Career overview

Heating, Air Conditioning, and Refrigeration Mechanics and Installers

O*NET-SOC 49-9021.00

Median pay / yr$59,810

OutlookRapid Growth

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

What it takes

The skills, knowledge, and credentials employers look for in Heating, Air Conditioning, and Refrigeration Mechanics and Installers.

Operations MonitoringWatching gauges, dials, or other indicators to make sure a machine is working properly.
Critical ThinkingUsing logic and reasoning to identify the strengths and weaknesses of alternative solutions, conclusions, or approaches to problems.
TroubleshootingDetermining causes of operating errors and deciding what to do about it.
InstallationInstalling equipment, machines, wiring, or programs to meet specifications.
Reading ComprehensionUnderstanding written sentences and paragraphs in work-related documents.

MechanicalKnowledge of machines and tools, including their designs, uses, repair, and maintenance.
Building and ConstructionKnowledge of materials, methods, and the tools involved in the construction or repair of houses, buildings, or other structures such as highways and roads.
Customer and Personal ServiceKnowledge of principles and processes for providing customer and personal services. This includes customer needs assessment, meeting quality standards for services, and evaluation of customer satisfaction.
Engineering and TechnologyKnowledge of the practical application of engineering science and technology. This includes applying principles, techniques, procedures, and equipment to the design and production of various goods and services.
Computers and ElectronicsKnowledge of circuit boards, processors, chips, electronic equipment, and computer hardware and software, including applications and programming.