Also called: HVAC Mechanic, HVACR Technician
Installs and repairs heating, cooling, and ventilation systems.
On a 98-degree day you fix three broken AC units, crawl through an attic to replace a blower motor, and install a new heat pump.
BLS May 2024 median $59,810; experienced techs with commission earn more.
Certificate, about 1 year after high school. 6-month to 2-year trade school program or apprenticeship; EPA Section 608 certification required to handle refrigerants.
Ways in: Trade school, Apprenticeship, Military, Certification. Training cost: Under $15k.
Majors to look at: HVAC Technology (trade school), Refrigeration Technology.
Growing much faster than average (about 8% over 10 years). BLS 2024-34, much faster than average.
Low risk for 10 years. Smart thermostats and AI apps help diagnose, but technicians still climb into attics and onto roofs to fix real equipment.
Classes: Physics, Algebra, HVAC or electrical CTE.
Official data: O*NET occupation 49-9021.
Career Universe is an early version. Pay, training and AI-risk figures are estimates to start your own research, not verified facts. The research was written with AI research assistants, checked by validation scripts and spot-checked by hand. Check anything important with schools, employers and official sources. How the numbers work.