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For Educators: Military Resources
For Educators: Military Resources

Heating, Air Conditioning, and Refrigeration Mechanics and Installers

Median Salary
57,300
Job Outlook
+9%
In-Demand

Overview

What are the responsibilities of this role?

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

What sectors do they work in?

Private for profit

77%

Self-employed

15%

State and local government

5%

Private not for profit

2%

Federal Government

1%

Did you know this role exists in the Military?

What is the job outlook?

Employment of heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanics and installers is projected to grow 9 percent from 2023 to 2033, much faster than the average for all occupations. About 42,500 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.

Compensation

What is the typical salary range?

$27,290

10%

$57,300

Median

$78,750

90%

How does location impact how much salary?

Education

What level of education do professionals in this role have?

Education Level

  • Post-secondary certificate

    68%

  • Less than high school

    20%

  • Some college

    6%

  • High school

    3%

  • Associate's degree

    1%

Which college majors best prepare you for this role?

  • Heating, Ventilation, Air Conditioning and Refrigeration Engineering Technology/Technician
  • Heating, Air Conditioning, Ventilation and Refrigeration Maintenance Technology/Technician

Skills and Interest

Which skill sets are the most valuable to possess?

Skills

  • Equipment Operation and Maintenance

    High

  • Verbal Skills

    Mid

  • Leadership

    Mid

  • Math and Science Skills

    Mid

  • Technology Design and Control

    Mid

  • Critical Thinking and Problem Solving

    Mid

What knowledge should you bring to the table?

  • Mechanical
  • Building and Construction
  • Customer and Personal Service
  • Engineering and Technology
  • Mathematics

What challenges will you likely face in the workplace?

Workplace

  • Exposure to Job Hazards

    High

  • Responsibility

    High

  • Decision Making

    High

  • Physical Activity

    High

  • Time Pressure

    Mid

  • Repetitiveness

    Mid

  • Level Of Competition

    Mid

What personality traits help people thrive in this role?

Realistic

You love hands-on work and solving practical problems — like fixing things and building stuff.

Conventional

You like structure, staying organized, and working with systems to get things done efficiently.

RIASEC represents six broad interest areas—Realistic, Investigative, Artistic, Social, Enterprising, and Conventional—helping individuals identify careers that match their skills and preferences.

Take the RIASEC Test

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Data supplied by Bureau of Labor Statistics, National Center of Education Statistics, Defense Manpower Data Center (View our update schedule). Contact any business, college or military service branch to answer additional questions.