How the national numbers differ
1HVAC Technician has the edge on projected growth
HVAC Technician is at 10.9% projected growth, compared with 5% projected growth for Automotive Service Technicians and Mechanics.
HVAC Technician has the edge on median pay
HVAC Technician is at $61,010, compared with $50,620 for Automotive Service Technicians and Mechanics.
Automotive Service Technicians and Mechanics has the edge on annual openings
Automotive Service Technicians and Mechanics is at 66,200 annual openings, compared with 40,600 annual openings for HVAC Technician.
62.7/ 100Automotive Service Technicians and Mechanics
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Each available metric is ranked from 0 to 100 against the careers on ChooseField. The weighted average uses this profile: pay 30%, growth 25%, openings 30%, preparation level 15%. Missing values are not scored as zero; their weights are redistributed across available metrics. Occupation size has zero weight: employment is not accessible vacancies. Preparation categories do not measure admission difficulty or years without earnings. The score summarizes national measures; local opportunities and personal fit still need separate consideration.
Detailed evidence
Automotive Service Technicians and Mechanics vs HVAC Technician
| Dimension | Automotive Service Technicians and Mechanics | HVAC Technician |
|---|
| Median pay (2025) | $50,620 | $61,010 |
|---|
| Pay percentile | 34.3 percentile | 49.6 percentile |
|---|
| Projected growth (2025–2035) | 5% | 10.9% |
|---|
| Annual openings (2025–2035) | 66,200 | 40,600 |
|---|
| 2025 employment | 825,800 | 440,900 |
|---|
| How you qualify | Postsecondary nondegree award; One month or less of on-the-job training, in addition to any qualifying education or licensing | Common school programs last six months to two years, followed by substantial workplace training. Some employers hire high-school graduates; ask about paid entry routes and required certifications. |
| O*NET preparation group | Job Zone 3 | Job Zone 3 |
| Related work experience | No prior related occupation is typically required; employer requirements vary. | No prior related occupation is typically required; employer requirements vary. |
| On-the-job training | One month or less of on-the-job training, in addition to any qualifying education or licensing. | More than 12 months of on-the-job training, in addition to any qualifying education or licensing. |
| Schedules | Varies by employer and setting; ask about shifts, overtime, on-call work, and predictable hours. | Emergency calls and seasonal heating or cooling peaks can bring irregular hours and overtime. |
| Physical work | Unknown: review standing, lifting, repetitive movement, and posture with a practitioner. No overall physical-demand rating is assigned. | Awkward spaces, equipment handling, outdoor temperatures, and buildings without working heating or cooling. |
The table reports national benchmarks and reviewed work descriptions. It does not rate personal suitability, job security, or physical safety.
