Trade family

Pipes & Climate

Water, heat and air — the systems every building needs.

A day in the life

Running and joining pipe, setting fixtures, diagnosing leaks and no-heat calls, and working the systems every building depends on. A mix of new install and emergency service.

What it pays

Typical hourly ranges across Dallas–Fort Worth.

Apprentice$17–22/hr

Journeyman$26–36/hr

Master$38–55/hr

Per hour · DFW average

How long training takes

3–5 years to journeyman; HVAC technicians often finish a 2-year program plus field hours.

Physical demands

Heavy lifting, tight spaces under homes, hot attics for HVAC. Knees and back get a workout.

Licensing in Texas

Plumbers need a Texas Tradesman Plumber license (TDLR); HVAC requires EPA certification and a Texas Air Conditioning Contractor license to run jobs.

Trades in this family

Plumber HVAC Technician Pipefitter Refrigeration Technician

Masters in Pipes & Climate

See all masters

Denise Okonkwo

Okonkwo Climate

HVAC Technician

15 yrs

Most people start with me on maintenance calls — filters, coils, refrigerant. By month three you're diagnosing systems on your own with me standing behind you. Texas summers are our busy season, so the hours are there if you want them.

Plano2 spots open$18–21/hr

Intro courses in this family

Pipes & Climate

intro

In person

HVAC basics: safety and tools

with Okonkwo Climate

Two Saturdays on the fundamentals of heating, cooling and staying safe.

2 Saturdays 10 seats

$240

Ready to try Pipes & Climate?

Take a short intro course, or get matched with a master and earn while you learn.

Find a master Take the quiz