How to Become a Heat Pump Installer in the UK
Heat pump installers survey homes and commercial buildings, size and design low-temperature heating systems, fit air source or ground source heat pumps, and commission them so they run efficiently. Much of the job is plumbing and heating work, such as cylinders, pipework, radiators and controls, plus explaining to customers how to run a heat pump well.
Most installers start out as a qualified plumber or heating engineer and add a heat pump qualification, which can take a few months. Starting from scratch takes longer, because you first need a plumbing and heating apprenticeship or equivalent.
Quick facts
- Starting salary
- £30,000 - £35,000
- Mid-career salary
- £38,000 - £45,000
- Senior salary
- £50,000 - £65,000
- Work environment
- Residential and commercial properties
- Time to entry
- 3 - 9 months (top-up training)
- Degree required
- Not required - existing gas / plumbing background
- Category
- Green Energy and Sustainability
Compare pay across careers in the UK salaries by career report. Also in: No-degree careers, Stable careers, Career change.
What a Heat Pump Installer does
Install air- and ground-source heat pumps under UK MCS standards and grant schemes.
How to become a heat pump installer in the UK
The usual route is to build a plumbing and heating background, such as a Level 3 plumbing and domestic heating apprenticeship or NVQ, then take a Level 3 heat pump installation qualification from an awarding body such as BPEC or LCL Awards. You also need an unvented hot water qualification for the cylinders most systems use, and knowledge of the water regulations. To work on refrigerant circuits, such as split systems, you need F-gas certification. Customers can only claim the Boiler Upgrade Scheme grant if the installer is MCS certified, so most installers work for, or set up, an MCS-certified business.
- If you are new to the trade, start with a Level 3 plumbing and domestic heating apprenticeship or college course, as heat pump work builds on wet heating skills.
- If you are already a plumber or heating engineer, book a Level 3 heat pump installation course with a training centre approved by BPEC or LCL Awards.
- Get your unvented hot water qualification and water regulations training, because most heat pump systems use an unvented cylinder.
- Learn heat loss calculations and emitter sizing, since correct flow temperatures and radiator sizes are what keep a heat pump efficient and customers' bills down.
- Add F-gas certification if you want to install split systems or work on refrigerant circuits, as sealed monobloc units do not need it.
- Work alongside an MCS-certified installer on several jobs, then either join an MCS-certified company or apply for your own certification through an MCS certification body.
- Keep up to date with the Boiler Upgrade Scheme in England and Wales and Home Energy Scotland support, so you can explain grants to customers.
| Route | How long | Cost | Best for |
|---|---|---|---|
| Heat pump top-up training for qualified plumbers or heating engineers | 3-9 months with supervised installs | Varies by provider | Existing heating engineers |
| Plumbing and domestic heating apprenticeship, then heat pump training | 3-4 years | Paid by the employer | School leavers and new entrants |
| Improver with an MCS-certified installer | 6-12 months | Paid work | Getting supervised real-world experience |
| Skills Bootcamp in heat pump installation | Up to 16 weeks | Often free for eligible learners | Career changers with a trade background |
How long it takes
If you are already a qualified plumber or heating engineer, top-up training and supervised installs take around three to nine months. With no trade background, allow three to four years for a plumbing and heating apprenticeship first.
Heat Pump Installer salary in the UK
Qualified heat pump installers usually start on around £30,000 to £35,000, which reflects that most come in with plumbing or heating experience. Experienced installers earn about £38,000 to £45,000, and lead engineers, system designers and commissioning specialists reach £50,000 to £65,000. Self-employed installers and small MCS-certified firms can earn more, but carry the cost of certification, insurance, vans and tools. Demand and pay are linked to government grant schemes, so they can shift with policy changes.
Key skills
- Heating system design
- MCS standards
- Refrigerant handling
- Customer comms
Will heat pump installers be replaced by AI?
Low exposure. No. AI may help size systems and plan installs, but fitting a heat pump in a real home is physical, regulated work, and demand is being driven up by the move away from gas boilers.
The DfE study found construction among the UK sectors least exposed to AI.
What AI already does in this job
- Heat-loss calculations and system sizing
- Quotes, grant paperwork and scheduling
What stays with a person
- Installation and commissioning in varied homes
- Explaining the system to householders
- Diagnosing problems on site
One of the better-placed careers for the next decade: growing demand and low exposure.
Related careers that are also hard to automate
- Low Carbon Heating Engineer - wider low-carbon heating work
- Retrofit Coordinator - plans whole-house energy upgrades
- Electrician - complements heating skills on low-carbon installs
More on AI and work: check another job, jobs AI will replace, AI-proof jobs.
Our rating judges how much of the role's everyday work current AI tools can already do or draft; it measures exposure, not job losses. Occupation findings are from the Department for Education, The impact of AI on UK jobs and training (November 2023).
Heat Pump Installer FAQs
How do I become a heat pump installer?
Most installers start as qualified plumbers or heating engineers, then take a Level 3 heat pump installation course, an unvented hot water qualification and, for refrigerant work, F-gas certification. Working with or for an MCS-certified business lets your customers claim government grants.
Do I need to be a gas engineer to install heat pumps?
No. Gas Safe registration is not needed to install a heat pump, but you do need solid wet heating and plumbing skills. That is why most training centres expect a plumbing or heating qualification, or equivalent experience, before you take a heat pump course.
How much does a heat pump installer earn?
Installers usually start around £30,000 to £35,000. Experienced installers earn £38,000 to £45,000, and lead engineers or system designers reach £50,000 to £65,000. Self-employed installers can earn more, but pay for certification, insurance, tools and a van.
What is MCS certification and do I need it?
MCS certifies small-scale renewable installers and products against set standards. You can fit a heat pump without it, but customers can only claim the Boiler Upgrade Scheme grant if an MCS-certified installer does the work, so most firms hold it.
Is Heat Pump Installer right for you?
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