3 registered apprenticeship programs in North Carolina. Starting wages from $17.43/hr, advancing to $24.90/hr at journeyman level.
$17.43/hr
Starting wage
$24.90/hr
Journeyman wage
4–5 years
Program length
3
Registered programs
Programs registered with the U.S. Department of Labor (DOL RAPIDS) and/or the NC state apprenticeship agency. Contact programs directly for current enrollment windows and openings.
| Program | Sponsor | Duration | Wage progression |
|---|---|---|---|
| HVAC/R Apprenticeship — Charlotte JATC UA Local 421 | UA Local 421 — Charlotte Plumbers & Steamfitters | 5 years / 10,000 OJT hours | 50% → 60% → 70% → 80% → 90% of journeyman rate |
| HVAC Technician Apprenticeship — ApprenticeshipNC HVAC Track | ApprenticeshipNC / North Carolina Community College System | 4 years | $16/hr → $18/hr → $21/hr → $24/hr |
| Sheet Metal Apprenticeship — SMWIA Local 10 North Carolina | Sheet Metal Workers Local 10 | 5 years | 46% → 57% → 67% → 78% → 90% of journeyman rate |
Wages shown use the standard DOL apprenticeship progression schedule applied to the North Carolina journeyman median of $24.90/hr (BLS OEWS 2024, SOC 49-9021). Actual rates depend on the specific program sponsor.
| Stage | % of journeyman | Estimated hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 (0–12 months) | 50% | $12.45/hr |
| Year 2 (12–24 months) | 60% | $14.94/hr |
| Year 3 (24–36 months) | 70% | $17.43/hr |
| Year 4 (36–48 months) | 80% | $19.92/hr |
| Year 5 / Journeyman | 100% | $24.90/hr |
North Carolina Department of Commerce — ApprenticeshipNC
https://www.apprenticeshipnc.comRegister your apprenticeship, verify program sponsors, and find additional registered programs not listed here.
No apprentice listings are active in North Carolina right now. Check back soon, or browse entry-level HVAC jobs across the country.
Browse all apprentice jobsMost registered HVAC apprenticeship programs in North Carolina take 4–5 years, combining on-the-job training (OJT) hours with related technical instruction (RTI).
Entry-level apprentices in North Carolina typically start around $17.43/hour (≈50% of journeyman rate). By program completion, wages reach approximately $24.90/hour.
Must be at least 18 years old High school diploma or GED equivalent Valid driver's license Able to lift 50 lbs and work in confined spaces Pass a drug screening prior to enrollment North Carolina HVAC contractor registration awareness recommended Individual program sponsors may have additional requirements.
Wage data sourced from BLS OEWS 2024 (SOC 49-9021). Program information reflects DOL RAPIDS database patterns as of 2026. Contact individual program sponsors for current enrollment status and exact wage schedules.
