Occupation · 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.
Median wage
$59,810
$39,130–$91,020
Projected growth
+8.1%
Faster than average
Annual openings
3,450
per year
Employed (US)
396,870
Job Zone 3
Typical preparation
Medium preparation
Stackable credential programs
579 mapped
Core skills
Operations MonitoringTroubleshootingCritical ThinkingRepairingReading ComprehensionInstallationQuality Control AnalysisComplex Problem SolvingActive ListeningSpeakingMonitoringJudgment and Decision MakingEquipment MaintenanceActive LearningSystems EvaluationSystems AnalysisSocial PerceptivenessOperation and ControlEquipment SelectionCoordinationWritingTime ManagementService OrientationManagement of Personnel ResourcesInstructingPersuasionLearning StrategiesMathematicsNegotiationManagement of Material ResourcesTechnology DesignScienceManagement of Financial ResourcesProgrammingOperations Analysis
Knowledge areas
MechanicalBuilding and ConstructionCustomer and Personal ServiceEngineering and TechnologyComputers and ElectronicsEnglish LanguagePublic Safety and SecurityPhysicsDesignMathematicsAdministration and ManagementEducation and TrainingTransportationChemistrySales and MarketingTelecommunicationsAdministrativeLaw and GovernmentProduction and ProcessingPersonnel and Human ResourcesCommunications and MediaFood ProductionPsychologyEconomics and AccountingBiologyForeign LanguageGeographyTherapy and CounselingMedicine and DentistryHistory and ArcheologyPhilosophy and TheologySociology and AnthropologyFine Arts
Technology & tools
Adobe AcrobatAlerton Ascent CompassAtlas Construction Business FormsAutodesk AutoCADBuilding automation softwareComputer aided design CAD softwareComputerized maintenance management system CMMSContact management systemsCworks CMMSData logging softwareDatabase softwareDelta Controls inteliWEBFacility energy management softwareGraphics softwareHVAC tools softwareHoneywell WEBs-N4IBM Maximo Asset ManagementIBM NotesInternet browser softwareJohnson Controls MetasysManagerPlusMicrosoft ExcelMicrosoft ExchangeMicrosoft Office softwareMicrosoft OutlookMicrosoft PowerPointMicrosoft WordSAP softwareSiemens APOGEE Building Automation SoftwareSpreadsheet software
Representative tasks
Getting InformationPerforming General Physical ActivitiesInspecting Equipment, Structures, or MaterialsMaking Decisions and Solving ProblemsHandling and Moving ObjectsIdentifying Objects, Actions, and EventsUpdating and Using Relevant KnowledgeOperating Vehicles, Mechanized Devices, or EquipmentEvaluating Information to Determine Compliance with StandardsMonitoring Processes, Materials, or SurroundingsRepairing and Maintaining Mechanical EquipmentCommunicating with Supervisors, Peers, or SubordinatesEstablishing and Maintaining Interpersonal RelationshipsControlling Machines and ProcessesProcessing InformationCommunicating with People Outside the OrganizationThinking CreativelyJudging the Qualities of Objects, Services, or PeopleTraining and Teaching OthersOrganizing, Planning, and Prioritizing WorkCoaching and Developing OthersRepairing and Maintaining Electronic EquipmentEstimating the Quantifiable Characteristics of Products, Events, or InformationDocumenting/Recording InformationAnalyzing Data or InformationResolving Conflicts and Negotiating with OthersGuiding, Directing, and Motivating SubordinatesScheduling Work and ActivitiesCoordinating the Work and Activities of OthersInterpreting the Meaning of Information for OthersSelling or Influencing OthersMonitoring and Controlling ResourcesDrafting, Laying Out, and Specifying Technical Devices, Parts, and EquipmentDeveloping Objectives and StrategiesPerforming for or Working Directly with the PublicAssisting and Caring for OthersDeveloping and Building TeamsWorking with ComputersProviding Consultation and Advice to OthersPerforming Administrative Activities
Competency framework
Skill expectations by proficiency level.
emerging
Electrical test equipment — identify and use under direct supervision to test circuits and components for continuity on residential HVAC installations.Safety procedures and worksite cleanliness standards — follow consistently under journeyman guidance on active HVAC job sites.Blueprints and manufacturer installation specifications — read and interpret with supervisor assistance to locate component placement on new equipment installations.Basic hand tools and refrigerant gauges — select and handle correctly under direction during introductory HVAC service tasks.Fuel, water, and refrigerant supply lines — connect to heating and cooling equipment under close supervision to complete a basic circuit.System control settings — adjust to manufacturer-recommended values following step-by-step technician guidance during equipment startup.Filters, belts, and accessible HVAC components — clean and replace under supervision as part of a structured preventive maintenance checklist.Customer-reported malfunctions — record and relay accurately to a lead technician to support initial problem isolation on service calls.Electrical, mechanical, and refrigerant system components — distinguish by function and name during orientation-level training on commercial and residential equipment.Troubleshooting workflows — apply entry-level diagnostic steps under supervision to identify obvious faults such as tripped breakers or clogged filters on HVAC systems.
