Heating, Air Conditioning, and Refrigeration Mechanics and Installers

SOC code 49-9021 · O*NET-SOC 49-9021.00 · Medium preparation needed · Skilled trades

Bright Outlook — O*NET expects rapid growth for this occupation

HVAC work combines paid apprenticeship-style training with a licence that travels well: heating and cooling systems exist in every building in every state. Technicians who add refrigeration and commercial-system certifications reach the top of the pay range.

Heating, Air Conditioning, and Refrigeration Mechanics and Installers pay

U.S. national figures, May 2025 BLS survey · How we got this number

Median pay

$61,010

a year

Hourly

$29.33

per hour

10th$40,050Median$61,01090th$95,210

The solid band is the middle 50% of workers; the bar spans the 10th to 90th percentile.

Average pay

$64,780

$31.14 per hour

Middle 50%

$48,360 – $77,060

25th to 75th percentile

Full spread

$40,050 – $95,210

10th to 90th percentile

People employed

409,670

nationwide

National U.S. figure, May 2025. Local pay can be higher or lower.

10th percentile: $40,050; $19.25/hr
25th percentile: $48,360; $23.25/hr
Median percentile: $61,010; $29.33/hr
75th percentile: $77,060; $37.05/hr
90th percentile: $95,210; $45.78/hr

Job outlook · federal projection 2024–34

+8%

Growing much faster than average

425,200

jobs in 2024

459,700

projected for 2034

About 34,500 more jobs

U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics employment projections, 2024–34. Projections describe the broader occupation group and are estimates, not guarantees.

What do heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanics and installers do?

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

The tasks that matter most day to day

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 qualify for this work

Preparation level: zone 3 — Medium preparation needed

Education: Most occupations in this zone require training in vocational schools, related on-the-job experience, or an associate's degree.
Experience: Previous work-related skill, knowledge, or experience is required for these occupations. For example, an electrician must have completed three or four years of apprenticeship or several years of vocational training, and often must have passed a licensing exam, in order to perform the job.
Training: Employees in these occupations usually need one or two years of training involving both on-the-job experience and informal training with experienced workers. A recognized apprenticeship program may be associated with these occupations.

See all zone 3 occupations →

The federal survey did not capture education levels for this specific occupation, so the preparation-level card above is the best guide to the entry route.

Common questions

How much does a heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanics and installers earn?

The national median is $61,010 a year. The full range runs from $40,050 at the 10th percentile to $95,210 at the 90th — entry pay sits closer to the lower figure, and experience, licensing and specialisation move you up the range.

Can you become a heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanics and installers without a degree?

Yes — this occupation sits in preparation zone 3, meaning the typical entry route is most occupations in this zone require training in vocational schools, related on-the-job experience, or an associate's degree. A four-year degree is not the standard requirement, though licensing or certification may still apply.

Is heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanics and installers in demand?

Federal projections expect employment to grow by about 8% between 2024 and 2034 — growing much faster than average. Openings also come from people retiring or changing jobs, which the growth figure does not count.

Skills and knowledge you need

Core skills

Critical Thinking3.6/5
Reading Comprehension3.3/5

Knowledge areas

Building and Construction4.5/5
Customer and Personal Service4.4/5
Mechanical4.3/5
Administration and Management3.9/5
Education and Training3.9/5
Mathematics3.9/5
Public Safety and Security3.8/5
Administrative3.6/5

Transferable strengths: Operations Monitoring, Troubleshooting, Repairing, Installation, Equipment Maintenance, Complex Problem Solving.