Heating, Air Conditioning, and Refrigeration Mechanics and Installers
Heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanics and installers install, maintain, and repair HVAC and refrigeration systems in residential, commercial, and industrial settings. They work on furnaces, air conditioning units, heat pumps, and refrigeration equipment. Most are employed by HVAC contractors, building maintenance companies, or work independently.
Four short assessments and your background, scored against heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanics and installers and 13,000 other careers — with the reasons. Free.
A day in the work
A typical week involves diagnosing system problems using diagnostic tools, performing maintenance on existing equipment, and installing new systems. Mechanics may spend time in attics, basements, and utility rooms accessing ductwork and components. Work includes reading blueprints, testing systems for proper function, ordering parts, and documenting service calls. Emergency repair calls outside regular hours are common.
Who this work suits
Holland code RCI. Realistic work is hands-on, practical work with tools, machines or the outdoors. Aptly’s interest assessment scores you on the same six scales.
You tend to enjoy hands-on problem-solving and following established procedures and codes. You're detail-oriented, reliable, and prefer concrete tasks with measurable results over abstract work. You're comfortable with technical training and working systematically through mechanical and electrical systems.
What it takes
Preparation: Medium preparation (vocational training, an associate degree, or related experience).
Skills that matter most
Knowledge areas
Who is hiring
Openings right now
- Air Conditioning Equipment Mechanic Supervisor (HVAC Foreman) · Bureau of Prisons/Federal Prison System · Butner, North Carolina · $38.28–$44.65
- Air Conditioning Equipment Mechanic Supervisor (HVAC Foreman) · Bureau of Prisons/Federal Prison System · Morgantown, West Virginia · $38.83–$45.33
Openings are read from employers’ own career pages and public job boards and change daily. Search all openings (free account) to filter by distance, pay and how well you qualify.
Pay by state
| State | 25th pct | Median | 75th pct | Employed |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| District of Columbia | $77,730 | $84,390 | $101,940 | 400 |
| Alaska | $58,700 | $77,430 | $102,170 | 610 |
| Illinois | $60,200 | $77,410 | $96,030 | 9,740 |
| Massachusetts | $61,070 | $77,300 | $95,070 | 8,200 |
| Connecticut | $60,360 | $76,610 | $86,650 | 3,800 |
| Minnesota | $58,860 | $76,350 | $87,190 | 4,200 |
| Washington | $60,170 | $75,660 | $93,970 | 7,370 |
| North Dakota | $56,770 | $74,490 | $78,920 | 970 |
| New Jersey | $56,700 | $74,450 | $96,910 | 10,330 |
| New York | $59,720 | $74,430 | $88,130 | 24,430 |
| New Hampshire | $59,540 | $73,850 | $80,090 | 2,560 |
| California | $58,280 | $72,560 | $90,780 | 35,130 |
All 50 states, D.C. and Puerto Rico
Certifications people in this field hold
- Certified National Appliance Service Technician - Refrigeration and Air Conditioning — International Society of Certified Electronics Technicians
- Air Conditioning and Heat Pump Professional — Building Performance Institute
- Heat Pump Installer Certification — ESCO Group
- Master Specialist Hands On Residential Air Conditioning — ESCO Group
- Air Leakage Control Installer — Building Performance Institute
- Light Commercial Air Conditioning Certification — ESCO Group
Training
Aptly members see WIOA-approved programs, colleges and certificates near them, with completion and earnings data, on every Path plan.
Job titles in this occupation
Related occupations
Four short assessments and your background, scored against heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanics and installers and 13,000 other careers — with the reasons. Free.
O*NET-SOC 49-9021.00 · O*NET OnLine. Pay: BLS OEWS May 2025, annual, U.S. Employment counts are national.