4 registered apprenticeship programs in Washington. Starting wages from $23.63/hr, advancing to $33.75/hr at journeyman level.
$23.63/hr
Starting wage
$33.75/hr
Journeyman wage
4–5 years
Program length
4
Registered programs
Programs registered with the U.S. Department of Labor (DOL RAPIDS) and/or the WA state apprenticeship agency. Contact programs directly for current enrollment windows and openings.
| Program | Sponsor | Duration | Wage progression |
|---|---|---|---|
| HVAC/R Apprenticeship — Seattle JATC UA Local 32 | UA Local 32 — Seattle Plumbers & Steamfitters | 5 years / 10,000 OJT hours | 50% → 60% → 70% → 80% → 90% of journeyman rate |
| Sheet Metal Apprenticeship — SMWIA Local 66 Seattle | Sheet Metal Workers Local 66 | 5 years / 10,000 OJT hours | 48% → 58% → 69% → 80% → 92% of journeyman rate |
| HVAC Technician Apprenticeship — Washington PHCC | PHCC of Washington | 4 years | $21/hr → $25/hr → $29/hr → $34/hr |
| Commercial Refrigeration Apprenticeship — Washington ARCA | Associated Refrigeration Contractors — WA Chapter | 4 years / 8,000 OJT hours | $22/hr → $26/hr → $30/hr → $35/hr |
Wages shown use the standard DOL apprenticeship progression schedule applied to the Washington journeyman median of $33.75/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% | $16.88/hr |
| Year 2 (12–24 months) | 60% | $20.25/hr |
| Year 3 (24–36 months) | 70% | $23.63/hr |
| Year 4 (36–48 months) | 80% | $27.00/hr |
| Year 5 / Journeyman | 100% | $33.75/hr |
Washington State Department of Labor & Industries — Apprenticeship
https://lni.wa.gov/licensing-permits/apprenticeship/Register your apprenticeship, verify program sponsors, and find additional registered programs not listed here.
No apprentice listings are active in Washington right now. Check back soon, or browse entry-level HVAC jobs across the country.
Browse all apprentice jobsMost registered HVAC apprenticeship programs in Washington take 4–5 years, combining on-the-job training (OJT) hours with related technical instruction (RTI).
Entry-level apprentices in Washington typically start around $23.63/hour (≈50% of journeyman rate). By program completion, wages reach approximately $33.75/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 Washington 07A HVAC technician certification expected upon program completion 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.
