Home/HVAC Schools by City/Portland
Portland–Vancouver, OR-WA

HVAC Schools in
Portland

Find accredited HVAC training programs near Portland. Compare schools by tuition, program length, certifications, and job placement rates — then request info for free.

$53,820
Median HVAC Salary
+6%
Job Growth Rate
120+
Annual Openings
Required
Oregon License

Key Takeaways

HVAC technicians in Portland earn a median $53,820/year with 6% job growth and ~120 annual openings in the Portland–Vancouver, OR-WA. Prioritizing schools with campus presence in or near Portland.

  • Salary range: $35,940–$76,480+
  • Oregon license: required for contracting
  • 6 programs and 1 schools listed for this metro
Local Market
HVAC in Portland
Portland and the surrounding Oregon market rely on year-round heating and cooling demand. Accredited HVAC programs in the region prepare technicians for residential service, commercial installs, and EPA 608 certification.
Salary Range
$35,940 entry-level to $76,480+ for experienced technicians. Median: $53,820/year.
Source: BLS OEWS SOC 49-9021
Job Outlook
+6% projected growth with approximately 120 annual openings in the Portland–Vancouver, OR-WA. Demand outpaces supply in most submarkets.
Top Employers
and dozens of independent contractors hiring entry-level technicians in the Portland area.
Licensing
Oregon HVAC License Requirements
Understanding your state's licensing rules before choosing a program helps you pick a curriculum that meets the requirements.
Oregon License: Required
Oregon requires HVAC journeyman licensing and contractor registration. Continuing education is required for license renewal.
Full Oregon license requirements →
EPA 608 Certification Guide
Programs Near Portland
Accredited HVAC Schools in Oregon
These accredited programs serve the Portland metro area. Filter by format, cost, or certification focus to narrow your results.
Prioritizing schools with campus presence in or near Portland.
Community CollegeAccredited

Portland Community College

Portland, Oregon
Programs
2
Starting Tuition
$6,800
Shortest Track
12 mo
Job Placement
87%
EPA 608NATE Prep
View Programs
Top Programs
HVAC Programs Near Portland
All Programs in PortlandView All Oregon Programs
Your Path
From Training to $53,820+/Year
Here's a realistic timeline from starting HVAC school to earning the median salary in the Portland market.
01
Enroll in a Certificate Program
6–12 months. Learn HVAC fundamentals, refrigeration, electrical, and get EPA 608 certified. Most Portland-area programs cost $8,000–$18,000 with financial aid available.
02
Get EPA 608 Certified
Required by federal law before handling refrigerants. Most certificate programs include exam prep. The exam costs $20–$40 and certification never expires.
03
Land Your First Tech Role
Entry-level positions in Portland typically start at $35,940–$44,925/year. Many employers offer sign-on bonuses given the current technician shortage.
04
Earn NATE Certification
NATE-certified techs earn 10–20% more on average. Specialize in residential, commercial, or refrigeration to command premium rates in the Portland market.
Nearby Areas
Also Serving These Portland Suburbs
HVAC programs in Portland serve students from across the metro area including:
Beaverton, ORSalem, OR
FAQ
HVAC Schools in Portland — Common Questions
Answers to what people searching for HVAC training in Portland ask most.
How much do HVAC technicians make in Portland?
The median HVAC technician salary in the Portland–Vancouver, OR-WA is $53,820 per year, according to BLS OEWS data. Entry-level technicians typically earn $35,940–$44,880 while experienced technicians and journeymen can earn $76,480+.
Do I need a license to work as an HVAC technician in Oregon?
Oregon requires HVAC journeyman licensing and contractor registration. Continuing education is required for license renewal.
How long does HVAC training take in Portland?
Most HVAC certificate programs take 6–12 months. Associate degree programs take 18–24 months. HVAC apprenticeship programs in Portland typically take 4–5 years but pay wages from day one. The fastest route to employment is a certificate program followed by an entry-level tech position.
Is the HVAC job market good in Portland?
Yes. The Portland–Vancouver, OR-WA is projected to add approximately 120 HVAC job openings per year, with 6% employment growth through 2032 — above the national average of 6%. Portland and the surrounding Oregon market rely on year-round heating and cooling demand. Accredited HVAC programs in the region prepare technicians for residential service, commercial installs, and EPA 608 certification.
What certifications do I need to work HVAC in Portland?
EPA Section 608 certification is required by federal law for anyone handling refrigerants, and is mandatory in Portland as elsewhere. Most employers also prefer or require NATE (North American Technician Excellence) certification. Oregon also requires an HVAC contractor license for independent contracting work.
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Near Portland.
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