HVAC Technicians Description OES Code: 859020 (HVAC – Heating, Ventilation, and Air Conditioning) Install and repair heating, air conditioning, and refrigerating systems. Duties include installation and repair of oil burners, hot-air furnaces, heating stoves, and similar equipment in homes and commercial establishments, using hand and pipe threading tools. Includes the installation and repair of cooling and central air conditioning systems. CA Wages/hour:nonunion median range New, no experience: $7.00 minimum – $12.59 New, experienced: $11.99 minimum – $23.00 3 yrs+ experience: $15.00 $6.50 – $30.00 CA Wages/hour:union median range New, no experience: $10.00 $6.00 – $17.00 New, experienced: $17.00 $8.00 – $32.00 3 yrs+ experience: $24.00 $10.00 – $40.00 The salaries for Heating, Air Conditioning, and Refrigeration Mechanics vary due to experience, location, and unionization. Local Wages • CCOIS Survey • OES Survey Hours & Benefits Almost all HVAC staff are full time and work 40 hours per week. Most employers report that they provide medical, and dental plans in addition to vacation and retirement. Employment Trends Employment 1996 11,560 Projected Employment 2006 13,990 Growth Rate 1996-2006 21% Openings due to Separations 2,990 Employment Trends by California County Heating, Air Conditioning, and Refrigeration Mechanics rank among the top fifty fastest growth occupations in California. As the population and economy grow, so does the demand for new residential, commercial, and climate control systems. Concern for the environment and energy conservation should continue to prompt the development of new energy saving heating and air conditioning systems. Better systems will also lead to the replacement of older ones. Advancement Many service and maintenance shops are small with little chance for advancement. In larger shops, journey level mechanics can advance to supervisory positions. Some mechanics can become self-employed. Getting the Job & Other Information Heating, Air Conditioning, and Refrigeration Mechanics can find work by applying directly to employers, by registering with a union, and by applying to offices of the California Employment Development Department (EDD). Apprenticeship candidates should inquire at the training office of the Apprenticeship Coordinator at the union or contact the EDD office in their area. Refrigeration Service Engineers Society 1666 Rand Road Des Plaines, IL 60016 (847) 297-6464 National Association of Plumbing, Heating, and Cooling Contractors P.O. Box 6808 Falls Church, VA 22040 (800) 533-7694 Air Conditioning and Refrigeration Institute 4301 Fairfax Drive, Suite 425 Arlington, VA 22203 (703) 524-8800 For current job listings, browse CalJOBS or America's Job Bank.

Click arrow at bottom left of image to begin. Requires QuickTime Education and Training A high school diploma or its equivalent is required for most mechanic jobs. A person should have an aptitude for mechanical work and the ability to analyze problems and absorb technical data. Courses in mathematics, physics, chemistry, mechanical drawing, and shop are highly recommended. Mechanics must comprehend and use a variety of communication techniques in their work. A mechanic must be able read and understand technical materials such as codes and regulations, installation, maintenance, and service manuals, flowcharts, tables, and graphs. They must also be able to keep technical and diagnostic notes and compile data to complete reports, forms, records, warranties, invoices, and contracts. In highly unionized areas, the usual training for mechanics is a four to five year apprenticeship program. The minimum age for admission is 18 years. Applicants must achieve a passing score on a written examination and an oral test measuring motivation to enter the program. The training consists of classroom work combined with on-the-job-training. Skills & Other Requirements Mechanics must understand and apply math concepts in performing their duties. They must be able to compute formulas and equations such as volumes, pressures, and degrees. They must have the ability to measure distance, angles, circles, arcs, temperature, weight, volume, and pressure. Identification and interpretation of geometric figures, graphs, scales, and gauge indications is also required. Mechanics are required to know the scientific principles that are central to their job duties. They must show an understanding of the principles of heat transfer, combustion, temperature, pressure, electricity, and magnetism. Further, Mechanics must understand the concepts of electrical measurement, chemical reactions, and physical and chemical properties of commonly used substances such as refrigerants and hydrocarbons. In areas that are not highly unionized, many mechanics learn the trade by working as helpers to experienced mechanics. There are several technical schools and company sponsored training courses available that offer classes in heating and air conditioning, such as electric or gas heating, packaged cooling or trouble shooting techniques. Many community colleges offer certificate programs in heating, air conditioning and refrigeration technology.   References Note: The references below (and/or on other parts of this page) will link to pages on the internet outside the Career Video system. California Occupational Guide: Heating, Ventilation, and Air Conditioning Mechnaics 32 Related Occupation: Sheet Metal Workers #49, Plumbers #173, Stationary Engineers #234 Training: California State Training Inventory © State of California EDD/LMID, US Department of Labor Unless indicated otherwise, wage data is based on Statewide aggregated CCOIS survey responses between 1995 and 1997. Questions or Comments? Contact us.