Install or repair heating, central air conditioning, HVAC, or refrigeration systems, including oil burners, hot-air furnaces, and heating stoves.
Heating, Air Conditioning, and Refrigeration Mechanics and Installers
SOC: 49-9021 O*NET: 49-9021.00
Median Salary
$59,810
per year
Job Growth
🚀 8.1%
Much Faster (2024-2034)
Annual Openings
40.1
projected jobs/year
Education Level
Vocational school, on-the-job training, or associate degree
Job Zone 3
Install or repair heating, central air conditioning, HVAC, or refrigeration systems, including oil burners, hot-air furnaces, and heating stoves.
What does a Heating, Air Conditioning, and Refrigeration Mechanics and Installers do?
How much can you earn?
Entry Level
$39,130
10th percentile
Early Career
$47,850
25th percentile
Median
$59,810
50th percentile
Experienced
$74,820
75th percentile
Top Earners
$91,020
90th percentile
National Salary Distribution
10th
$39,130
25th
$47,850
Middle 50%
MEDIAN
$59,810
Mean: $62,690
75th
$74,820
90th
$91,020
Middle 50% of earners
Median salary
Mean (average)
Key Insights
- •Salary range spans $51,890 from entry level to top earners
- •Middle 50% earn between $47,850 and $74,820
- •Salary spread is 45.1% around the median, showing high variation
- •Total national employment: 396,870 professionals
What's the job outlook?
Job Market Intelligence
High Demand
Market demand
Medium Risk
Automation risk
Current Employment
National Employment:425,200
Top Industries
Construction76.2%
Specialty Trade Contractors75.4%
Building Equipment Contractors75.1%
10-Year Outlook
Growth Rate:+8.1%
Annual Openings:40,100
Employment Projections
2024 (Current)425,200
Current
2034 (Projected)459,700
+8.1%
+34,500
Employment Change
+8.1%
Growth Rate
10
Year Projection
Growth Category: Faster than average
Geographic Salary & Employment Data
Explore where Heating, Air Conditioning, and Refrigeration Mechanics and Installers professionals work across the United States
Showing 15 of 50 locations
Florida
38,290 jobs$50,5801.51x
California
34,020 jobs$65,2900.73x
Texas
32,070 jobs$54,0500.90x
New York
22,710 jobs$66,6700.92x
Pennsylvania
16,930 jobs$61,1201.09x
North Carolina
13,750 jobs$51,9401.09x
Michigan
13,720 jobs$60,0901.21x
Virginia
13,640 jobs$60,6301.30x
Ohio
13,570 jobs$60,4900.95x
Georgia
12,210 jobs$55,0200.98x
Arizona
10,850 jobs$56,5801.32x
New Jersey
10,680 jobs$69,8000.98x
Tennessee
10,510 jobs$51,4801.25x
Colorado
8,870 jobs$63,4201.19x
Illinois
8,510 jobs$71,6200.54x
Understanding the Data
Location Quotient (LQ):
- • LQ > 1.0: More jobs than national average
- • LQ = 1.0: Same as national average
- • LQ < 1.0: Fewer jobs than national average
Data Source:
Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS), May 2024
Key Growth Factors
- •Faster than average growth expected
- •High current market demand
What skills do you need?
Top 10 Most Important Skills
#1
Operations Monitoring
100%
#2
Critical Thinking
94%
#3
Troubleshooting
86%
#4
Reading Comprehension
80%
#5
Installation
74%
#6
Repairing
66%
#7
Active Listening
60%
#8
Complex Problem Solving
54%
#9
Quality Control Analysis
46%
#10
Speaking
40%
Skills Overview
Operations Monitoring
advanced5.0
100%
Critical Thinking
advanced4.7
94%
Troubleshooting
intermediate4.3
86%
Reading Comprehension
basic4.0
80%
Installation
intermediate3.7
74%
Repairing
intermediate3.3
66%
Active Listening
intermediate3.0
60%
Complex Problem Solving
advanced2.7
54%
Skills are rated on a scale of 0-5, with 5 being the most important. The complexity level indicates how advanced the skill typically needs to be.
