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The differences between hvac helpers and hvac installation 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 hvac helper and a hvac installation technician. Additionally, a hvac installation technician has an average salary of $49,184, 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 installation technician are customer service, HVAC, and plumbing.
| Hvac Helper | Hvac Installation Technician | |
| Yearly salary | $30,491 | $49,184 |
| Hourly rate | $14.66 | $23.65 |
| Growth rate | 5% | 5% |
| Number of jobs | 31,508 | 127,174 |
| Job satisfaction | - | - |
| Most common degree | High School Diploma, 44% | High School Diploma, 30% |
| 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.
HVAC technicians are those who install, repair, or maintain heating, ventilation, air conditioning, and refrigeration systems controlling a building's air quality and temperature. They are assigned by technicians to travel to customers to resolve any HVAC-associated issue. Their job involves laying out, designing, and installing low voltage electrical wiring. They test tubing and pipe joints or any connection for leaks. Also, they record and report materials, deficiencies, faults, and occurrences on work.
Hvac helpers and hvac installation technicians have different pay scales, as shown below.
| Hvac Helper | Hvac Installation Technician | |
| Average salary | $30,491 | $49,184 |
| Salary range | Between $25,000 And $36,000 | Between $33,000 And $72,000 |
| Highest paying City | Redmond, WA | Springfield, MA |
| Highest paying state | Rhode Island | Massachusetts |
| Best paying company | PEARCE | Horizon Services |
| Best paying industry | Energy | Professional |
There are a few differences between a hvac helper and a hvac installation technician in terms of educational background:
| Hvac Helper | Hvac Installation Technician | |
| Most common degree | High School Diploma, 44% | High School Diploma, 30% |
| 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 installation technicians' demographics:
| Hvac Helper | Hvac Installation Technician | |
| Average age | 39 | 40 |
| Gender ratio | Male, 97.0% Female, 3.0% | Male, 97.4% Female, 2.6% |
| 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, 7.8% Unknown, 4.2% Hispanic or Latino, 22.2% Asian, 2.6% White, 62.5% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.7% |
| LGBT Percentage | 4% | 2% |