills that open doors in both HVAC and related fields like building engineering and facilities management.
Bates Technical College (Tacoma, WA)
Program Length: 5–6 quarters
Highlights:
– Practical, hands-on training with flexible scheduling
– Day and evening classes available
– Close partnerships with local contractors and service companies
– Home of the Local 32 HVAC apprenticeship
Why it stands out:
Bates Technical College has decades of experience training tradespeople and is a trusted name in Washington. Its HVAC program combines real-world learning with strong alumni and apprenticeship networks, helping graduates quickly transition into well-paying careers in the South Puget Sound region.
Spokane Community College (Spokane, WA)
Program Length: 7 quarters (2 years)
Highlights:
– Over 120 fully operational lab systems for hands-on practice
– Curriculum covering refrigeration, controls, electrical, and green energy systems
– Preparation for EPA 608, Spokane Gas Heating Mechanic’s 1, and electrical trainee licensing
– Optional internship opportunities
Why it stands out:
Spokane Community College’s program is equipment-rich and certification-focused. Its comprehensive two-year approach ensures students gain both technical depth and hands-on expertise, with opportunities to test skills in real jobsite internships before graduation.
Bellingham Technical College (Bellingham, WA)
Program Length: 6 quarters
Highlights:
– Training in sustainable, energy-efficient HVAC systems
– Strong job placement rate (89%)
– Median starting salary of $52,540, with advancement potential to $68k–$89k
– Close ties to Northwest Washington employers
Why it stands out:
BTC is known for strong outcomes high placement rates and solid wages for graduates. The program blends fundamentals with training on high-efficiency systems, giving students a competitive edge in today’s green energy-focused market. Learn more:
Perry Technical Institute (Yakima, WA)
Program Length: 24 months
Highlights:
– Full-time, structured HVAC/R Technology program
– Instruction across residential, commercial, and industrial systems
– Hands-on learning in refrigeration, controls, boilers, welding, and digital systems
– One year’s credit toward the Washington 06A Specialty Electrical License
– Externship placement for real-world experience
Why it stands out:
Perry Tech offers an intensive program with strong job placement results. Its 24-month HVAC/R Technology program immerses students in every aspect of the field, giving them the technical expertise and licensing advantage needed to stand out in the job market.
Why Choose HVAC in Washington?
– High demand: Growth in construction, green building, and energy efficiency upgrades keep technicians employed year-round.
– Strong wages: Median salary of $65k statewide, with higher pay in major metro areas.
– Career pathways: Programs prepare students for industry-recognized certifications, union apprenticeships, and advancement into leadership roles.
– Job security: HVAC technicians are needed in homes, hospitals, schools, and businesses across the state.
HVAC Wages in Washington State
– Statewide Median Wage: $65,000/year
– Seattle–Tacoma Metro: $70,000–$80,000/year
– Eastern Washington (Spokane/Yakima): $55,000–$60,000/year
Wages depend on region, certification level, and union membership, but HVAC consistently ranks among the most stable and rewarding trades across the state.
Choosing the Right HVAC Program
Be sure to ask the right questions before you start any HVAC training program at a bare minimum make sure you know:
Employer connections: Does the program connect you with apprenticeships or job placement?
Program Cost? (Programs at most of the public colleges are substantially cheaper than even certificates from private schools like Charter or UEI!)
Length of study: Do you want a fast-track certificate or an Associate Degree?
Accreditation and certifications: Which industry-recognized credentials are included?
Do you get hours towards your 06A Electrical license by completing this program?
Hands-on facilities: Are labs equipped with modern equipment?
Employer connections: Does the program connect you with apprenticeships or job placement?
Best HVAC Programs in Washington State
Final Thoughts
Washington State offers some of the strongest HVAC training programs in the country, from short one-year certificates to full two-year associate degrees. For those seeking a fast, industry-aligned pathway, Clover Park Technical College’s HVAC program stands out as a top choice.
If you’re ready to launch a stable, well-paying career in HVAC, now is the time to start your journey at one of these excellent Washington
Learn how to become a Electrician in Washington State
Washington HVAC Training Locations
This guide covers HVAC training programs across Washington State, including these primary training regions:
- Lakewood, WA – 47.1718° N, 122.5185° W (Clover Park Technical College)
- Tacoma, WA – 47.2529° N, 122.4443° W (Eastside Training Center, Bates Technical College)
- Renton, WA – 47.4829° N, 122.2171° W (Renton Technical College)
- Spokane, WA – 47.6588° N, 117.4260° W (Spokane Community College)
- Bellingham, WA – 48.7544° N, 122.4780° W (Bellingham Technical College)
- Yakima, WA – 46.6021° N, 120.5059° W (Perry Technical Institute)
Washington’s HVAC programs are located in every major metro region, giving residents statewide access to accredited training and licensing pathways.
Local Info: Washington Entities
HVAC licensing and education in Washington State are overseen or supported by several key organizations:
- Washington State Department of Labor & Industries (L&I) – issues the 06A Specialty Electrical License and trainee cards.
- Workforce Training & Education Coordinating Board – maintains Career Bridge and program approval data.
- Apprenticeship & Nontraditional Employment for Women (ANEW) – helps connect apprentices to HVAC and building-trades training in the Puget Sound region.
Looking for HVAC training near you? Start with these accredited programs in Washington or explore top HVAC trade schools across the U.S. to find options in your area.
Find HVAC Schools Near You
Looking for HVAC training near you? Start with these accredited programs across the U.S. and explore top options in your area:
- HVAC Trade Schools in Washington State – Explore programs in Lakewood, Tacoma, Spokane, and beyond.
- HVAC Trade Schools in California – Find leading HVAC and refrigeration programs across the Golden State.
- HVAC Trade Schools in Texas – See training options in Dallas, Houston, and Austin.
- HVAC Trade Schools in Florida – Browse schools offering certification and associate degree programs.
- HVAC Trade Schools in New York – Find HVAC/R programs from NYC to Buffalo.
If your state isn’t listed, visit Apprenticeship.gov to locate approved HVAC apprenticeships and trade schools near you.
Author
Lester Burkes
Dean of Automotive & Trades, Clover Park Technical College
Lester Burkes has spent over 15 years in technical education and workforce development in Washington’s Community and Technical College System. He writes about skilled-trade training, career pathways, and innovation in technical education. Connect on LinkedIn or visit LearnSkilledTrades.com.