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The differences between hvac helpers and hvac-r 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-r technician. Additionally, a hvac-r technician has an average salary of $53,354, 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-r technician are HVAC/R, ventilation, and plumbing.
| Hvac Helper | Hvac-R Technician | |
| Yearly salary | $30,491 | $53,354 |
| Hourly rate | $14.66 | $25.65 |
| Growth rate | 5% | 5% |
| Number of jobs | 31,508 | 85,555 |
| Job satisfaction | - | - |
| Most common degree | High School Diploma, 44% | Associate Degree, 34% |
| 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-R Technicians are responsible for the repair, maintenance, and installation of heating, ventilation, air conditioning, and refrigeration (HVAC-R) systems. Their duties include repairing, maintaining, and installing HVAC-R equipment and systems, inspect equipment maintenance risks, diagnose mechanical and electrical faults, adjusting and cleaning systems, and carrying out warranty services. They maintain accurate maintenance records, assist with customer inquiries, give technical direction, provide mentorship to the junior technicians as well as ensure work complies with service, appliance, and safety standards.
Hvac helpers and hvac-r technicians have different pay scales, as shown below.
| Hvac Helper | Hvac-R Technician | |
| Average salary | $30,491 | $53,354 |
| Salary range | Between $25,000 And $36,000 | Between $35,000 And $79,000 |
| Highest paying City | Redmond, WA | Lynnwood, WA |
| Highest paying state | Rhode Island | Washington |
| Best paying company | PEARCE | Better |
| Best paying industry | Energy | Health Care |
There are a few differences between a hvac helper and a hvac-r technician in terms of educational background:
| Hvac Helper | Hvac-R Technician | |
| Most common degree | High School Diploma, 44% | Associate Degree, 34% |
| 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-r technicians' demographics:
| Hvac Helper | Hvac-R 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, 8.3% Unknown, 4.2% Hispanic or Latino, 18.9% Asian, 2.7% White, 65.1% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.7% |
| LGBT Percentage | 4% | 2% |