Top Skills for This Career
BLS identifies these as the three highest-rated skills for this detailed occupation. TrustInEd adds the plain-language explanations so visitors understand what each skill means.
Paying close attention to accuracy, quality, instructions, and small but important details.
Identifying problems, considering possible solutions, and choosing appropriate actions.
Adjusting effectively when priorities, conditions, tools, or expectations change.
How Do You Prepare for This Career?
BLS describes the typical preparation for this occupation. Requirements can vary by employer, state, licensing rules and individual circumstances.
How to Become One
How to Become a Heating, Air Conditioning, or Refrigeration Mechanic and Installer HVAC technicians must be able to identify problems with malfunctioning systems and determine the best way to repair them. Heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanics and installers (HVAC technicians) typically need a postsecondary nondegree award, although some enter the occupation with less
Education
. Once hired, they typically have a lengthy period of on-the-job
Training
to attain competency. HVAC technicians may need a license or certification. Education and Training HVAC technicians typically need postsecondary instruction from technical and trade schools or community colleges that offer programs in heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration. These programs generally last from 6 months to 2 years and lead to a certificate or an associate’s degree. Employers sometimes consider candidates whose highest level of education is a high school diploma. High school students interested in becoming an HVAC technician should take courses in vocational education, math, and physics. Newly hired HVAC technicians typically work alongside experienced technicians. They begin with basic tasks, such as insulating refrigerant lines or cleaning furnaces. In time, they take on more difficult tasks, including cutting and soldering pipes or checking electrical circuits. Some technicians train through an apprenticeship program, which usually lasts several years. Apprenticeships include paid on-the-job training, as well as some technical instruction, each year. Over the course of the apprenticeship, technicians learn about topics such as safety practices, blueprint reading, and heating and cooling systems. They also learn to use a variety of tools.
Licenses, Certifications & Registrations
The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) requires nearly all HVAC technicians to be certified in proper refrigerant handling. Certification requires passing an exam, which is typically included as part of completing a postsecondary HVACR program. In addition, some states and localities require HVAC technicians to be licensed; check with your state and locality for more information. Information on state licensing board requirements is available from CareerOneStop. Manufacturer or industry certification is available for HVAC technicians. Many certifications are optional, although some employers prefer or require specific types. Information on certifications is available from CareerOneStop. HVAC technicians may need a driver’s license to travel to jobsites.
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Pay
the median annual wage for all workers was $50,980.
Job Outlook
Job Outlook Employment of heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanics and installers is projected to grow 11 percent from 2025 to 2035, much faster than the average for all occupations. About 40,600 openings for heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanics and installers are projected each year, on average, over the decade. Many of those openings are expected to result from the need to replace workers who transfer to different occupations or exit the labor force, such as to retire. Employment Commercial construction, including data centers, and residential building construction are expected to drive employment growth. The growing number of sophisticated climate-control systems is also expected to increase demand for heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanics and installers (HVAC technicians). Repair and replacement of HVACR systems is a large part of these technicians’ duties. Therefore, HVAC technicians will be needed to retrofit, upgrade, or replace existing climate control systems. Heating, Air Conditioning, and Refrigeration Mechanics and Installers Percent change in employment, projected 2025–35 Heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanics and installers 11% Installation, maintenance, and repair occupations 5% Total, all occupations 3% Note: All Occupations includes all occupations in the U.S. Economy.
What They Do
What Heating, Air Conditioning, and Refrigeration Mechanics and Installers Do
Heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanics and installers work on heating, ventilation, air conditioning, and refrigeration (HVACR) systems that control the temperature and air quality in buildings.
Duties
Heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanics and installers—often called HVAC technicians—typically do the following:
- Install, maintain, and repair HVACR systems
- Install electrical components and wiring
- Inspect and test HVACR systems and components
- Discuss system malfunctions with customers
- Repair or replace worn or defective parts
- Recommend maintenance to improve system performance
- Keep records of work performed
HVAC technicians ensure that heating and air conditioning systems work properly to control the temperature, humidity, and overall air quality in buildings. Some HVAC technicians specialize in one or more aspects of HVACR, such as radiant heating systems, testing and balancing, or commercial refrigeration in establishments such as grocery stores, hotels, and restaurants. In addition, some technicians focus on installing HVACR systems while others primarily repair and maintain them.
HVAC technicians who specialize in residential systems may sell service contracts to their customers, providing periodic maintenance of heating and cooling systems. The service usually includes inspecting the system, cleaning ducts, replacing filters, and checking refrigerant levels.
When installing or repairing air conditioning and refrigeration systems, technicians must follow regulations regarding the conservation, recovery, and recycling of refrigerants. These regulations concern the proper handling and disposal of fluids and pressurized gases.
For data on workers who service window air conditioners and household refrigerators, see home appliance repairers.
Work Environment
Work Environment
Heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanics and installers held about 440,900 jobs in 2025. The largest employers of heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanics and installers were as follows:
| Plumbing, heating, and air-conditioning contractors | 68% |
| Self-employed workers | 6 |
| Wholesale trade | 3 |
| Educational services; state, local, and private | 3 |
| Retail trade | 3 |
Heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanics and installers (HVAC technicians) work in homes, schools, hospitals, and other buildings. Technicians may be assigned to a single jobsite or to several locations at the beginning of the day. They then travel to each site, making service calls.
Although most technicians work indoors, some may service or repair equipment outdoors in all types of weather. Technicians often work in awkward or cramped spaces, and some work in buildings that are uncomfortable because the air conditioning or heating system is not working properly.
Injuries and Illnesses
HVAC technicians have one of the highest rates of injuries and illnesses of all occupations. Potential hazards include burns from electrical parts or chemicals and muscle strains or sprains from handling heavy equipment or machinery.
Appropriate safety equipment is necessary in handling refrigerants, which are hazardous. HVAC technicians reduce their risk of injury by using proper lifting technique and wearing personal protective equipment. This gear may include special clothing, safety goggles, or masks.
Work Schedules
Most HVAC technicians work full time, and schedules may vary to include evening or weekend shifts. They may be on call for emergencies and sometimes work overtime or irregular schedules during peak heating and cooling seasons.
Important Qualities
The following are examples of qualities that are important for these workers to perform their duties. For more information, visit the Employment Projections (EP) skills data page. Customer-service skills. HVAC technicians often work in customers’ homes or business offices, so they must be friendly, polite, and punctual. Detail oriented. HVAC technicians must maintain complete records of work performed, including the amount of time it took and specific parts and equipment that were used. Math skills. HVAC technicians need to calculate the correct load requirements to ensure that the HVACR equipment properly heats or cools the space required. Mechanical skills. HVAC technicians install and work on complicated climate-control systems, so they must understand the HVACR components and be able to properly assemble, repair, and program them, as needed. Physical stamina. HVAC technicians may be required to work in confined or uncomfortable spaces and spend many hours walking, standing, or crouching. Physical strength. HVAC technicians may have to lift and support heavy equipment and components. Problem-solving skills. HVAC technicians must be able to identify problems with malfunctioning HVACR systems and then determine the best way to repair them. Technology skills. Modern HVACR systems contain computerized components and networking features that HVAC technicians must be able to install or repair.
More Information
More Information, Including Links to O*NET
Learn more about heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanics and installers by visiting additional resources, including O*NET, a source on key characteristics of workers and occupations.
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Start with ED →Career data and occupational profile text are sourced from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Outlook Handbook and Employment Projections program. Education requirements are typical entry-level requirements and may vary by employer, state, occupation or individual circumstance. View the official BLS profile.