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Heating unit mechanic vs hvac-r technician

The differences between heating unit mechanics and hvac-r technicians can be seen in a few details. Each job has different responsibilities and duties. It typically takes 2-4 years to become both a heating unit mechanic and a hvac-r technician. Additionally, a hvac-r technician has an average salary of $53,354, which is higher than the $44,740 average annual salary of a heating unit mechanic.

The top three skills for a heating unit mechanic include electrical systems, technical manuals and troubleshoot. The most important skills for a hvac-r technician are HVAC/R, ventilation, and plumbing.

Heating unit mechanic vs hvac-r technician overview

Heating Unit MechanicHvac-R Technician
Yearly salary$44,740$53,354
Hourly rate$21.51$25.65
Growth rate5%5%
Number of jobs49,99185,555
Job satisfaction--
Most common degreeHigh School Diploma, 41%Associate Degree, 34%
Average age4040
Years of experience44

Heating unit mechanic vs hvac-r technician salary

Heating unit mechanics and hvac-r technicians have different pay scales, as shown below.

Heating Unit MechanicHvac-R Technician
Average salary$44,740$53,354
Salary rangeBetween $32,000 And $62,000Between $35,000 And $79,000
Highest paying City-Lynnwood, WA
Highest paying state-Washington
Best paying company-Better
Best paying industry-Health Care

Differences between heating unit mechanic and hvac-r technician education

There are a few differences between a heating unit mechanic and a hvac-r technician in terms of educational background:

Heating Unit MechanicHvac-R Technician
Most common degreeHigh School Diploma, 41%Associate Degree, 34%
Most common majorAutomotive TechnologyHeating And Air Conditioning
Most common collegeStanford UniversityDunwoody College of Technology

Heating unit mechanic vs hvac-r technician demographics

Here are the differences between heating unit mechanics' and hvac-r technicians' demographics:

Heating Unit MechanicHvac-R Technician
Average age4040
Gender ratioMale, 96.3% Female, 3.7%Male, 97.4% Female, 2.6%
Race ratioBlack or African American, 9.2% Unknown, 4.2% Hispanic or Latino, 16.7% Asian, 2.8% White, 66.4% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.7%Black or African American, 8.3% Unknown, 4.2% Hispanic or Latino, 18.9% Asian, 2.7% White, 65.1% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.7%
LGBT Percentage2%2%

Differences between heating unit mechanic and hvac-r technician duties and responsibilities

Heating unit mechanic example responsibilities.

  • Work in there fleet department repairing and diagnosis on all emergency apparatuses and ambulances and police vehicles also include maintenance schedules.
  • Perform small maintenance and IED damages on MRAP's using diagnostic testing equipment and an electronic technical manual.
  • Diagnose and troubleshot malfunctions in automotive systems and components.

Hvac-r technician example responsibilities.

  • Perform preventative maintenance, corrective maintenance and installation of refrigeration, heating, air conditioning, and ventilation and plumbing applications.
  • Install, maintain, and repair package units, split systems, boilers and other mechanical equipment.
  • Install, repair, and maintain light commercial rooftop units, boilers, controls, and other mechanical equipment.
  • Maintain all ventilation systems including preventative maintenance tasks and rebuilding of equipment when need.
  • Perform repairs and installation on HVAC/R equipment and commercial kitchen equipment for residential and commercial customers.
  • Perform maintenance and repair of HVAC/R equipment for commercial and residential applications including commercial refrigeration equipment.
  • Show more

Heating unit mechanic vs hvac-r technician skills

Common heating unit mechanic skills
  • Electrical Systems, 32%
  • Technical Manuals, 18%
  • Troubleshoot, 18%
  • Routine Maintenance, 16%
  • Water Pumps, 16%
Common hvac-r technician skills
  • HVAC/R, 11%
  • Ventilation, 8%
  • Plumbing, 6%
  • Hand Tools, 5%
  • Ladders, 5%
  • Safety Procedures, 5%

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