Oregon median pay
$62,940 a year
Portland-area median
$65,260
HVAC techs in Oregon
About 3,980
Required for refrigerants
EPA Section 608
HVAC technicians install and repair the heating, cooling and refrigeration systems that keep Oregon homes and businesses running through wet winters and hotter summers. Here’s what it takes to get started, what the work pays around the state, and how to choose a training program.
How to choose an HVAC program
From the dean’s desk
Do the teachers have the right experience to teach? What’s the program length? Do they help with job placement, or have strong job placement outcomes?
— Lester Burkes, Dean of Automotive & Trades
- Instructors: ask how many years they spent working in the field and what kind of systems they worked on.
- Length: HVAC programs nationally run from about six months to two years. Make sure the length fits your goals and your budget.
- Placement: ask where recent graduates are working and what percentage found jobs.
Oregon training options
- Portland Community College: HVAC pathway in Facilities Maintenance
- Lane Community College (Eugene): HVAC technician and installer training
- Registered apprenticeships approved by Oregon’s Bureau of Labor and Industries (BOLI), which let you earn while you learn
Licensing in Oregon
All HVAC technicians who handle refrigerants need EPA Section 608 certification. In Oregon, HVAC work that includes electrical controls and wiring can also require a license from the Building Codes Division (BCD). For example, the Limited Energy Technician Class B license requires either an approved Oregon apprenticeship, or 288 hours of classroom training plus 4,000 hours of work experience and a 32-hour board-approved course. Check with BCD to confirm which license matches the work you’ll do.
What HVAC techs earn in Oregon
| Area | Median pay (May 2025) | Jobs |
|---|---|---|
| Portland–Vancouver–Hillsboro | $65,260 | 2,580 |
| Salem | $65,050 | 350 |
| Bend | $61,150 | 340 |
| Eugene–Springfield | $60,050 | 370 |
| Medford | $59,750 | 200 |
| Oregon overall | $62,940 | 3,980 |
Nationally, HVAC jobs are projected to grow 11% from 2025 to 2035, much faster than average.
Steps to become an HVAC tech in Oregon
1
Finish high school or a GED
Math and physics help, and some programs require them.
2
Choose a program or apprenticeship
Use the dean’s checklist above to compare options.
3
Earn EPA 608 certification
Most programs include it. You need it to buy or handle refrigerants.
4
Check Oregon electrical licensing
If your work includes controls and wiring, find out which BCD license applies.
5
Keep learning on the job
New techs usually start alongside experienced technicians before working alone.
Frequently asked questions
Do HVAC techs need a license in Oregon?
All techs who handle refrigerants need EPA 608 certification. HVAC work that includes electrical controls can also require a Building Codes Division license, such as the Limited Energy Technician Class B.
How much do HVAC techs make in Oregon?
The state median was $62,940 in May 2025, and $65,260 in the Portland area.
How long does HVAC training take?
Programs usually run from about six months to two years, followed by on-the-job training.
Sources
- Oregon License Directory: Limited Energy Technician Class B
- BLS: HVAC Mechanics and Installers
- BLS OEWS: Oregon, May 2025
Related: Electrician in Oregon · The Easiest Trades to Learn · All Oregon guides
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