Heating and Air Conditioning Mechanics and Installers: Salary, Job Description, How To Become One, and Quiz

Stan T.Career, Overview

HVAC Installers

HVAC Installers install, service, or repair heating and air conditioning systems in residences or commercial establishments.

Salary
$53410
Becoming One
Medium
Education
Post-secondary certificate
Job Satisfaction
Job Growth

Personality
Interest Match



Job description

Heating and Air Conditioning Mechanics and Installers install, service, or repair heating and air conditioning systems in residences or commercial establishments.

  • Test pipe or tubing joints or connections for leaks, using pressure gauge or soap-and-water solution.
  • Test electrical circuits or components for continuity, using electrical test equipment.
  • Repair or replace defective equipment, components, or wiring.
  • Discuss heating or cooling system malfunctions with users to isolate problems or to verify that repairs corrected malfunctions.
Read more about what does a Heating and Air Conditioning Mechanic and Installer really do at work and what is it like being and working as one.



Salary

Average salary
$50160 per year

Average hourly wage
$24 per hour


HVAC Installers with little to no experience tend to make between $29460 and $36520 while the more experienced ones can earn over $60900 per year.

Top 5 paying states Hourly Annual
DC $33 $69,610
AK $32 $66,290
CT $31 $64,180
HI $30 $61,670
MA $29 $59,890

One of the easiest ways to increase your salary as a Heating and Air Conditioning Mechanic and Installer is to move to a higher paying state like DC. Right now, the highest paying states for HVAC Installers are DC, AK, CT, HI and MA.

However, a higher pay at DC doesn’t guarantee that you will make more because the living expenses at DC might be twice as high than where you are currently at now.

Three other factors that can increase your salary as a Heating and Air Conditioning Mechanic and Installer is the degree you hold, the industry you work in, and lastly the company you work for.


Requirements

Recommended degree level
Post-secondary certificate

We asked other HVAC Installers what degree they had when they got the job and most of them said they had a Post-Secondary Certificate followed by an Associate’s Degree.

Other than that, we also asked them what did they major in and here are the most popular majors that came up.

Heating, Ventilation, Air Conditioning and Refrigeration Engineering Technology/Technician
Heating, Air Conditioning, Ventilation and Refrigeration Maintenance Technology/Technician
Read more about how to become a Heating and Air Conditioning Mechanic and Installer and the degree, training and education you need.

Pros and Cons

Here are some of the pros and cons of being a Heating and Air Conditioning Mechanic and Installer.

PROS
Suitable for people who likes practical and hands-on work
Suitable for people who wants to work in a supportive work environment
This career is perfect for people who love to work both indoors and outdoors.
It is not too difficult to get into this career. Previous work-related skill, knowledge, or experience is required for this career.
Normal working hours (40 hours per week)
CONS
Not suitable for people who likes to help and teach others
Salary is below average

What is the job like

Job satisfaction
67%

Is this job meaningful
63%


67% of HVAC Installers said they were satisfied with their job and 63% said they feel like their job is making other people’s lives better.


Is this right for me

Best personality for this career
The Builders and The Thinkers

You can read more about these career personality types here.

People who are suitable for this job tends to like work activities that include practical, hands-on problems and solutions. They like working with plants, animals, and real-world materials like wood, tools, and machinery..

They also like working with ideas, and require an extensive amount of thinking. They like searching for facts and figuring out problems mentally.



Learn more about HVAC Installers

Summary (You are here)
Job Description
Salary
Requirements
Quiz

Related career information

HVAC Installers job description, HVAC Installers salary, HVAC Installers information, what is the job of a Heating and Air Conditioning Mechanic and Installer like, pros and cons about Heating and Air Conditioning Mechanics and Installers, colleges and universities for Heating and Air Conditioning Mechanics and Installers, is Heating and Air Conditioning Mechanics and Installers the right career for me, careers in Trades and Services

Similar careers

A/C Tech (Air Conditioning Technician), Air and Hydronic Balancing Technician, Air Conditioner or Furnace Gas Appliance Mechanic, Air Conditioning Specialist, Attic Fans Mechanic, Baseboard Heating Installer, Blower Installer, Blower Mechanic, Duct Cleaner, Environmental Control System Installer Servicer

Additional resources