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The differences between hvac helpers and hvac 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 technician. Additionally, a hvac technician has an average salary of $54,496, 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 technician are HVAC, customer service, and preventative maintenance.
| Hvac Helper | Hvac Technician | |
| Yearly salary | $30,491 | $54,496 |
| Hourly rate | $14.66 | $26.20 |
| Growth rate | 5% | 5% |
| Number of jobs | 31,508 | 86,709 |
| Job satisfaction | - | 4.5 |
| Most common degree | High School Diploma, 44% | Associate Degree, 29% |
| 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.
An HVAC technician is qualified personnel who installs and repairs air-conditioning and refrigeration systems that control the temperature and air quality in both residential and commercial buildings. A technician's job may include repairing of pipe that is leaking, replacing a defective mechanical part, or adjust equipment setting for better performance. However, an HVAC technician must follow government regulations and local HVAC codes and should take the licensure examination. Some HVAC technicians are working for contractors, while others are self-employed.
Hvac helpers and hvac technicians have different pay scales, as shown below.
| Hvac Helper | Hvac Technician | |
| Average salary | $30,491 | $54,496 |
| Salary range | Between $25,000 And $36,000 | Between $36,000 And $81,000 |
| Highest paying City | Redmond, WA | Washington, DC |
| Highest paying state | Rhode Island | Connecticut |
| Best paying company | PEARCE | BP America Inc |
| Best paying industry | Energy | Technology |
There are a few differences between a hvac helper and a hvac technician in terms of educational background:
| Hvac Helper | Hvac Technician | |
| Most common degree | High School Diploma, 44% | Associate Degree, 29% |
| 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 technicians' demographics:
| Hvac Helper | Hvac 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, 19.9% Asian, 2.7% White, 64.3% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.7% |
| LGBT Percentage | 4% | 2% |