Heating, AC, & Refrigeration Mechanics & Installers install or repair heating, central air conditioning, HVAC, or refrigeration systems, including oil burners, hot-air furnaces, and heating stoves.
You’ll need to be skilled in troubleshooting, equipment maintenance, repairing, operation monitoring, installation, problem sensitivity, near vision, visualization, arm-hand steadiness, and finger dexterity.
Annual Wage
Entry - $28,055
Mean - $39,598
Experienced - $45,369
Hourly Wage
Entry - $13
Mean - $19
Experienced - $22
Many HVACR technicians receive 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.
High school students interested in becoming an HVACR technician should take courses in vocational education, math, and physics. Knowledge of plumbing or electrical work and a basic understanding of electronics is also helpful.
The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) requires all technicians who buy, handle or work with refrigerants to be certified in proper refrigerant handling. Many trade schools, unions, and employer associations offer training programs designed to prepare students for the EPA certification exam. In addition, some states and localities require HVACR technicians to be licensed; check with your state and locality for more information.
There are 3,450 annual projected job openings in Texas this year!
