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Heating, ventilation, air conditioning technician vs air conditioning specialist

The differences between heatings, ventilation air conditioning technician and air conditioning specialists 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 specialist. Additionally, an air conditioning specialist has an average salary of $50,129, 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 specialist are NCAA, training programs, and CSCS.

Heating, ventilation, air conditioning technician vs air conditioning specialist overview

Heating, Ventilation, Air Conditioning TechnicianAir Conditioning Specialist
Yearly salary$39,973$50,129
Hourly rate$19.22$24.10
Growth rate5%5%
Number of jobs9,6241,637
Job satisfaction--
Most common degreeBachelor's Degree, 31%Bachelor's Degree, 66%
Average age4040
Years of experience44

Heating, ventilation, air conditioning technician vs air conditioning specialist salary

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

Heating, Ventilation, Air Conditioning TechnicianAir Conditioning Specialist
Average salary$39,973$50,129
Salary rangeBetween $29,000 And $54,000Between $33,000 And $74,000
Highest paying City-Fairfield, CT
Highest paying state-Connecticut
Best paying company-Allison Transmission
Best paying industry-Education

Differences between heating, ventilation, air conditioning technician and air conditioning specialist education

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

Heating, Ventilation, Air Conditioning TechnicianAir Conditioning Specialist
Most common degreeBachelor's Degree, 31%Bachelor's Degree, 66%
Most common majorEnvironmental Control Technologies/TechniciansKinesiology
Most common collegeDunwoody College of TechnologyNorthwestern University

Heating, ventilation, air conditioning technician vs air conditioning specialist demographics

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

Heating, Ventilation, Air Conditioning TechnicianAir Conditioning Specialist
Average age4040
Gender ratioMale, 88.8% Female, 11.2%Male, 75.3% Female, 24.7%
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, 8.5% Unknown, 4.2% Hispanic or Latino, 20.9% Asian, 2.7% White, 63.0% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.7%
LGBT Percentage2%2%

Differences between heating, ventilation, air conditioning technician and air conditioning specialist 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 specialist example responsibilities.

  • Achieve TSA qualification and certification.
  • Design core strength, rehabilitation and conditioning programs specific for various physical conditions.
  • Design patient specific Pilates professional apparatus-post rehabilitation programs.

Heating, ventilation, air conditioning technician vs air conditioning specialist skills

Common heating, ventilation, air conditioning technician skills
  • Ventilation, 51%
  • HVAC, 32%
  • Control Systems, 9%
  • Commercial Buildings, 8%
  • Humidifiers, 0%
Common air conditioning specialist skills
  • NCAA, 29%
  • Training Programs, 28%
  • CSCS, 15%
  • Rehabilitation, 5%
  • HVAC, 5%
  • Injury Prevention, 4%

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Updated January 8, 2025

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