Best HVAC Schools in Texas (2026): Top 5 Programs Reviewed
By Bikash Roy · Founder & Lead Researcher
Published January 15, 2025 · Updated September 24, 2026
Texas's extreme climate makes HVAC one of the most in-demand trades in the state — with nearly 35,000 HVAC technicians employed (BLS, May 2025) and strong year-round work. We reviewed 16 programs to find the best HVAC schools in Texas.
Texas fast facts:
- Median salary in Texas: $57,760/year
- Job growth (10yr): +11%
- License required: Yes — TDLR HVAC license required
- Programs reviewed: 16
Top HVAC Schools in Texas
Texas State Technical College — Waco
Best Overall in TexasWaco, TX
Program
12–18 months
Tuition
$5,500–$9,500
Accred.
SACSCOC
TSTC's HVAC Technology program is one of the most comprehensive in Texas. Covers refrigeration, EPA 608 prep, NATE certification prep, and commercial systems. Strong employer placement across the state.
Lincoln Tech — Grand Prairie
Fastest Path to HVAC CareerGrand Prairie, TX (Dallas–Fort Worth)
Program
10 months
Tuition
$14,000–$20,000
Accred.
ACCSC
Lincoln Tech's DFW campus offers an accelerated HVAC program with strong employer partnerships in the Dallas–Fort Worth metro. EPA 608 and NATE prep built into the curriculum.
Houston Community College
Best for HoustonHouston, TX
Program
12–18 months
Tuition
$4,000–$7,500
Accred.
SACSCOC
HCC's HVAC program is one of the most affordable in the Houston area. Covers residential and light commercial systems with strong ties to Houston's massive commercial construction market.
St. Philip's College (Alamo Colleges)
Best for San AntonioSan Antonio, TX (MLK and Southwest campuses)
Program
HVAC/R Service Level 1 Certificate: 32 credit hours, 3 semesters; AAS degrees also offered
Tuition
≈$3,488 tuition for the Level 1 certificate (32 credits × $109 Bexar County rate) + fees
Accred.
SACSCOC
St. Philip's College runs the HVAC program for the Alamo Colleges District, with classes at its MLK and Southwest campuses in San Antonio. The entry point is the HVAC/R Service Level 1 Certificate: 32 credit hours over three semesters that prepare you for entry-level service work on residential cooling systems and light commercial refrigeration, plus the EPA refrigerant certification and ESCO Institute exams. From there you can stack into the Level 2 certificate or an associate of applied science in Air Conditioning and Refrigeration or Air Conditioning and Heating. Short HVAC Installer and Service certificates and occupational skills awards are also offered. The college says the program is in the process of accreditation by the American Council for Construction Education.
Austin Community College
Best for AustinAustin, TX
Program
12–18 months
Tuition
$4,200–$7,000
Accred.
SACSCOC
ACC's HVAC program feeds into Austin's booming commercial and residential construction market. Strong employer connections in one of the fastest-growing metro areas in the country.
License Requirements in Texas
Texas requires HVAC technicians to hold a TDLR (Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation) license. Entry-level technicians need a Technician registration; independent contractors need a Class A, B, or C HVAC license. EPA 608 certification is required by federal law to handle refrigerants. Most employers also want NATE certification.
HVAC Salary in Texas
Texas HVAC technicians earn a median of $57,760 per year (BLS OEWS, May 2025) — slightly below the national median of $61,010. However, Houston and Dallas commercial HVAC technicians with NATE certification earn $65,000–$90,000+, particularly in industrial and commercial refrigeration.
Top-paying cities in Texas:
| City | Annual Mean Wage |
|---|---|
| Austin–Round Rock–San Marcos | $63,930 |
| Dallas–Fort Worth–Arlington | $61,760 |
| Houston–Pasadena–The Woodlands | $60,390 |
| Midland | $60,270 |
| San Antonio–New Braunfels | $59,150 |
See the full HVAC salary breakdown by state →
Other States
Browse HVAC schools in other states:
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