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The differences between hvac controls technicians and installer apprentices can be seen in a few details. Each job has different responsibilities and duties. It typically takes 2-4 years to become both a hvac controls technician and an installer apprentice. Additionally, a hvac controls technician has an average salary of $54,632, which is higher than the $37,507 average annual salary of an installer apprentice.
The top three skills for a hvac controls technician include mechanical systems, customer satisfaction and hand tools. The most important skills for an installer apprentice are HVAC, plumbing, and hand tools.
| Hvac Controls Technician | Installer Apprentice | |
| Yearly salary | $54,632 | $37,507 |
| Hourly rate | $26.27 | $18.03 |
| Growth rate | 5% | 5% |
| Number of jobs | 81,166 | 21,751 |
| Job satisfaction | - | - |
| Most common degree | Associate Degree, 49% | High School Diploma, 43% |
| Average age | 40 | 40 |
| Years of experience | 4 | 4 |
An HVAC controls technician specializes in installing and repairing heating, ventilation, and air-conditioning control systems. Among their responsibilities include liaising with clients to identify their needs, troubleshooting errors, repairing and replacing parts, and setting up control panels and sensors. They may also provide clients with cost-estimates, discuss the extent of repairs, and educate them on operating and taking better care of their devices. Furthermore, an HVAC controls technician may perform regular maintenance checks on systems and equipment, cleaning or fixing parts when necessary.
An elevator installer apprentice is a trainee who trains under a skilled elevator installer to install, fix, and maintain elevators, escalators, and other lifts. Elevator installer apprentices must assist in assembling elevator cars as well as connecting electrical wiring to control panels and electric motors. They are required to test installed equipment to ensure that it meets specifications and standards. Elevator installer apprentices must also conduct preventive maintenance and inspections of elevators on a scheduled basis to ensure compliance with safety regulations and building codes.
Hvac controls technicians and installer apprentices have different pay scales, as shown below.
| Hvac Controls Technician | Installer Apprentice | |
| Average salary | $54,632 | $37,507 |
| Salary range | Between $40,000 And $74,000 | Between $28,000 And $49,000 |
| Highest paying City | San Leandro, CA | Sacramento, CA |
| Highest paying state | Alaska | Alaska |
| Best paying company | Jacobs Engineering Group | Kohler Co. |
| Best paying industry | Manufacturing | Transportation |
There are a few differences between a hvac controls technician and an installer apprentice in terms of educational background:
| Hvac Controls Technician | Installer Apprentice | |
| Most common degree | Associate Degree, 49% | High School Diploma, 43% |
| Most common major | Electrical Engineering Technology | Business |
| Most common college | Duke University | Stanford University |
Here are the differences between hvac controls technicians' and installer apprentices' demographics:
| Hvac Controls Technician | Installer Apprentice | |
| Average age | 40 | 40 |
| Gender ratio | Male, 94.9% Female, 5.1% | Male, 96.3% Female, 3.7% |
| Race ratio | Black or African American, 8.4% Unknown, 4.2% Hispanic or Latino, 17.1% Asian, 2.7% White, 66.9% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.7% | Black or African American, 8.4% Unknown, 4.2% Hispanic or Latino, 21.2% Asian, 2.7% White, 62.9% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.7% |
| LGBT Percentage | 2% | 2% |