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Heating, ventilation, air conditioning technician vs air-conditioning mechanic

The differences between heatings, ventilation air conditioning technician and air-conditioning mechanics 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, ventilation, air conditioning technician and an air-conditioning mechanic. Additionally, an air-conditioning mechanic has an average salary of $44,852, which is higher than the $39,973 average annual salary of a heating, ventilation, air conditioning technician.

The top three skills for a heating, ventilation, air conditioning technician include ventilation, HVAC and control systems. The most important skills for an air-conditioning mechanic are ladders, ventilation, and condensers.

Heating, ventilation, air conditioning technician vs air-conditioning mechanic overview

Heating, Ventilation, Air Conditioning TechnicianAir-Conditioning Mechanic
Yearly salary$39,973$44,852
Hourly rate$19.22$21.56
Growth rate5%5%
Number of jobs9,62435,226
Job satisfaction--
Most common degreeBachelor's Degree, 31%Associate Degree, 26%
Average age4040
Years of experience44

Heating, ventilation, air conditioning technician vs air-conditioning mechanic salary

Heatings, ventilation air conditioning technician and air-conditioning mechanics have different pay scales, as shown below.

Heating, Ventilation, Air Conditioning TechnicianAir-Conditioning Mechanic
Average salary$39,973$44,852
Salary rangeBetween $29,000 And $54,000Between $32,000 And $62,000
Highest paying City-San Francisco, CA
Highest paying state-Alaska
Best paying company-Halifax Health
Best paying industry-Health Care

Differences between heating, ventilation, air conditioning technician and air-conditioning mechanic education

There are a few differences between a heating, ventilation, air conditioning technician and an air-conditioning mechanic in terms of educational background:

Heating, Ventilation, Air Conditioning TechnicianAir-Conditioning Mechanic
Most common degreeBachelor's Degree, 31%Associate Degree, 26%
Most common majorEnvironmental Control Technologies/TechniciansEnvironmental Control Technologies/Technicians
Most common collegeDunwoody College of TechnologyDunwoody College of Technology

Heating, ventilation, air conditioning technician vs air-conditioning mechanic demographics

Here are the differences between heatings, ventilation air conditioning technician' and air-conditioning mechanics' demographics:

Heating, Ventilation, Air Conditioning TechnicianAir-Conditioning Mechanic
Average age4040
Gender ratioMale, 88.8% Female, 11.2%Male, 94.9% Female, 5.1%
Race ratioBlack or African American, 8.5% Unknown, 4.2% Hispanic or Latino, 18.2% Asian, 2.7% White, 65.6% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.7%Black or African American, 7.3% Unknown, 4.1% Hispanic or Latino, 23.1% Asian, 2.5% White, 62.2% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.7%
LGBT Percentage2%2%

Differences between heating, ventilation, air conditioning technician and air-conditioning mechanic duties and responsibilities

Heating, ventilation, air conditioning technician example responsibilities.

  • Install compressors, evaporators, motors, temperature controls, ducts, and piping.
  • Utilize proper tools for performing repairs of all types of HVAC systems to include the use of Oxygen/Acetylene torch systems.
  • Confer with customers and inform them of the status of their HVAC units and make suggestions to repair or replace units.
  • Inject small amount of refrigerant into compressor to test systems, and add freon gas to build up prescribe operating pressure.
  • Microwave ovens, refrigerators, range-oven, washer, and dryer )
  • Repair and sales of appliances; microwaves, dishwashers, clothes washers and dryers, ect.
    • Show more

Air-conditioning mechanic example responsibilities.

  • Maintain the equipment by reassembling the evaporators, condensers and receivers, repackaging the valves.
  • Repair freezers, swamp coolers, condensers, pumps and other relate equipment.
  • Maintain drains, PVC, piping, and systems for inspectional services reviews.
  • Experience in soldering and brazing for heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration piping.
  • Install and repair ventilation systems in the dining facility and buildings (whole compound).
  • Specialize in brazing copper pipe (flexible and hard) and the installation of duct/ventilation system according to blueprint.
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Heating, ventilation, air conditioning technician vs air-conditioning mechanic skills

Common heating, ventilation, air conditioning technician skills
  • Ventilation, 51%
  • HVAC, 32%
  • Control Systems, 9%
  • Commercial Buildings, 8%
  • Humidifiers, 0%
Common air-conditioning mechanic skills
  • Ladders, 10%
  • Ventilation, 9%
  • Condensers, 5%
  • Hand Tools, 5%
  • Preventative Maintenance, 4%
  • Ice Machines, 4%

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Updated January 8, 2025

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