Refrigeration Mechanics and Installers: Salary, Job Description, How To Become One, and Quiz

Stan T.Career, Overview

HVAC Technicians

HVAC Technicians install and repair industrial and commercial refrigerating systems.

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

Personality
Interest Match



Job description

Refrigeration Mechanics and Installers install and repair industrial and commercial refrigerating systems.

  • Observe and test system operation, using gauges and instruments.
  • Test lines, components, and connections for leaks.
  • Adjust valves according to specifications and charge system with proper type of refrigerant by pumping the specified gas or fluid into the system.
  • Adjust or replace worn or defective mechanisms and parts and reassemble repaired systems.
Read more about what does a Refrigeration 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 Technicians 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 Refrigeration Mechanic and Installer is to move to a higher paying state like DC. Right now, the highest paying states for HVAC Technicians 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 Refrigeration 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 Technicians what degree they had when they got the job and most of them said they had a Post-Secondary Certificate followed by a College Certificate.

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 Refrigeration 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 Refrigeration Mechanic and Installer.

PROS
Suitable for people who likes practical and hands-on work
Suitable for people who wants independence and likes to work on their own and make decisions
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.
CONS
Not suitable for people who likes to help and teach others
Salary is below average
Long working hours (More than 40 hours per week)

What is the job like

Job satisfaction
67%

Is this job meaningful
52%


67% of HVAC Technicians said they were satisfied with their job and 52% 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 Entrepreneurs

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 starting up and carrying out projects. They like leading people and making many decisions. Sometimes they require risk taking and often deal with business.



Learn more about HVAC Technicians

Summary (You are here)
Job Description
Salary
Requirements
Quiz

Related career information

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

Similar careers

Ammonia Refrigeration Technician, Bulk Coolers Installer, Commercial Service Technician, Field Service Technician, Heating, Ventilation, Air Conditioning / Refrigeration Technician (HVAC / R Technician), Heating, Ventilation, Air Conditioning Mechanic (HVAC Mechanic), Heating, Ventilation, Air Conditioning Service Technician (HVAC Service Technician), Heating, Ventilation, Air Conditioning Technician (HVAC Technician), HVAC Mechanic (Heating, Ventilation, and Air Conditioning Mechanic), HVAC Service Technician (Heating, Ventilation, and Air Conditioning Service Technician)

Additional resources