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Career overview · SOC 49-9021

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.

Also called: A/C Tech (Air Conditioning Technician) · HVAC Installer (Heating, Ventilation, and Air Conditioning Installer) · HVAC Mechanic (Heating, Ventilation, and Air Conditioning Mechanic) · HVAC Service Tech (Heating, Ventilation, and Air Conditioning Service Technician) · HVAC Specialist (Heating, Ventilation, and Air Conditioning Specialist) · HVAC Tech (Heating, Ventilation, and Air Conditioning Technician)

Median pay (national)
$59,810
$39,130–$91,020 (10th–90th)
Employed (US)
396,870
BLS OEWS, May 2024
Outlook 2024–34
+8.1%
~40,100 openings/yr
Typical entry
Postsecondary nondegree award

What the numbers say

Refit analysis ·Pay for heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanics and installers shows a broad range: the top 10% earn $91,020 versus $39,130 at the bottom 10% — 2.3x. The median of $59,810 leaves roughly 52% of headroom to the 90th percentile, which is where seniority, specialization, and the skills below tend to pay off.
Refit analysis ·Employment is projected to change +8.1% from 2024 to 2034 — much faster than the 3% average for all occupations. Even so, BLS projects about 40,100 openings a year, mostly to replace workers who retire or change careers.
Refit analysis ·Where you work moves the number a lot. Across the 54 states with released data, Alaska pays the most for this role (median $83,660, +40% vs the national median), while Puerto Rico sits lowest at $28,080 — a 198% spread for the same job title.
Refit analysis ·O*NET rates Critical Thinking, Reading Comprehension, Active Listening as the highest-importance skills here — so a resume aimed at this role should lead with evidence of those, not a generic skills list.

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Top skills employers ask for

Ranked by O*NET importance for this occupation.

  • Critical Thinking
  • Reading Comprehension
  • Active Listening
  • Speaking
  • Active Learning
  • Monitoring
  • Writing
  • Learning Strategies
  • Mathematics
  • Science

What they actually do

Core O*NET tasks for this role.

  • Test electrical circuits or components for continuity, using electrical test equipment.
  • Adjust system controls to settings recommended by manufacturer to balance system.
  • Measure, cut, thread, or bend pipe or tubing, using pipe fitter's tools.
  • Record and report time, materials, faults, deficiencies, or other unusual occurrences on work orders.
  • Recommend, develop, or perform preventive or general maintenance procedures, such as cleaning, power-washing, or vacuuming equipment, oiling parts, or changing filters.
  • Install, connect, or adjust thermostats, humidistats, or timers.
  • Install auxiliary components to heating or cooling equipment, such as expansion or discharge valves, air ducts, pipes, blowers, dampers, flues, or stokers.
  • Braze or solder parts to repair defective joints and leaks.
  • Perform mechanical overhauls and refrigerant reclaiming.
  • Install expansion and control valves, using acetylene torches and wrenches.

Tools & technology

  • Autodesk AutoCAD
  • SAP software
  • Alerton Ascent Compass
  • Atlas Construction Business Forms
  • Building automation software
  • Computerized maintenance management system CMMS
  • Contact management systems
  • Cworks CMMS
  • Data logging software
  • Database software
  • Delta Controls inteliWEB
  • Facility energy management software
  • Graphics software
  • Honeywell WEBs-N4
  • HVAC tools software
  • IBM Maximo Asset Management

Knowledge areas

  • Mechanical
  • Building and Construction
  • Customer and Personal Service
  • Engineering and Technology
  • Computers and Electronics
  • English Language
  • Public Safety and Security
  • Design