developing
Multimeters, clamp meters, and continuity testers — operate independently to diagnose electrical faults in HVAC control boards and wiring on light-commercial job sites.OSHA safety codes and EPA refrigerant handling regulations — apply routinely and without prompting to maintain compliance across residential and small-commercial service assignments.Design specifications and equipment manuals — read and apply with limited oversight to configure heating and cooling components correctly during installation projects.Heating and cooling system malfunctions — discuss directly with building occupants using active listening skills to narrow the scope of diagnosis before beginning repairs.Refrigerant lines, gas piping, and condensate drains — connect and pressure-test with standard tools to form complete, leak-free systems on replacement equipment jobs.Thermostat and control panel settings — adjust systematically after installation to balance airflow and temperature distribution across residential duct systems.Preventive maintenance schedules — execute independently, including coil cleaning, lubrication, and filter changes, to sustain equipment efficiency on assigned accounts.Installed HVAC systems — inspect and functionally test against plan specifications to verify code compliance and detect operational deficiencies before customer sign-off.Service records and maintenance logs — document accurately using facilities management or CRM software to support scheduling and warranty tracking for a recurring client base.Common mechanical and refrigeration faults — diagnose using deductive reasoning and manufacturer troubleshooting guides to complete routine repairs with minimal supervision.
proficient
Complex electrical control circuits in commercial HVAC equipment — trace, test, and repair autonomously using advanced diagnostic instruments across a full range of system types and voltages.Non-routine system malfunctions — isolate root causes through systematic troubleshooting that integrates mechanical, electrical, and refrigeration knowledge without supervisory input.Multi-system blueprints and engineering specifications — interpret independently to plan and sequence HVAC installations on large commercial or industrial construction sites.Building owners and facility managers — consult with directly to gather malfunction histories, clarify operational expectations, and confirm that completed repairs have resolved reported issues.Refrigerant recovery, evacuation, and recharge procedures — perform in full compliance with EPA Section 608 regulations across multiple refrigerant types on commercial refrigeration systems.Variable-speed drives, economizers, and BAS integration points — commission and calibrate to optimize energy performance and system balance in complex multi-zone commercial installations.Comprehensive preventive maintenance programs — develop, recommend, and execute for commercial accounts, including predictive indicators such as vibration checks and refrigerant subcooling analysis.Installed systems — evaluate against quality control standards using analytical methods to verify performance specifications and document findings in detailed technical reports.CAD drawings and system schematics — produce or redline accurately to reflect as-built conditions and support future service on complex HVAC projects.Emerging HVAC technologies and code changes — integrate proactively into daily practice through self-directed learning to maintain expert-level competency across evolving equipment platforms.
advanced
Departmental safety and quality standards — establish and enforce organization-wide, ensuring all technicians meet OSHA, EPA, and local code requirements across every project type.Technical training curricula for apprentice and journey-level technicians — design and deliver using adult learning principles to accelerate workforce development within the organization.Large-scale commercial and industrial HVAC installation projects — lead from planning through commissioning, coordinating subcontractors, inspectors, and engineering consultants to deliver on schedule and budget.Organizational preventive maintenance strategy — develop and oversee across an entire service portfolio, using data analytics and CRM platforms to drive equipment reliability and contract retention.Complex diagnostic and repair decisions — guide senior technicians on, applying systems analysis and judgment to resolve novel or high-stakes malfunctions that exceed standard troubleshooting protocols.Energy efficiency upgrades and equipment replacement proposals — author and present to facility owners and executives, integrating ROI modeling, regulatory incentives, and lifecycle cost analysis.Quality control inspection programs — design and implement across all service and installation work to ensure consistent compliance with plans, specifications, and company workmanship standards.HVAC department performance metrics — define, monitor, and report to senior leadership, using business intelligence and facilities management software to drive continuous operational improvement.Industry relationships with equipment manufacturers and trade associations — cultivate to influence product selection decisions, access advanced technical resources, and represent the organization in professional forums.Workforce staffing plans and career pathways for HVAC technicians — develop in alignment with organizational growth goals, mentoring high-potential individuals into supervisory and specialist roles.
Also known as
90 alternate job titles map to this occupation.
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 TechnicianAir Conditioning Specialist (A/C Specialist)Attic Fans MechanicBaseboard Heating InstallerBlower InstallerBlower MechanicBulk Cooler InstallerCommercial 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 CleanerEnvironmental Control System InstallerEnvironmental Control System ServicerEvaporative Cooler InstallerFan InstallerFurnace ConverterFurnace ErectorFurnace FitterFurnace Gas Appliance MechanicFurnace InstallerFurnace MechanicFurnace RepairerFurnace SetterGas AdjusterGas Furnace InstallerHeat Pump InstallerHeater InstallerHeater MechanicHeating and Air Conditioning InstallerHeating and Air Conditioning ServicerHeating and Air Conditioning Technician (Heating and Air Conditioning Tech)Heating Equipment InstallerHeating InstallerHeating Repair Technician (Heating Repair Tech)Heating Servicer