Heating, Air Conditioning, and Refrigeration Mechanics and Installers
Career, Salary and Education Information
What They Do: Heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanics and installers work on heating, ventilation, cooling, and refrigeration systems.
Work Environment: HVACR technicians work mostly in homes, schools, hospitals, office buildings, or factories. Their worksites may be very hot or cold because the heating and cooling systems they must repair may not be working properly and because some parts of these systems are located outdoors. Working in cramped spaces and during irregular hours is common.
How to Become One: Because HVACR systems have become increasingly complex, employers generally prefer applicants with postsecondary education or those who have completed an apprenticeship. Some states and localities may require technicians to be licensed.
Salary: The median annual wage for heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanics and installers is $48,630.
Job Outlook: Employment of heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanics and installers is projected to grow 5 percent over the next ten years, about as fast as the average for all occupations.
Related Careers: Compare the job duties, education, job growth, and pay of heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanics and installers with similar occupations.
Following is everything you need to know about a career as an HVAC mechanic and installer with lots of details. As a first step, take a look at some of the following jobs, which are real jobs with real employers. You will be able to see the very real job career requirements for employers who are actively hiring. The link will open in a new tab so that you can come back to this page to continue reading about the career:
Top 3 HVAC Mechanic Jobs
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HVAC Technician
- BlueRay Mechanical
- Hazel Park, MI
Join the team at Blue-Ray Mechanical ! We're seeking an experienced HVAC technician with a minimum of 8 years in the field, servicing both residential and commercial properties. We offer competitive ...
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HVAC Service Technician $30-$40/hr.
- Modern Mechanical inc.
- Orchard Park, NY
We are NOT LIKE OTHER HVAC COMPANIES! Hiring Technician $30-$40/hr. + Bonuses (Buffalo, NY) Modern Mechanical heating and cooling is looking for an experienced full-time service technician for ...
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HVAC Service Technician - Sign-on Bonus
- Bourque Mechanical Systems
- Rensselaer, NY
Bourque Mechanical Systems is looking for an experienced, career-minded, full-time residential and light commercial HVAC Service Technician to join our team. Primary Job Function: * Perform annual ...
Top 3 HVAC Installer Jobs
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HVAC Installer
- Moon's Air
- Shreveport, LA
We are looking for an HVAC Installer to join our team! You will install, service, and repair heating and air conditioning systems. Responsibilities: * Install new heating , ventilation, and air ...
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HVAC Installer
- Dole Heating, Air Conditioning & Duct Cleaning
- Saint Louis, MO
We are looking for an HVAC Installer to join our team! You will install, service, and repair heating and air conditioning systems. Responsibilities: * Install new heating , ventilation, and air ...
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Lead HVAC Installer
- Air Conditioning Specialist
- Augusta, GA
Residential New Construction Lead HVAC Installer - Augusta, GA $25 - $30 per hour plus commission This position is performance-based pay and has the opportunity to make $80,000 - $90,000+ per year
What Heating, Air Conditioning, and Refrigeration Mechanics and Installers Do[About this section] [To Top]
Heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanics and installers—often called HVACR technicians—work on heating, ventilation, cooling, and refrigeration systems that control the temperature and air quality in buildings.
Duties of Heating, Air Conditioning, and Refrigeration Mechanics and Installers
Heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanics and installers typically do the following:
- Install, clean, and maintain HVACR systems
- Install electrical components and wiring
- Inspect and test HVACR systems and components
- Discuss system malfunctions with customers
- Repair or replace worn or defective parts
- Recommend maintenance to improve system performance
- Keep records of work performed
Heating and air conditioning systems control the temperature, humidity, and overall air quality in homes, businesses, and other buildings. By providing a climate-controlled environment, refrigeration systems make it possible to store and transport food, medicine, and other perishable items.
Some HVACR technicians specialize in one or more specific aspects of HVACR, such as radiant heating systems, solar panels, testing and balancing, or commercial refrigeration.
When installing or repairing air conditioning and refrigeration systems, technicians must follow government regulations regarding the conservation, recovery, and recycling of refrigerants. The regulations include those concerning the proper handling and disposal of fluids and pressurized gases.
