3 registered apprenticeship programs in Virginia. Starting wages from $18.07/hr, advancing to $25.82/hr at journeyman level.
$18.07/hr
Starting wage
$25.82/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 VA state apprenticeship agency. Contact programs directly for current enrollment windows and openings.
| Program | Sponsor | Duration | Wage progression |
|---|---|---|---|
| HVAC/R Apprenticeship — Richmond JATC UA Local 110 VA | UA Local 110 — Richmond Plumbers & Steamfitters | 5 years / 10,000 OJT hours | 50% → 60% → 70% → 80% → 90% of journeyman rate |
| Sheet Metal Apprenticeship — SMWIA Local 100 Virginia | Sheet Metal Workers Local 100 — Virginia | 5 years | 47% → 58% → 68% → 79% → 90% of journeyman rate |
| HVAC Technician Apprenticeship — Virginia PHCC | PHCC of Virginia | 4 years | $17/hr → $20/hr → $23/hr → $26/hr |
Wages shown use the standard DOL apprenticeship progression schedule applied to the Virginia journeyman median of $25.82/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% | $12.91/hr |
| Year 2 (12–24 months) | 60% | $15.49/hr |
| Year 3 (24–36 months) | 70% | $18.07/hr |
| Year 4 (36–48 months) | 80% | $20.66/hr |
| Year 5 / Journeyman | 100% | $25.82/hr |
Virginia Department of Labor and Industry — Division of Registered Apprenticeship
https://www.doli.virginia.gov/apprenticeship/Register your apprenticeship, verify program sponsors, and find additional registered programs not listed here.
No apprentice listings are active in Virginia right now. Check back soon, or browse entry-level HVAC jobs across the country.
Browse all apprentice jobsMost registered HVAC apprenticeship programs in Virginia take 4–5 years, combining on-the-job training (OJT) hours with related technical instruction (RTI).
Entry-level apprentices in Virginia typically start around $18.07/hour (≈50% of journeyman rate). By program completion, wages reach approximately $25.82/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 Virginia HVAC contractor license (HV) 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.
