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Installation, Maintenance, and Repair

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.

Visual summary of pay, outlook, skills, interests, and preparation for Heating, Air Conditioning, and Refrigeration Mechanics and Installers
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Median pay

$59,810
Median annual pay for Heating, Air Conditioning, and Refrigeration Mechanics and Installers.
U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics · 2024
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10-year growth

8.1%
Projected employment growth from 2024 to 2034.
U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics · 2024–2034 projections
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Annual openings

40,100
Projected annual openings, including growth and replacement demand.
U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics · 2024–2034 projections
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Employment

425,200
Estimated U.S. employment for Heating, Air Conditioning, and Refrigeration Mechanics and Installers in 2024.
U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics · 2024
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Jobs added or lost

+34,500
Projected numeric employment change from 2024 to 2034.
U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics · 2024–2034 projections
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Entry preparation

Postsecondary nondegree award
Typical additional preparation: Long-term on-the-job training.
U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics · 2024 profile
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O*NET occupation profile

What the work involves

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Essential skills

  1. 1Critical Thinking
  2. 2Reading Comprehension
  3. 3Active Listening
  4. 4Active Learning
  5. 5Monitoring
  6. 6Speaking

Knowledge areas

  1. 1Mechanical
  2. 2Building and Construction
  3. 3Customer and Personal Service
  4. 4Engineering and Technology
  5. 5Computers and Electronics
  6. 6English Language

Abilities

  1. 1Near Vision
  2. 2Problem Sensitivity
  3. 3Deductive Reasoning
  4. 4Arm-Hand Steadiness
  5. 5Finger Dexterity
  6. 6Oral Comprehension

Career interests

  1. 1Realistic
  2. 2Conventional
  3. 3Investigative
  4. 4Social
  5. 5Enterprising
  6. 6Artistic

Work styles

  1. 1Dependability
  2. 2Attention to Detail
  3. 3Cautiousness
  4. 4Perseverance
  5. 5Integrity
  6. 6Stress Tolerance

Work activities

  1. 1Getting Information
  2. 2Performing General Physical Activities
  3. 3Inspecting Equipment, Structures, or Materials
  4. 4Making Decisions and Solving Problems
  5. 5Handling and Moving Objects
  6. 6Identifying Objects, Actions, and Events

Work context

  1. 1Telephone Conversations
  2. 2Contact With Others
  3. 3Wear Common Protective or Safety Equipment such as Safety Shoes, Glasses, Gloves, Hearing Protection, Hard Hats, or Life Jackets
  4. 4Face-to-Face Discussions with Individuals and Within Teams
  5. 5Spend Time Using Your Hands to Handle, Control, or Feel Objects, Tools, or Controls
  6. 6Frequency of Decision Making

Representative tasks

  • 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.

Software and tools

Adobe Acrobat · hot technologyMicrosoft Word · hot technologyMicrosoft PowerPoint · hot technologyAutodesk AutoCAD · hot technologyMicrosoft Outlook · hot technologyMicrosoft Office software · hot technologyMicrosoft Excel · hot technologySAP software · hot technologyMicrosoft ExchangeManagerPlusJohnson Controls MetasysIBM Notes

Sources

BLS provides national pay, employment, and projections. O*NET provides skills, interests, preparation, tasks, work context, and tools.

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