Minnesota HVAC: How to get certified and licensed in MN

Minnesota winters keep HVAC professionals in the state quite busy, although there is plenty of work in the summertime. Salaries are competitive, especially in the Twin Cities metro area, and the job prospects for HVAC professionals are expected to increase by about 6% over the next decade.

If you’re thinking of becoming an HVAC professional in Minnesota, our licensing guide provides you with the information you need, as well as helpful links to educational and testing resources. Keep reading to learn about the cost of a license and how to get one.

What are the different types of HVAC licenses in Minnesota?

Unlike many other states, Minnesota does not have a statewide licensing requirement for HVAC workers. However, different cities and counties may require licensure for certain kinds of HVAC work. Minneapolis and St. Paul, for example, require licensure for HVAC work, as does Rochester. It’s important to note that although St. Paul and Minneapolis share the same metro area and that your clients will likely overlap between the two cities, each city requires a separate, city-issued license to perform work within city limits.  

The St. Paul Department of Safety and Inspection issues HVAC licenses for St. Paul, and the Minneapolis Construction Code Service issues Minneapolis HVAC licenses. Rochester HVAC licenses are issued by the City Council in accordance with the City’s Heating, Ventilating, and Air Conditioning Code.

In addition to the different municipal licenses you may need, there are optional licenses and certifications that can improve your skillset and make you a more attractive candidate for employers.

EPA License

The EPA issues a Section 608 Technician Certification permitting you to work on cooling units that use refrigerant or on refrigeration equipment. There are several EPA certifications that you may wish to have for certain niche jobs, but the Section 608 certification is the one that will be of most use for many HVAC jobs.

This certification does not expire once issued and is valid in all 50 states.

NATE Certificate

The North American Technical Excellence (NATE) is a nationwide non-profit HVAC certification organization. It issues several certifications, each demonstrating that you possess certain skills or experience with different types of HVAC work. You can secure a “ready to work” certification as an apprentice or other certifications as your career progresses.

Benefits of getting an HVAC license

Even though Minnesota does not issue a statewide HVAC license and does not require it for heating and cooling work, you may still need one if your jobs are in cities where one is required. Even if you’re working in a location that does not require a license, holding a license in one or more Minnesota cities can add another layer of credibility and security to your expertise for potential clients or employers.

Average earnings for HVAC professionals in Minnesota

The hourly rate for HVAC professionals in Minnesota, like technicians, installers, and mechanics, ranges from $19.10 to $45.76 per hour, with a state median wage of $29.53. You may be able to earn more if your employer permits overtime or offers a higher rate of pay for working at night or on weekends to handle emergencies.

Salary HVAC workers in Minnesota can earn anywhere from $65,091 to $137,149 per year, with a state median salary of $94,483. Although salaried workers may not have a chance to earn overtime, their employer could offer bonuses or other incentives that may boost their pay.

For both hourly and salaried HVAC employees, where you work influences how much you’re paid. Salaries in the Twin Cities, for example, may be higher than those in the Great Northwoods region, as the cost of living is higher there. Your experience and certifications, as may your education and training, also impact how much you’re paid.

How much does it cost to get an HVAC license in Minnesota?

The costs for an HVAC license in Minnesota are as follows:

• Application Fees: $55 for journeyman exams, $82.50 for master exams. Non-refundable fees are payable only by check
• Exam Fees: Around $120 for the EPA certification and trade exams
• License Fees: They vary by city. For example, St. Paul charges $168 annually for a trade license, while a residential contractor license in Minneapolis is $180.

How to get an HVAC license in Minnesota

Each city that requires an HVAC license in Minnesota also has different educational, training, and examination requirements. Usually, though, you begin as an apprentice, work a certain number of hours or years (typically 2 to 4 years), then take a Journeyman exam and work a further 2 to 4 years as a journeyman.

The next step after Journeyman is typically a Master HVAC license, and again, the testing, experience, and education requirements will vary by municipality.

Exams required for a Minnesota HVAC license

Both the EPA Section 608 Certification and different NATE certifications require you to pass an exam, usually with a score of 70% or 75% correct, to be considered passing. You may be able to retake exams if you do not pass.

Just as each city sets its own requirements for an HVAC license, each city will also have its own exam requirements. Check with the issuing authority for the city you need a license in to see what exams are required, what agency or agencies proctor them, the passing score required, and what score is required to pass.

Minnesota HVAC insurance and bonding requirements

The license and bonding requirements in Minnesota are as follows:

• Insurance: Contractors must provide proof of public liability and workers’ compensation insurance
• Bonding: A $25,000 surety bond must be filed with the Minnesota Department of Labor and Industry

Minnesota HVAC licensing and renewal requirements

The licensing requirements depend on the issuing municipality. They usually expire either annually or every two years. If you have an EPA Section 608 Certification, it does not expire.