Heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanics and installers
SOC Code: 49-9021Also known as:
A/C Installer-Servicer (Air Conditioning Installer-Servicer), A/C Mechanic (Air Conditioner Mechanic), A/C Service Tech (Air Conditioning Service Technician), A/C Tech (Air Conditioning Technician), Air and Hydronic Balancing Technician
Median Annual Salary
$59,810
+8.1% growth (2024-2034)
40K
Openings/Year
425K
Current Jobs
What Heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanics and installers Do
Install or repair heating, central air conditioning, HVAC, or refrigeration systems, including oil burners, hot-air furnaces, and heating stoves.
💰 Salary
$59,810
Median annual wage (2024)
📈 Job Growth
+8.1%
Much faster than average
🎓 Education
Postsecondary nondegree award
Typical entry-level requirement
🚀 Annual Openings
40K
Projected average per year
📚 On-the-Job Training
Long-term on-the-job training
Expected training period
Employment Projections (2024-2034)
Current Employment (2024)
425,200
Projected Employment (2034)
459,700
Related Careers
Boilermakers
$73,340 •
-2.4% growth
Plumbers, pipefitters, and steamfitters
$62,970 •
+4.5% growth
Control and valve installers and repairers, except mechanical door
$74,690 •
+1.3% growth
Home appliance repairers
$49,410 •
+2.6% growth
Stationary engineers and boiler operators
$75,190 •
+2.2% growth
Top Skills Required
Operations Monitoring
Critical Thinking
Troubleshooting
Reading Comprehension
Installation
Daily Tasks & Responsibilities
- Test electrical circuits or components for continuity, using electrical test equipment.
- Comply with all applicable standards, policies, or procedures, such as safety procedures or the maintenance of a clean work area.
- Study blueprints, design specifications, or manufacturers' recommendations to ascertain the configuration of heating or cooling equipment components and to ensure the proper installation of components.
- Discuss heating or cooling system malfunctions with users to isolate problems or to verify that repairs corrected malfunctions.
- Connect heating or air conditioning equipment to fuel, water, or refrigerant source to form complete circuit.
- Adjust system controls to settings recommended by manufacturer to balance system.
- Recommend, develop, or perform preventive or general maintenance procedures, such as cleaning, power-washing, or vacuuming equipment, oiling parts, or changing filters.
- Inspect and test systems to verify system compliance with plans and specifications or to detect and locate malfunctions.
- Repair or replace defective equipment, components, or wiring.
- Install or repair self-contained ground source heat pumps or hybrid ground or air source heat pumps to minimize carbon-based energy consumption and reduce carbon emissions.
Technology & Tools
📚 Entry-Level Education
Postsecondary nondegree award
Most common requirement
🎯 Recommended Education
Post-Secondary Certificate
O*NET recommended level
Degree Programs for Heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanics and installers
These degree programs can prepare you for a career as a heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanics and installers:
Heating, Air Conditioning, Ventilation and Refrigeration Maintenance Technology/Technician
23,253 degrees awarded •
597 colleges offer this program
Heating, Ventilation, Air Conditioning and Refrigeration Engineering Technology/Technician
9,397 degrees awarded •
180 colleges offer this program
Best Colleges for Becoming a Heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanics and installers
Ranked by Repit grade, then by degrees in related programs. These are the top-rated colleges that prepare students to become heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanics and installers.
Want this ranking as a spreadsheet? Investor Pro+ members can export any Repit table to CSV. See plans →
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanics and installers make?
The median annual salary for heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanics and installers is $59,810.
What education do heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanics and installers need?
Most heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanics and installers positions require a postsecondary nondegree award.
Common degree programs include Heating, Air Conditioning, Ventilation and Refrigeration Maintenance Technology/Technician, Heating, Ventilation, Air Conditioning and Refrigeration Engineering Technology/Technician.
Is becoming heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanics and installers a good career choice?
Heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanics and installers is projected to see +8.1% job growth from 2024 to 2034,
which is faster than average for all occupations. With approximately 40,100 job openings expected annually,
there are good opportunities for those entering the field.
What are the best colleges for heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanics and installers?
Top colleges for aspiring heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanics and installers include
Indian Capital Technology Center-Muskogee, Polytech Adult Education, Eastern Arizona College, CBT Technology Institute-Main Campus, College of Lake County.
These schools are ranked based on their Repit grade and the number of graduates in related programs.
What other job titles are similar to heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanics and installers?
Heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanics and installers may also be known as: A/C Installer-Servicer (Air Conditioning Installer-Servicer), A/C Mechanic (Air Conditioner Mechanic), A/C Service Tech (Air Conditioning Service Technician), A/C Tech (Air Conditioning Technician), Air and Hydronic Balancing Technician, Air Conditioning Specialist (A/C Specialist), Attic Fans Mechanic, Baseboard Heating Installer, Blower Installer, Blower Mechanic, Bulk Cooler Installer, Commercial HVAC Service Tech (Commercial Heating, Ventilation, and Air Conditioning Service Technician), Commercial HVAC Tech (Commercial Heating, Ventilation, and Air Conditioning Technician), Commercial Refrigeration Service Tech (Commercial Refrigeration Service Technician), Cooling Technician (Cooling Tech), Duct Cleaner, Environmental Control System Installer, Environmental Control System Servicer, Evaporative Cooler Installer, Fan Installer.
These titles often refer to similar roles with varying responsibilities or specializations.