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Median annual earning for wage and salary:
HVAC-R Mechanics and Installers (2009) $ 52,000 annual
U.S. Minimum Wage
$5.15 hourly
(Source: US Department of Labor, Bureau of Labor Statistics, May 2006)
The Bureau of Labor Statistics predicts that employment opportunities for those seeking careers as heating, ventilation and air conditioningtechnicians will be ‘excellent’. This is due to the number of expected retirements to take place, as well as the increase in buildings that require these climate-control systems. In October 2009, the average annual salary for heating, ventilation and air conditioning mechanics is $ 52,000.
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HVAC-R technicians build, maintain, and repair heating, ventilation, refrigeration and air-conditioning systems. These systems keep humidity and air quality balanced in both commercial and residential properties, as well as industrial centers.
The work of the HVAC-R technician may be complicated. Entire systems include mechanical and electrical parts, pumps, switches, electrical parts, distributors and more. For this reason those who are trained in schools offering HVAC-R certification are in demand.
It is not uncommon for graduates of HVAC-R school to specialize in a particular field of operation or repair of certain equipment including:
- Refrigeration mechanics
- Hydronics mechanics
- Furnace repair
- Air conditioning repair and/or installation
- Heating pumps mechanics
Blueprints and design specifications are followed, with the technician being required to understand what is needed and to solve sometimes extensively complicated problems. Along with simple maintenance of heating, air-conditioning, and refrigeration units, cooling and heating systems are also involved. At times critical repairs must be made in locations from a general home environment through to major industrial plants were safety standards are at risk when there is a break down. Other locations include:
- Retail buildings and stores
- Hospitals
- Schools
- Office buildings
- Factories
- Spas and health centers
Safety training is part of most HVAC-R certification training, as there are sometimes risks that come with the job, such as injury from moving and managing heavy equipment, burns, and shocks.
Those who are looking to be certified as HVAC-R technicians must attend a well accredited school. Entry level jobs are often found without much delay. After a certain period of time performing maintenance and repair and installations, HVAC-R technicians can take various certification examinations offered through organizations like the HVAC Excellence, Carbon Monoxide Safety Association, and the Refrigeration Service Engineers Coalition, to name a few.
The job outlook for HVAC-R technicians is very good. Many technicians become supervisors, instructors and may even start off in companies and end up working as independent contractors, servicing private clients and companies.
In 2006 there were approximately 292,000 HVAC-R mechanics and installers in the United States. As HVAC-R systems become more complex and the demand for breathable air and improved ventilation quality grows, the demand for trained specialists is increasing.
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