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Skilled Trades

Heating, Air Conditioning, and Refrigeration Mechanics and Installers

Side-hustle friendly

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

Median salary

$59,810

Typical range

$39k – $91k

Job outlook

+8% (faster than average)

AI exposure

Plan a path to Heating, Air Conditioning, and Refrigeration Mechanics and Installers

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Education

Typical entry: No degree (trade/license)

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How to qualify

License required

Cost to qualify

$1,270–$15,450

Time to qualify

1.5 yr

Renewal

$38/yr

  1. 1

    EPA Section 608 certification

    Certification

    Federally required to handle refrigerants.

    $20–$150 · 1 weeks source

  2. 2

    HVAC trade program or apprenticeship

    Course

    Trade-school program or paid apprenticeship.

    $1,200–$15,000 · 18 months · varies by state source

  3. 3

    State/local HVAC license (where required)

    License

    Many states/municipalities license HVAC contractors.

    $50–$300 · 2 weeks · varies by state · renews every 2 yr source

Which occupations require a license and in which states: CareerOneStop License Finder (U.S. DOL). Costs/hours are curated estimates that vary by state and change — see each step's official source.

Typical progression

  1. Junior Heating, Air Conditioning, and Refrigeration Mechanics and Installers

    Entry / Junior

    $39,130

    ~2 yrs to advance

  2. Heating, Air Conditioning, and Refrigeration Mechanics and Installers

    Established

    $59,810

    ~3 yrs to advance

  3. Senior Heating, Air Conditioning, and Refrigeration Mechanics and Installers

    Senior

    $75,415

Key skills

A typical day

  • •Test electrical circuits or components for continuity, using electrical test equipment.
  • •Comply with all applicable standards, policies, or procedures, such as safety procedures or the maintenance of a clean work area.
  • •Study blueprints, design specifications, or manufacturers' recommendations to ascertain the configuration of heating or cooling equipment components and to ensure the proper installation of components.
  • •Discuss heating or cooling system malfunctions with users to isolate problems or to verify that repairs corrected malfunctions.
  • •Connect heating or air conditioning equipment to fuel, water, or refrigerant source to form complete circuit.

Fields of study

Any field

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