How to become a Heating, Air Conditioning, and Refrigeration Mechanic or Installer

Official title: Heating, Air Conditioning, and Refrigeration Mechanics and Installers

Also called: AC Mechanic (Air Conditioner Mechanic), AC Tech (Air Conditioning Technician), HVAC Control Tech (Heating, Ventilation, and Air Conditioning Control Technician), HVAC Installer (Heating, Ventilation, and Air Conditioning Installer), HVAC Mechanic (Heating, Ventilation, and Air Conditioning Mechanic), HVAC Service Tech (Heating, Ventilation, and Air Conditioning Service Technician), HVAC Tech (Heating, Ventilation, and Air Conditioning Technician), Refrigeration Mechanic, Refrigeration Operator, Refrigeration Technician (Refrigeration Tech)

Install or repair heating, central air conditioning, HVAC, or refrigeration systems, including oil burners, hot-air furnaces, and heating stoves.

Main tasks

• Discuss heating or cooling system malfunctions with users to isolate problems or to verify that repairs corrected malfunctions.
• Test electrical circuits or components for continuity, using electrical test equipment.
• Repair or replace defective equipment, components, or wiring.
• Lay out and connect electrical wiring between controls and equipment, according to wiring diagrams, using electrician's hand tools.
• Schedule work with customers and initiate work orders, house requisitions, and orders from stock.
• Estimate, order, pick up, deliver, and install materials and supplies needed to maintain equipment in good working condition.
• Install, connect, or adjust thermostats, humidistats, or timers.
• Comply with all applicable standards, policies, or procedures, such as safety procedures or the maintenance of a clean work area.

How to become one

Heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanics and installers typically need a postsecondary nondegree award, although some enter the occupation with less education. Once hired, they typically have a lengthy period of on-the-job training to attain competency. These workers may need a license or certification.

Typical education to start: Postsecondary nondegree award

Read the full guide from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics

Ways in

• Apprenticeship: Air Conditioning Equipment Mechanic.
• Apprenticeship: Furnace Installer.
• Apprenticeship: Refrigeration and Air Conditioning Maintenance.
• Certificate or associate's degree: Postsecondary nondegree award. Programs such as Heating, Ventilation, Air Conditioning and Refrigeration Engineering Technology/Technician; Heating, Air Conditioning, Ventilation and Refrigeration Maintenance Technology/Technician
• Licence: A licence is required in 34 states.

Pay · Outlook · AI and this job

• Median pay: $61,010 a year The middle half earn $48,360 to $77,060.
• About 440,900 people work in this job now, and about 489,100 are projected by 2035. (+10.9%)
• People use generative AI for relatively little of this work so far. Microsoft Research rates its AI applicability as low.

Related jobs

• Mechanical Door Repairers
• Control and Valve Installers and Repairers, Except Mechanical Door
• Home Appliance Repairers
• Industrial Machinery Mechanics
• Maintenance Workers, Machinery
• Millwrights

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Questions people ask

How do I become a Heating, Air Conditioning, and Refrigeration Mechanic or Installer?

Heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanics and installers typically need a postsecondary nondegree award, although some enter the occupation with less education. Once hired, they typically have a lengthy period of on-the-job training to attain competency. These workers may need a license or certification.

How much does a Heating, Air Conditioning, and Refrigeration Mechanic or Installer earn in the US?

Median full-time pay is $61,010 a year (U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics). The middle half earn $48,360 to $77,060.

Is a Heating, Air Conditioning, and Refrigeration Mechanic or Installer a growing career in the US?

Yes. Employment is projected to grow 11% by 2035, from about 440,900 to about 489,100 people (U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics).

Do you need a degree to become a Heating, Air Conditioning, and Refrigeration Mechanic or Installer?

Usually not. Only 7% of people in this job hold a bachelor's degree or higher. Ways in include: Postsecondary nondegree award; Air Conditioning Equipment Mechanic.

Will AI change the work of a Heating, Air Conditioning, and Refrigeration Mechanic or Installer?

People use generative AI for relatively little of this work so far. Microsoft Research rates its AI applicability as low.

Sources

• Microsoft Research: Working with AI: AI applicability by occupation (2025-12-22 (built on O*NET 29.0)), CC BY 4.0, retrieved 2026-10-03
• U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics: Employment Projections (2025-35 (released 2026-08-27)), Public domain (BLS), retrieved 2026-10-03
• U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics: Occupational Outlook Handbook (2025-35 edition (published 2026-08-27)), Public domain (BLS); photographs excluded, retrieved 2026-10-03
• U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics: Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (May 2025), Public domain (BLS), retrieved 2026-10-03

Updated 2026-10-03

This page includes information from the O*NET 31.0 Database by the U.S. Department of Labor, Employment and Training Administration (USDOL/ETA). Used under the CC BY 4.0 license. O*NET is a trademark of USDOL/ETA.