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The differences between hvac helpers and refrigeration 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 refrigeration technician. Additionally, a refrigeration technician has an average salary of $50,701, 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 refrigeration technician are preventative maintenance, hand tools, and ladders.
| Hvac Helper | Refrigeration Technician | |
| Yearly salary | $30,491 | $50,701 |
| Hourly rate | $14.66 | $24.38 |
| Growth rate | 5% | 5% |
| Number of jobs | 31,508 | 131,115 |
| Job satisfaction | - | - |
| Most common degree | High School Diploma, 44% | Associate Degree, 31% |
| 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.
A refrigeration technician is responsible for managing refrigeration and cooling systems for private households and commercial establishments. Refrigeration technicians install refrigeration components, requiring them to have an excellent analysis of blueprints and schematics. They inspect the system components and inform the household owners and management for preventive maintenance and troubleshooting for minor defects and inconsistencies, as well as calculating costs and materials for repairs. A refrigeration technician must be well-equipped with mechanical knowledge to identify failures and upgrade units as necessary.
Hvac helpers and refrigeration technicians have different pay scales, as shown below.
| Hvac Helper | Refrigeration Technician | |
| Average salary | $30,491 | $50,701 |
| Salary range | Between $25,000 And $36,000 | Between $33,000 And $75,000 |
| Highest paying City | Redmond, WA | Baltimore, MD |
| Highest paying state | Rhode Island | Delaware |
| Best paying company | PEARCE | Micron Technology |
| Best paying industry | Energy | Manufacturing |
There are a few differences between a hvac helper and a refrigeration technician in terms of educational background:
| Hvac Helper | Refrigeration Technician | |
| Most common degree | High School Diploma, 44% | Associate Degree, 31% |
| Most common major | Heating And Air Conditioning | Heating And Air Conditioning |
| Most common college | - | - |
Here are the differences between hvac helpers' and refrigeration technicians' demographics:
| Hvac Helper | Refrigeration Technician | |
| Average age | 39 | 40 |
| Gender ratio | Male, 97.0% Female, 3.0% | Male, 97.2% Female, 2.8% |
| 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, 7.2% Unknown, 4.1% Hispanic or Latino, 23.7% Asian, 2.5% White, 61.6% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.7% |
| LGBT Percentage | 4% | 2% |