Maryland HVAC License Requirements
Your complete guide to HVAC licensing in Maryland, including who needs a license, what it costs, and how to apply.
Maryland HVAC License Summary
- Last updated: August 20, 2026
- Written by: James R. Leichter
- Reviewed by: Aptora Staff
License Types in Maryland
Apprentice
Required for entry-level individuals to assist in providing HVACR services while undergoing training under the direction of a licensed HVACR contractor.
Journeyman Restricted
Covers providing installation, maintenance, and repair services in one or more specific HVACR specialty areas under the direction of a licensed contractor.
Journeyman
Covers providing heating, ventilation, air conditioning, or refrigeration services under the direct direction and control of a licensed master contractor.
Limited Contractor
Covers maintaining and repairing existing HVACR systems only; strictly prohibits the installation or retrofitting of new heating, cooling, or ventilation systems.
Master
Covers the general authorization to install, maintain, alter, remodel, or repair heating, ventilation, air conditioning, refrigeration, and hydronic systems.
Master Restricted
Covers installing, maintaining, altering, or repairing HVACR systems restricted to one or more specific specialties such as forced air, hydronic heating, or cooling.
Requirements Overview
Requirements may vary by license type
- Register as HVACR apprentice
- Complete required supervised experience
- Meet applicable work-hour minimums
- Hold prerequisite license level
- Pass applicable PSI examination
- Submit signed employment verification
- Maintain required liability insurance
- Submit application and fees
Cost & Timeline Overview
Cost and timeline may vary by license type
$12 - $400
Estimated Cost Estimated upfront licensing costs
2 - 4 weeks
Estimated Timeline Typical time to complete licensing
Every 2 Years
Renewal Cycle How often renewal is required
0 Hours
Continued Education Ongoing education to maintain licensure
Average Salary & Wages for HVAC Tech in Maryland
Based on the latest data from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics and industry reports.
$73,820
Avg. Annual Salary Average yearly earnings for an HVAC technician
$105,670+
Top Earners' Salary Potential earnings for the top 10% of HVAC techs in the field
720+
Job Openings / Year Current HVAC hiring demand based on active job listings
HVAC Technician Salary by Experience
Top HVAC Training Programs & Schools
Montgomery College
Rockville, MD
Community College of Baltimore County
Baltimore, MD
Carroll Community College
Westminster, MD
Harford Community College
Bel Air, MD
College of Southern Maryland
La Plata, MD
Plumbers & Steamfitters UA Local 486
Baltimore, MD
Lincoln Tech
Columbia, MD
Frederick Community College
Frederick, MD
Anne Arundel Community College
Arnold, MD
Hagerstown Community College
Hagerstown, MD
Reciprocity
Out-of-State Reciprocity
Maryland offers reciprocal HVACR licensing with Delaware and Virginia for Master and Journeyman tiers if experience requirements match.
Local Permits & Rules
Cities and counties may have additional permit requirements.
Common Mistakes
- Omitting the required property damage insurance
- Working under an unlicensed HVAC contractor
- Ignoring additional county-level licensing rules
- Not renewing apprentice license during training