Some HVACR technicians sell service contracts to their clients, providing periodic maintenance of heating and cooling systems. The service usually includes inspecting the system, cleaning ducts, replacing filters, and checking refrigerant levels.
Other workers sometimes help HVACR technicians install or repair cooling and heating systems. For example, on a large air conditioning installation job, especially one in which workers are covered by union contracts, ductwork may be installed by sheet metal workers, electrical work by electricians, and pipework by plumbers, pipefitters, and steamfitters. Boiler systems are sometimes installed by a boilermaker.
Home appliance repairers usually service window air conditioners and household refrigerators.
Work Environment for Heating, Air Conditioning, and Refrigeration Mechanics and Installers[About this section] [To Top]
Heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanics and installers hold about about as fast as jobs. The largest employers of heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanics and installers are as follows:
| Plumbing, heating, and air-conditioning contractors | 67% |
| Self-employed workers | 7% |
| Wholesale trade | 4% |
| Retail trade | 3% |
| Educational services; state, local, and private | 3% |
HVACR technicians work mostly in homes, schools, stores, hospitals, office buildings, or factories. Some technicians are assigned to specific jobsites at the beginning of each day. Others travel to several different locations, making service calls.
Although most technicians work indoors, some may have to work on outdoor heat exchangers, even in bad weather. Technicians often work in awkward or cramped spaces, and some work in buildings that are uncomfortable because the air conditioning or heating system is not working properly.
Injuries and Illnesses for Heating, Air Conditioning, and Refrigeration Mechanics and Installers
HVACR technicians have one of the highest rates of injuries and illnesses of all occupations. Potential hazards include electrical shock, burns, muscle strains, and injuries from handling heavy equipment.
Appropriate safety equipment is necessary in handling refrigerants, because they are hazardous and contact can cause skin damage, frostbite, or blindness. When working in tight spaces, inhalation of refrigerants is also a potential hazard. Several refrigerants are highly flammable and require additional care.
Heating, Air Conditioning, and Refrigeration Mechanic and Installer Work Schedules
The majority of HVACR technicians work full time. Evening or weekend shifts may be required, and HVACR technicians often work overtime or irregular hours during peak heating and cooling seasons.
How to Become a Heating, Air Conditioning, or Refrigeration Mechanic and Installer[About this section] [To Top]
Get the education you need: Find schools for Heating, Air Conditioning, and Refrigeration Mechanics and Installers near you!
Because HVACR systems have become increasingly complex, employers generally prefer applicants with postsecondary education or those who have completed an apprenticeship. Some states and localities may require technicians to be licensed. Workers may need to pass a background check prior to being hired.
Education for Heating, Air Conditioning, and Refrigeration Mechanics and Installers
Many HVACR technicians receive postsecondary instruction from technical and trade schools or community colleges that offer programs in heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration. These programs generally last from 6 months to 2 years and lead to a certificate or an associate's degree.
High school students interested in becoming an HVACR technician should take courses in vocational education, math, and physics. Knowledge of plumbing or electrical work and a basic understanding of electronics is also helpful.
Heating, Air Conditioning, and Refrigeration Mechanic and Installer Training
New HVACR technicians typically begin by working alongside experienced technicians. At first, they perform basic tasks such as insulating refrigerant lines or cleaning furnaces. In time, they move on to more difficult tasks, including cutting and soldering pipes or checking electrical circuits.
Some technicians receive their training through an apprenticeship. Apprenticeship programs usually last 3 to 5 years. Over the course of the apprenticeship, technicians learn safety practices, blueprint reading, and how to use tools. They also learn about the numerous systems that heat and cool buildings.
Several groups, including unions and contractor associations, sponsor apprenticeship programs. Apprenticeship requirements vary by state and locality.
Licenses, Certifications, and Registrations for Heating, Air Conditioning, and Refrigeration Mechanics and Installers
The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) requires all technicians who buy, handle, or work with refrigerants to be certified in proper refrigerant handling. Many trade schools, unions, and employer associations offer training programs designed to prepare students for the EPA certification exam.