Filter:
Sort by:
Operations Monitoring
advancedImportance100%
skills
5.0/5.0
Critical Thinking
advancedImportance94%
abilities
4.7/5.0
Troubleshooting
intermediateImportance86%
skills
4.3/5.0
Reading Comprehension
basicImportance80%
abilities
4.0/5.0
Installation
intermediateImportance74%
abilities
3.7/5.0
Repairing
intermediateImportance66%
abilities
3.3/5.0
Active Listening
intermediateImportance60%
skills
3.0/5.0
Complex Problem Solving
advancedImportance54%
abilities
2.7/5.0
Quality Control Analysis
basicImportance46%
skills
2.3/5.0
Speaking
basicImportance40%
skills
2.0/5.0
Highly Transferable Skills
These skills are valuable across multiple career paths, making career transitions easier:
Avionics Technicians82%
5 shared skills
Electrical and Electronics Repairers, Powerhouse, Substation, and Relay82%
5 shared skills
Home Appliance Repairers82%
5 shared skills
Security and Fire Alarm Systems Installers82%
5 shared skills
Aerospace Engineering and Operations Technologists and Technicians67%
5 shared skills
Audiovisual Equipment Installers and Repairers67%
5 shared skills
Skills by Career Stage
Entry Level
Learn on the Job:
- →Active Listening
- →Repairing
- →Complex Problem Solving
Mid Career
Expected:
- ✓Operations Monitoring
- ✓Troubleshooting
- ✓Critical Thinking
- ✓Reading Comprehension
Senior Level
Mastery Required:
- ★Troubleshooting
- ★Critical Thinking
- ★Reading Comprehension
- ★Installation
Skill Development Tips
- •Focus on developing the top 5 skills first - they have the highest impact on career success
- •Transferable skills open doors to related careers and provide flexibility
- •Balance technical skills with soft skills for well-rounded professional development
- •Entry-level positions prioritize foundational skills that can be built upon over time
What technology will you use?
Technology & Digital Skills
Essential technology proficiencies for Heating, Air Conditioning, and Refrigeration Mechanics and Installers
Technology Intensity
Very High
Digital Literacy Requirements
This career requires expert digital literacy
1
Basic
2
Intermediate
3
Advanced
4
Expert
Key Digital Competencies:
Advanced software proficiencySystem architecture understandingAutomation and scriptingEmerging technology adaptationTechnical problem-solving
🔥
Hot Technologies in Demand
These technologies are currently trending and highly sought after in this field
Autodesk AutoCAD
🔥 Hot TechAdobe Acrobat
🔥 Hot TechMicrosoft Outlook
🔥 Hot TechSAP software
🔥 Hot TechMicrosoft Office software
🔥 Hot TechMicrosoft PowerPoint
🔥 Hot TechMicrosoft Excel
🔥 Hot TechMicrosoft Word
🔥 Hot TechTechnology Stack
Technology Stack Overview
Key technologies used in this career
Autodesk AutoCAD
Adobe Acrobat
Microsoft Outlook
SAP software
Microsoft Office software
Microsoft PowerPoint
Microsoft Excel
Microsoft Word
📚 Technology Learning Resources
Recommended Certifications
- •Vendor-specific software certifications
- •Industry-recognized technology credentials
- •Professional development courses
Online Learning Platforms
- •LinkedIn Learning - Comprehensive technology courses
- •Coursera - University-level programs
- •Udemy - Practical skills training
💡 Technology Skill Development Tips
- •Focus on mastering hot technologies first - they're currently most in-demand
- •Build a portfolio demonstrating your proficiency with key tools and software
- •Stay current through continuous learning - technology evolves rapidly
- •Consider vendor certifications to validate your skills to employers
What's the work environment like?
🌤️
Location
MOSTLY OUTDOOR
💪
Physical Demand
MODERATE
👥
Team Orientation
MOSTLY TEAM
🤝
Customer Interaction
FREQUENT
💡Is This Work Environment Right for You?
Consider these factors when evaluating if you'll thrive in this work environment:
- •Are you comfortable working in mostly outdoor environments?
- •Can you meet moderate physical demands?
- •Do you enjoy mostly team team environments?
- •Are you comfortable working with safety protocols and protective equipment?
What are the key tasks?
Tasks & Responsibilities
21
Core Tasks
8
Daily Tasks
20
Work Activities
0
Emerging Tasks
Filter:
Sort by:
General Responsibilities (14)Planning & Development (3)Documentation & Record-Keeping (2)Operations & Execution (2)
1
Test electrical circuits or components for continuity, using electrical test equipment.
