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  1. Occupations
  2. Heating, Air Conditioning, and Refrigeration Mechanics and Installers

Heating, Air Conditioning, and Refrigeration Mechanics and Installers

Install or repair heating, central air conditioning, HVAC, or refrigeration systems, including oil burners, hot-air furnaces, and heating stoves.

SOC: 49-9021.00

Common Job Titles

  • HVAC Mechanic (Heating, Ventilation, and Air Conditioning Mechanic)
  • Refrigeration Mechanic
  • Refrigeration Technician (Refrigeration Tech)
  • Service Technician (Service Tech)

Wage Data According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics

Annual wage data for Heating, Air Conditioning, and Refrigeration Mechanics and Installers (2024)

Estimated Total Employment (U.S.)

396,870

Wage Distribution by Percentile

Line chart of annual wages by percentile. U.S. is the solid line. 10th percentile: U.S. $39,130. 25th percentile: U.S. $47,850. 50th percentile: U.S. $59,810. 75th percentile: U.S. $74,820. 90th percentile: U.S. $91,020. Use the left and right arrow keys to move between percentiles.

  • U.S.
MetricU.S.
10% of workers earn the following or less$39,130
10% of workers earn the following or more$91,020
Workers on average earn$62,690

+ indicates wage is at or above the BLS reporting cap ($239,200/year)

Skills & Requirements

Key competencies for this occupation, ranked by importance

  • Mechanical4.7/5
  • Building and Construction4.2/5
  • Customer and Personal Service4.0/5
  • Engineering and Technology3.5/5
  • Computers and Electronics3.3/5
Skills & Requirements: Knowledge

Tools & Technology

Equipment and software commonly used in this occupation

In-Demand Technology

Frequently requested by employers in job postings

  • Adobe Acrobat
  • Autodesk AutoCAD
  • Microsoft Excel
  • Microsoft Office software
  • Microsoft Outlook
  • Microsoft PowerPoint
  • Microsoft Word
  • SAP software

Technology Skills

  • Alerton Ascent Compass
  • Atlas Construction Business Forms
  • Building automation software
  • Computer aided design CAD software
  • Computerized maintenance management system CMMS
  • Contact management systems
  • Cworks CMMS
  • Data logging software
Tools & Technology: Technology Skills

Tools & Equipment

  • 4-wire resistance sensors
  • Acetylene torches
  • Adjustable widemouth pliers
  • Adjustable wrenches
  • Air compressors
  • Air flow hoods
  • Air flow sensors
  • Air velocity meters
Tools & Technology: Tools & Equipment

Related Occupations

Occupations with similar skills and knowledge requirements

Most Similar

  • Stationary Engineers and Boiler Operators 51-8021.00
  • Plumbers, Pipefitters, and Steamfitters 47-2152.00
  • Control and Valve Installers and Repairers, Except Mechanical Door 49-9012.00
  • Home Appliance Repairers 49-9031.00
  • Solar Thermal Installers and Technicians 47-2152.04

Moderately Similar

  • Maintenance and Repair Workers, General 49-9071.00
  • Geothermal Technicians 49-9099.01
  • Industrial Machinery Mechanics 49-9041.00
  • Boilermakers 47-2011.00
  • Electric Motor, Power Tool, and Related Repairers 49-2092.00

Related

  • Mechanical Engineers 17-2141.00
  • Biomass Plant Technicians 51-8013.03
  • Engine and Other Machine Assemblers 51-2031.00
  • Insulation Workers, Floor, Ceiling, and Wall 47-2131.00
  • Helpers--Installation, Maintenance, and Repair Workers 49-9098.00
  • Electrical and Electronics Installers and Repairers, Transportation Equipment 49-2093.00
  • Automotive Service Technicians and Mechanics 49-3023.00
  • Aircraft Structure, Surfaces, Rigging, and Systems Assemblers 51-2011.00
  • Energy Engineers, Except Wind and Solar 17-2199.03
  • Electrical and Electronics Repairers, Commercial and Industrial Equipment 49-2094.00

Related Programs

Education programs that prepare you for this occupation

  • CertificateHVAC North American Technician Excellence RTWIssuer: Alabama Adult Education, Alabama Community College System (ACCS)
  • CertificateIET.HVAC.02Issuer: Alabama Adult Education, Alabama Community College System (ACCS)
  • CertificateIELCE.HVAC.02Issuer: Alabama Adult Education, Alabama Community College System (ACCS)
  • Short-Term CertificateRefrigerant Usage & Handling SpecialistIssuer: Wallace State Community College
  • CertificateHVAC - Essentials of Heating, Ventilation and Air Conditioning Technology (Evening Program)Issuer: Florence-Darlington Technical College
  • CertificateHVAC - Essentials of Heating, Ventilation and Air Conditioning TechnologyIssuer: Florence-Darlington Technical College
  • CertificateDistributed Digital Control in Air ConditioningIssuer: Paris Junior College
  • CertificateAir Conditioning & RefrigerationIssuer: Paris Junior College
  • CertificateAir Conditioning InstallerIssuer: Paris Junior College
  • Associate's DegreeAir Conditioning & RefrigerationIssuer: Paris Junior College