In addition, some states and localities require HVACR technicians to be licensed; check with your state and locality for more information.
Important Qualities for Heating, Air Conditioning, and Refrigeration Mechanics and Installers
Customer-service skills. HVACR technicians often work in customers' homes or business offices, so it is important that they be friendly, polite, and punctual. Repair technicians sometimes deal with unhappy customers whose heating or air conditioning is not working.
Detail oriented. HVACR technicians must carefully maintain records of all work performed. The records must include the nature of the work performed and the time it took, as well as a list of specific parts and equipment that were used.
Math skills. HVACR technicians need to calculate the correct load requirements to ensure that the HVACR equipment properly heats or cools the space required.
Mechanical skills. HVACR technicians install and work on complicated climate-control systems, so they must understand the HVAC components and be able to properly assemble, disassemble, and, if needed, program them.
Physical stamina. HVACR technicians may spend many hours walking and standing. The constant physical activity can be tiring.
Physical strength. HVACR technicians may have to lift and support heavy equipment and components, often without help.
Time-management skills. HVACR technicians frequently have a set number of daily maintenance calls. They should be able to keep a schedule and complete all necessary repairs or tasks.
Troubleshooting skills. HVACR technicians must be able to identify problems on malfunctioning heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration systems and then determine the best way to repair them.
Heating, Air Conditioning, and Refrigeration Mechanic and Installer Salaries[About this section] [More salary/earnings info] [To Top]
The median annual wage for heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanics and installers is $48,630. The median wage is the wage at which half the workers in an occupation earned more than that amount and half earned less. The lowest 10 percent earned less than $34,320, and the highest 10 percent earned more than $78,210.
The median annual wages for heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanics and installers in the top industries in which they work are as follows:
| Educational services; state, local, and private | $55,640 |
| Retail trade | $55,620 |
| Wholesale trade | $50,390 |
| Plumbing, heating, and air-conditioning contractors | $48,140 |
Apprentices usually earn about half of the wage paid to experienced workers. As they learn to do more, their pay increases.
The majority of HVACR technicians work full time. Evening or weekend shifts may be required, and HVACR technicians often work overtime or irregular hours during peak heating and cooling seasons.
Job Outlook for Heating, Air Conditioning, and Refrigeration Mechanics and Installers[About this section] [To Top]
Employment of heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanics and installers is projected to grow 5 percent over the next ten years, about as fast as the average for all occupations.
About 40,100 openings for heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanics and installers are projected each year, on average, over the decade. Many of those openings are expected to result from the need to replace workers who transfer to different occupations or exit the labor force, such as to retire.
Employment of Heating, Air Conditioning, and Refrigeration Mechanics and Installers
Commercial and residential building construction is expected to drive employment growth. The growing number of sophisticated climate-control systems is also expected to increase demand for qualified heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration (HVACR) technicians.
Repair and replacement of HVACR systems is a large part of what technicians do. The growing emphasis on energy efficiency and pollution reduction is likely to increase the demand for HVACR technicians as climate-control systems are retrofitted, upgraded, or replaced entirely.
| Occupational Title | Employment, 2021 | Projected Employment, 2031 | Change, 2021-31 | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Percent | Numeric | |||
| Heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanics and installers | 394,100 | 399,400 | 5 | 20,200 |
More Heating, Air Conditioning, and Refrigeration Mechanic and Installer Information[About this section] [To Top]
For details about apprenticeships or other work opportunities, contact the offices of the state employment service, the state apprenticeship agency, local contractors, or local union–management HVACR apprenticeship committees. Apprenticeship information is available from the U.S. Department of Labor’s Apprenticeship program online or by phone at 877-872-5627.
For more information about career opportunities, training, and certification, visit
Associated Builders and Contractors
North American Technician Excellence
Plumbing-Heating-Cooling Contractors Association
Refrigerating Engineers and Technicians Association
Refrigeration Service Engineers Society (RSES)
United Association Union of Plumbers, Fitters, Welders, and Service Techs
A portion of the information on this page is used by permission of the U.S. Department of Labor.