🔴Daily
Importance:
General Responsibilities100% perform100%
2
Repair or replace defective equipment, components, or wiring.
🔴Daily
Importance:
General Responsibilities97% perform98%
3
Discuss heating or cooling system malfunctions with users to isolate problems or to verify that repairs corrected malfunctions.
🔴Daily
Importance:
General Responsibilities94% perform96%
4
Connect heating or air conditioning equipment to fuel, water, or refrigerant source to form complete circuit.
🔴Daily
Importance:
General Responsibilities91% perform94%
5
Install, connect, or adjust thermostats, humidistats, or timers.
🔴Daily
Importance:
General Responsibilities88% perform92%
6
Comply with all applicable standards, policies, or procedures, such as safety procedures or the maintenance of a clean work area.
🔴Daily
Importance:
General Responsibilities85% perform90%
7
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.
🔴Daily
Importance:
Planning & Development82% perform88%
8
Install auxiliary components to heating or cooling equipment, such as expansion or discharge valves, air ducts, pipes, blowers, dampers, flues, or stokers.
🔴Daily
Importance:
General Responsibilities79% perform86%
9
Braze or solder parts to repair defective joints and leaks.
🟡Weekly
Importance:
General Responsibilities76% perform84%
10
Lay out and connect electrical wiring between controls and equipment, according to wiring diagrams, using electrician's hand tools.
🟡Weekly
Importance:
General Responsibilities73% perform82%
💡 Key Takeaways
- •Daily tasks focus primarily on general responsibilities activities
- •33% of tasks are performed by most workers in this occupation
- •Career advancement brings increased leadership and strategic responsibilities
What career paths are available?
Career Pathways
0
Advancement Opportunities
0
Lateral Move Options
0%
Avg. Salary Increase
Advancement Opportunities
Typical career progression paths from Heating, Air Conditioning, and Refrigeration Mechanics and Installers
💡 Career Planning Tips
- •Most successful advancement happens after 3-5 years of experience
- •Lateral moves can provide valuable cross-functional experience for future leadership roles
- •Focus on developing skills that are transferable across multiple career paths
- •Consider industry trends when planning long-term career moves
Is this career right for you?
Personality & Values Fit
Is This Career Right for You?
Heating, Air Conditioning, and Refrigeration Mechanics and Installers professionals typically have a RCI Holland code and highly value support
RRealistic
CConventional
IInvestigative
Important Personality Traits
Work styles that contribute to success as a Heating, Air Conditioning, and Refrigeration Mechanics and Installers
Dependability
CriticalDependability
Importance Level4.63
Attention to Detail
CriticalAttention to Detail
Importance Level4.60
Integrity
Very ImportantIntegrity
Importance Level4.31
Innovation
Very ImportantInnovation
Importance Level4.30
Independence
Very ImportantIndependence
Importance Level4.29
Persistence
Very ImportantPersistence
Importance Level4.28
Complete Work Styles Profile
Dependability
4.6
Attention to Detail
4.6
Integrity
4.3
Innovation
4.3
Independence
4.3
Persistence
4.3
Concern for Others
4.3
Cooperation
4.2
Self-Control
4.2
Analytical Thinking
4.2
💡 Tips for Career Fit Success
- •While personality fit is important, skills can be developed with practice and training
- •Consider informational interviews to better understand the day-to-day personality requirements
- •Work environments vary by employer - research specific companies for cultural fit
- •Your interests and values may evolve - reassess periodically throughout your career
What education is required?
Education Level
Vocational school, on-the-job training, or associate degree
Typical duration: Varies
Preparation Level
Job Zone 3
Medium Preparation Needed
Experience Needed
Previous work-related skill, knowledge, or experience required
📚 Education Requirement
Required Level:Vocational school, on-the-job training, or associate degree
Most occupations in this zone require training in vocational schools, related on-the-job experience, or an associate's degree.
Training:
Training of more than one year
💼 Experience Requirement
Previous work-related skill, knowledge, or experience required
Common pathways to gain experience:
- • Associate degree programs
- • Apprenticeships (1-2 years)
- • Vocational training with related experience
3
Job Zone Three: Medium Preparation Needed
Most occupations in this zone require training in vocational schools, related on-the-job experience, or an associate's degree.
Associate degree programsApprenticeships (1-2 years)Vocational training with related experience
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