HVAC Training for Veterans: Is It a Good Option?

Key Points 

• HVAC systems are essential for maintaining comfort, air quality and energy efficiency in buildings, leading to a demand for skilled HVAC technicians, with an estimated 42,000+ job openings annually in the U.S. and a median annual salary of $59,810 in May 2024. This means half earned more and half earned less. Keep in mind that salary depends on several factors, including experience, employer, demand and cost of living in the area.^58,66 
• Veterans can benefit from tailored HVAC training programs, such as the HVACR Technician training program at Universal Technical Institute (UTI), which provides the hands-on learning and technical knowledge necessary for a fulfilling career in the HVACR industry.¹ 
• Formal training in HVAC is crucial for technicians to effectively install, maintain and repair systems, ensuring better indoor environments, compliance with legal standards and reduced utility costs. Employers prefer hiring technicians with accredited technical training and certifications. 
• UTI supports veteran students with various benefits, including VA funding consultation, acceptance of GI Bill® benefits, a 10% tuition reduction for veterans and veteran-specific orientations, helping prepare them to transition into civilian careers.^20,21 
• After completing HVAC training, technicians can advance their knowledge by obtaining specialized certifications. Veterans with prior military training may find HVAC opportunities within the military, benefiting from their problem-solving skills and resilience. 

HVAC and refrigeration systems are everywhere. 

They can be found in homes, shopping malls, campuses and almost any other type of building. These systems keep us cool or warm, protect merchandise and assets, maintain indoor air quality, lower utility costs and shield ourselves from the effects of harsh weather. 

The demand for working HVAC and refrigeration (HVACR) systems calls for skilled technicians. In fact, total HVACR technician employment is expected to exceed 481,000 by 2033.⁷² 

If you’re a military veteran at Universal Technical Institute (UTI), you can get HVACR training and receive educational benefits for your service to your country. 

Continue reading to find out more! You can learn what HVACR is and how to get started with HVAC training for veterans. 

Why Veterans Should Consider HVAC Training 

Skills required in the skilled trades overlap significantly with those needed for military service. HVAC work is no exception, which is why veterans often gravitate to the field. 

HVAC technicians must possess strong communication skills, problem-solving abilities and physical strength. They must speak with teammates and customers about the service being performed, solve unexpected problems on the job and physically navigate HVAC systems. 

These skills can be honed with 9-10 month HVACR Technician training, which can help students develop a technical skill set for a career servicing HVAC and refrigeration systems. 

To succeed, students must have hands-on learning potential. They must also have strong math and science skills. These skills enable them to understand how HVAC systems work, read system blueprints, optimize system performance, accurately diagnose system problems and repair them. 

Read: Is HVAC a Good Career? 

Becoming an HVAC Technician as a veteran 

Employers hire HVAC technicians who have completed technical training since they’re likely to be more prepared than candidates with no established HVAC training experience. Trade program completion also proves that an applicant practiced hands-on skills with the right tools and technology. 

Hands-on labs at UTI are clean, organized, controlled and equipped with industry-aligned machinery and equipment. These structured environments were specifically designed to help aspiring technicians practice their skills and get qualified for the field. 

Hands-on HVAC training can also help technicians prepare for certification, which can help them stand out to employers. Potential certifications include: 

• EPA Universal Refrigerant Handling Certification including Core, Type I, Type II, Type III, of the Federal Clean Air Act Section 608. 
• North American Technician Excellence (NATE) Core exams. 
• R410a. 
• OSHA 10 General construction. 

Resources such as Career Services can also help find entry-level position opportunities in the HVAC industry. Career Services advisors can also help students with job applications, interview techniques and more. Graduates can also return after graduation to search for opportunities to advance their already established careers. 

Some campuses offer military student advantages like: 

• VA funding consultation, helping veteran students understand and navigate their VA benefits, including Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) applications.²⁰ 
• Acceptance of GI Bill® benefits, which can help cover up to 36 months of schooling for veterans.²¹ 
• Veteran-exclusive 10% tuition reduction, furthering veterans’ financial assistance.¹⁰ 
• Veteran-specific orientations, allowing you to learn in ways tailored specifically for you. 

Because we are a GI Bill®-Approved Trade School, eligible veteran students can receive financial assistance for full-time enrollment. This status also comes with veteran-directed assistance, which is available on every campus. As a result, our students can apply for GI Bill® and VA benefits more easily. 

Military duty is a unique experience, and it helps to be trained by people who understand it, too. That can be especially true if you’re new to the area and/or school. At UTI, we have many veteran students, and most of our Military Admissions Representatives are U.S. veterans themselves. From enrollment to graduation and beyond, we have your back as you prepare for a post-military career. 

Read more: Military & Veterans Services 

HVAC in the military 

There are HVAC career prospects particularly well-suited to those with former military training, such as HVAC military technician work. Applicants with prior military experience are more likely to meet the HVAC military job requirements, which typically include: 

• Basic military training. 
• High school diploma or GED diploma. 
• Physical training. 
• Military life and customs training. 
• Weapons training. 
• Hands-on instruction. 

Military HVAC work is not always dangerous. However, there is an added risk and people without prior military experience may struggle to weather higher-stakes conditions. 

Prior military training can help technicians better prepare for these elements. You need problem-solving skills, HVAC skills, "cool headedness" and resilience to handle this specialized role. 

Read: HVAC vs. HVACR: Key Differences Explained 

Training in HVAC for Veterans FAQs 

What are the prospects for veterans who complete HVAC training? 

Graduates of training in HVAC for veterans often enjoy this structured career path due to opportunities to advance through hard work and experience. Their military background can translate into strong discipline and leadership skills, making them ideal candidates for roles such as supervisors and project managers.⁷⁷ 

How much do HVAC technicians make? 

According to the BLS, the median annual salary for HVACR technicians in the United States was $59,810 in May 2024.⁵⁸ This means half earned more and half earned less. Keep in mind that salary depends on several factors, including experience, employer, demand and cost of living in the area. 

Are there any financial aid options or scholarships for veterans interested in HVAC training? 

Yes, UTI offers a Salute to Service grant to active military members and veterans.²² Our VA team can also help you search for ways to help cover educational expenses!  

Do I need prior HVAC experience before starting the program?  

Nope! The HVACR Technician program was created to train students from the ground up — meaning that they can come in with zero experience and graduate career-ready. 

What kinds of jobs can veterans get after HVAC training? 

There are different potential HVAC career paths available, depending on your interests, expertise, education and work skills. Our grads start out prepared to work as entry-level technicians or in other entry-level roles. As with any industry, over time, they may be able to advance in their careers with experience and hard work. Here are some common roles in the HVACR industry: 

Entry-level  

• HVACR technician  
• Installation technician  
• Refrigeration technician  

Advanced⁷⁷  

• HVAC specialist  
• Refrigeration operator  
• Residential contractor  
• Commercial service manager  
• Facilities manager  
• Code inspector  
• Mechanical engineer  
• Energy analyst  
• Business owner 

Read: What is an HVACR Maintenance Technician? 

HVAC for Veterans: Finish Training in 9-10 Months! 

Where there’s heating, ventilation, cooling and refrigeration, there’s an HVACR technician — or at least there should be. Train right to become an HVACR technician whose skills are in demand. 

Looking for an HVAC school for veterans that accepts the GI Bill® and VA benefits?^20,21 Enroll now. If you want more information, call us at 1-800-834-7308 or click the button below.