How to become a heating, refrigeration and air conditioning mechanic
Official title: Heating, refrigeration and air conditioning mechanics
Also called: Refrigeration mechanic, Refrigeration technician, Heating and cooling mechanic, Refrigeration system installer, Central air conditioner repairer, Transport refrigeration mechanic, Central air conditioner installer, Central air conditioning mechanic, Central air conditioning repairer, Central air conditioning servicer, Commercial refrigeration mechanic, Refrigeration mechanic apprentice
Heating, refrigeration and air conditioning mechanics install, maintain, repair and overhaul residential central air conditioning systems, commercial and industrial refrigeration and air conditioning systems and combined heating, ventilation and cooling systems. They are employed by heating, refrigeration and air conditioning installation contractors, various industrial settings, food wholesalers, engineering firms and retail and servicing establishments. Transport refrigeration mechanics are included in this unit group. Apprentices are also included in this unit group.
Main tasks
- Read and interpret blueprints, drawings or other specifications
- Measure and lay out reference points for installation
- Assemble and install refrigeration or air conditioning components such as motors, controls, gauges, valves, circulating pumps, condensers, humidifiers, evaporators and compressors using hand and power tools
- Measure and cut piping, and connect piping using welding and brazing equipment
- Install, troubleshoot and overhaul entire heating, ventilation, air handling, refrigeration and air conditioning systems
- Start up system and test for leaks using testing devices
- Recharge system with refrigerant, check and test regulators, calibrate system and perform routine maintenance or servicing
- Repair and replace parts and components for entire refrigeration, air conditioning, ventilation or heat pump systems
How to become one
Completion of secondary school and training courses or a vocational program is usually required. Completion of a three- to five-year apprenticeship program or A combination of over five years of work experience and industry courses in refrigeration and air conditioning repair is usually required to be eligible for trade certification. Trade certification for refrigeration and air conditioning mechanics is compulsory in Nova Scotia, New Brunswick, Quebec, Ontario, Manitoba, Saskatchewan and Alberta and available, but voluntary, in all other provinces and the territories. Trade certification for transport refrigeration mechanics is available, but voluntary, in New Brunswick and Alberta. Red Seal endorsement is also available to qualified refrigeration and air conditioning mechanics upon successful completion of the interprovincial Red Seal examination.
Ways in
- Apprenticeship: Red Seal trade. Completion of a three- to five-year apprenticeship program or A combination of over five years of work experience and industry courses in refrigeration and air conditioning repair is usually required to be eligible for trade certification. Red Seal endorsement is available. Apprenticeships are run by each province and territory.
Pay · Outlook
- Median pay: $73,125 a year The middle half earn $54,600 to $89,856.
- About 46,100 people worked in this job in 2023, and about 56,400 are projected by 2033. (+22.3%)
- Projected labour market to 2033: strong risk of shortage.
Related jobs
- Construction millwrights and industrial mechanics
- Heavy-duty equipment mechanics
- Railway carmen/women
- Aircraft mechanics and aircraft inspectors
- Machine fitters
- Elevator constructors and mechanics
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Questions people ask
How do I become a heating, refrigeration and air conditioning mechanic?
Completion of secondary school and training courses or a vocational program is usually required. Completion of a three- to five-year apprenticeship program or A combination of over five years of work experience and industry courses in refrigeration and air conditioning repair is usually required to be eligible for trade certification. Trade certification for refrigeration and air conditioning mechanics is compulsory in Nova Scotia, New Brunswick, Quebec, Ontario, Manitoba, Saskatchewan and Alberta and available, but voluntary, in all other provinces and the territories. Trade certification for transport refrigeration mechanics is available, but voluntary, in New Brunswick and Alberta. Red Seal endorsement is also available to qualified refrigeration and air conditioning mechanics upon successful completion of the interprovincial Red Seal examination.
How much does a heating, refrigeration and air conditioning mechanic earn in Canada?
Median full-time pay is $73,125 a year (Employment and Social Development Canada (Job Bank)). The middle half earn $54,600 to $89,856.
Is a heating, refrigeration and air conditioning mechanic a growing career in Canada?
Yes. Employment is projected to grow 22% by 2033, from about 46,100 to about 56,400 people (Employment and Social Development Canada).
Do you need a degree to become a heating, refrigeration and air conditioning mechanic?
Usually not. Only 6% of people in this job hold a bachelor's degree or higher. Ways in include: Red Seal trade.
Sources
- Statistics Canada: Census 2021: employment by occupation, gender and education (98-10-0449) (2021 Census), Statistics Canada Open Licence, retrieved 2026-10-03
- Statistics Canada: National Occupational Classification (NOC) 2021 (Version 1.0), Open Government Licence - Canada, retrieved 2026-10-03
- Employment and Social Development Canada: Canadian Occupational Projection System (COPS) (2024 to 2033), Open Government Licence - Canada, retrieved 2026-10-03
- Employment and Social Development Canada (Job Bank): Wages by occupation (2025 (revised 2025-11-19)), Open Government Licence - Canada, retrieved 2026-10-03
Updated 2026-10-03