Making an HVAC Career Change in Minnesota

This hub is for people in Minnesota who are considering a move into the HVAC trade. It covers the practical steps involved, what the work actually looks like day to day, and how training fits into a career change at different life stages.

HVAC technicians in Minnesota earn a median of $36.07 per hour, according to Q1 2025 data from the Minnesota Department of Employment and Economic Development (DEED). That figure sits well above the statewide median for all occupations, which stands at $26.22 per hour. Nationally, the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics projects 8 percent employment growth for the trade through 2034, with roughly 34,500 job openings expected each year.

The pages connected to this hub address specific questions that come up during a career change. You will find guidance on training and licensing requirements in Minnesota, a look at what prior experience does and does not transfer, information on how long the process typically takes, and an overview of financial assistance options that may be available. Each page is meant to stand on its own, so you can read them in whatever order matches where you are in the decision.

An HVAC career change in Minnesota puts you into a trade with steady demand and wages that sit well above the statewide median for all occupations. According to the Minnesota Department of Employment and Economic Development, HVAC technicians in Minnesota earned a median of $36.07 per hour as of Q1 2025, compared to $26.22 per hour across all occupations statewide.

The pages below break the path into clear steps: understanding what the work involves, what training looks like, how licensing works in Minnesota, and what financial help may be available. Use the grid to move through each topic at your own pace.