Sheet Metal Contractor, HVAC (Commercial)

HVAC sheet metal contractors contract with clients to install prefabricated sheet metal ducts used for heating, air conditioning or other purposes. Typically, only contractors require licenses, not sheet metal workers who work for them. In some states, licensing requirements differ based on the setting. Those with a residential license may work only on residential properties, while those with a commercial license may work on commercial properties. Other states require the same license regardless of the setting, and this report records that license in both settings. Many states have contract minimums before the contractor’s license applies. See Appendix B for details.

Thirty-seven states license HVAC sheet metal contractors working on commercial properties. Twenty-eight states require between two and six years of experience working under a licensed contractor. Mississippi requires completion of three contracted jobs. Seven states require no education or experience. On average, states require over three years (1,215 days) of education and experience, $394 in fees ($1,078 in Nevada), and about two exams. These high barriers give commercial HVAC sheet metal contractors the fifth most burdensome requirements of the 102 occupations studied.

Burden Rank	State	States Licensed	Fees	Estimated Calendar Days Lost	Education	Experience	Exams	Minimum Grade	Minimum Age
1	Iowa	37	$890.00	2,190	-	6 years	2	12	18
2	Idaho	37	$395.00	2,190	-	6 years	2	0	18
3	Connecticut	37	$465.00	2,190	-	6 years	3	0	0
4	Maryland	37	$165.00	2,190	-	6 years	2	0	0
5	Massachusetts	37	$370.00	1,825	-	5 years	1	12	17
6	Delaware	37	$109.00	2,190	-	6 years	1	0	0
7	Virginia	37	$720.00	1,826	8 clock hours	5 years	2	0	18
8	Rhode Island	37	$558.00	1,825	-	5 years	2	0	18
9	Arkansas	37	$380.00	1,825	-	5 years	2	0	18
10	New Jersey	37	$331.00	1,825	-	5 years	2	0	18
11	Georgia	37	$297.00	1,829	24 clock hours	5 years	1	0	18
12	Ohio	37	$140.00	1,825	-	5 years	1	0	18
13	D C	37	$45.00	1,825	-	5 years	1	0	0
14	Nevada	37	$1,078.25	1,460	-	4 years	2	0	18
15	New Mexico	37	$530.52	1,460	-	4 years	4	0	18
16	California	37	$579.00	1,460	-	4 years	3	0	18
17	Kentucky	37	$505.83	1,460	-	4 years	3	0	18
18	Hawaii	37	$615.00	1,460	-	4 years	2	0	18
18	Oklahoma	37	$615.00	1,460	-	4 years	2	0	18
20	Florida	37	$364.00	1,460	-	4 years	2	0	18
21	Oregon	37	$385.00	1,463	16 clock hours	4 years	1	0	18
22	Texas	37	$209.00	1,460	-	4 years	1	0	18
23	Alaska	37	$450.00	1,460	-	4 years	1	0	0
24	Michigan	37	$400.00	1,095	-	3 years	1	0	0
25	Arizona	37	$686.00	730	-	2 years	2	0	18
26	Utah	37	$354.00	733	20 clock hours	2 years	2	0	0
27	South Carolina	37	$310.00	730	-	2 years	2	0	0
28	North Carolina	37	$260.00	730	-	2 years	2	0	0
29	Alabama	37	$315.00	700	-	3000 clock hours	1	0	0
30	Mississippi	37	$640.00	67	-	3 jobs, contractors	2	0	0
31	Louisiana	37	$460.00	0	-	-	2	0	0
32	Tennessee	37	$360.00	0	-	-	2	0	0
33	West Virginia	37	$174.00	0	-	-	2	0	0
34	North Dakota	37	$125.00	0	-	-	0	0	18
35	Wisconsin	37	$175.00	0	-	-	0	0	0
36	Washington	37	$113.40	0	-	-	0	0	0
37	Nebraska	37	$0.00	0	-	-	0	0	0