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The differences between hvac helpers and hvac 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 helper and a hvac apprentice. Additionally, a hvac apprentice has an average salary of $34,073, which is higher than the $30,491 average annual salary of a hvac helper.
The top three skills for a hvac helper include hand tools, ladders and air handlers. The most important skills for a hvac apprentice are customer service, customer satisfaction, and preventative maintenance.
| Hvac Helper | Hvac Apprentice | |
| Yearly salary | $30,491 | $34,073 |
| Hourly rate | $14.66 | $16.38 |
| Growth rate | 5% | 5% |
| Number of jobs | 31,508 | 25,483 |
| Job satisfaction | - | - |
| Most common degree | High School Diploma, 44% | High School Diploma, 44% |
| Average age | 39 | 40 |
| Years of experience | 4 | 4 |
If someone has prior training in HVAC systems, but does not have an advanced degree, then they may do well working as an HVAC helper. HVAC helpers are required to carry out installation, troubleshooting, repair, and maintenance of both commercial and residential HVAC systems. They are also required to operate a variety of power and hand tools. This position requires someone who is physically fit, dexterous, and ready to follow instructions.
Heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) apprentices are trainees who work under HVAC maintenance workers. They train under HVAC maintenance workers to gain actual, on-the-job experience. To be an apprentice, one should have a formal training background related to HVAC repair and maintenance. They may be enrolled in a technical-vocational school specializing in HVAC repair and maintenance. As such, apprenticeship is part of their curriculum or class requirements. During their apprenticeship, HVAC apprentices will experience installing, diagnosing, repair, and maintaining HVAC units firsthand.
Hvac helpers and hvac apprentices have different pay scales, as shown below.
| Hvac Helper | Hvac Apprentice | |
| Average salary | $30,491 | $34,073 |
| Salary range | Between $25,000 And $36,000 | Between $26,000 And $43,000 |
| Highest paying City | Redmond, WA | Gaithersburg, MD |
| Highest paying state | Rhode Island | Alaska |
| Best paying company | PEARCE | Johnson Controls |
| Best paying industry | Energy | Health Care |
There are a few differences between a hvac helper and a hvac apprentice in terms of educational background:
| Hvac Helper | Hvac Apprentice | |
| Most common degree | High School Diploma, 44% | High School Diploma, 44% |
| Most common major | Heating And Air Conditioning | Heating And Air Conditioning |
| Most common college | - | Dunwoody College of Technology |
Here are the differences between hvac helpers' and hvac apprentices' demographics:
| Hvac Helper | Hvac Apprentice | |
| Average age | 39 | 40 |
| Gender ratio | Male, 97.0% Female, 3.0% | Male, 97.0% Female, 3.0% |
| Race ratio | Black or African American, 13.7% Unknown, 5.8% Hispanic or Latino, 19.0% Asian, 4.4% White, 55.9% American Indian and Alaska Native, 1.3% | Black or African American, 8.3% Unknown, 4.2% Hispanic or Latino, 19.2% Asian, 2.7% White, 64.9% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.7% |
| LGBT Percentage | 4% | 2% |