Best HVAC Schools in Texas (2025): Top 5 Programs Reviewed
By Bikash Roy · Founder & Lead Researcher
Published January 15, 2025
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Texas's extreme climate makes HVAC one of the most in-demand trades in the state — with over 40,000 HVAC technicians employed and strong year-round work. We reviewed 16 programs to find the best HVAC schools in Texas.
Texas fast facts:
- Avg. salary in Texas: $52,680/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.
Request Info from Texas State Technical College — Waco →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.
Request Info from Lincoln Tech — Grand Prairie →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.
Request Info from Houston Community College →San Antonio College
Best for San AntonioSan Antonio, TX
Program
12 months
Tuition
$3,800–$6,500
Accred.
SACSCOC
SAC's HVAC program covers residential and commercial systems. San Antonio's military installations and growing commercial sector provide strong local job opportunities for graduates.
Request Info from San Antonio College →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.
Request Info from Austin Community College →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 $52,680 per year (BLS May 2023) — slightly below the national median of $57,300. 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 |
|---|---|
| Houston | $57,400 |
| Dallas–Fort Worth | $55,100 |
| Austin | $54,800 |
| San Antonio | $50,200 |
| Midland/Odessa | $61,300 |
See the full HVAC salary breakdown by state →
Other States
Browse HVAC schools in other states:
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