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The differences between hvac mechanics and air conditioning specialists 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 mechanic and an air conditioning specialist. Additionally, a hvac mechanic has an average salary of $50,752, which is higher than the $50,129 average annual salary of an air conditioning specialist.
The top three skills for a hvac mechanic include hand tools, HVAC and ventilation. The most important skills for an air conditioning specialist are NCAA, training programs, and CSCS.
| Hvac Mechanic | Air Conditioning Specialist | |
| Yearly salary | $50,752 | $50,129 |
| Hourly rate | $24.40 | $24.10 |
| Growth rate | 5% | 5% |
| Number of jobs | 73,057 | 1,637 |
| Job satisfaction | - | - |
| Most common degree | Associate Degree, 25% | Bachelor's Degree, 66% |
| Average age | 40 | 40 |
| Years of experience | 4 | 4 |
An HVAC mechanic specializes in installing and repairing heating, ventilation, and air conditioning systems, ensuring quality and efficiency. Their responsibilities revolve around communicating with clients to identify their needs, troubleshooting, identifying the root of issues, and performing corrective measures. They may also perform regular maintenance checks to ensure that the devices are functioning efficiently and safely. Furthermore, as an HVAC mechanic, it is essential to explain the extent of repairs to the clients and recommend ways to maintain systems in good condition.
Air conditioning is essential in many parts of the globe, especially in areas where the heat index is continuously high. An air conditioning specialist helps customers find the best air conditioning unit for their home or business. Picking the right unit is not straightforward; several factors determine which unit would be most efficient for a given building. An air conditioning specialist helps customers determine the relevant factors, calculate which units would be most efficient, and pick their best option.
Hvac mechanics and air conditioning specialists have different pay scales, as shown below.
| Hvac Mechanic | Air Conditioning Specialist | |
| Average salary | $50,752 | $50,129 |
| Salary range | Between $34,000 And $73,000 | Between $33,000 And $74,000 |
| Highest paying City | Brookline, MA | Fairfield, CT |
| Highest paying state | Washington | Connecticut |
| Best paying company | American Residential Services | Allison Transmission |
| Best paying industry | Manufacturing | Education |
There are a few differences between a hvac mechanic and an air conditioning specialist in terms of educational background:
| Hvac Mechanic | Air Conditioning Specialist | |
| Most common degree | Associate Degree, 25% | Bachelor's Degree, 66% |
| Most common major | Heating And Air Conditioning | Kinesiology |
| Most common college | Dunwoody College of Technology | Northwestern University |
Here are the differences between hvac mechanics' and air conditioning specialists' demographics:
| Hvac Mechanic | Air Conditioning Specialist | |
| Average age | 40 | 40 |
| Gender ratio | Male, 97.5% Female, 2.5% | Male, 75.3% Female, 24.7% |
| Race ratio | Black or African American, 8.2% Unknown, 4.2% Hispanic or Latino, 19.7% Asian, 2.6% White, 64.5% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.7% | Black or African American, 8.5% Unknown, 4.2% Hispanic or Latino, 20.9% Asian, 2.7% White, 63.0% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.7% |
| LGBT Percentage | 2% | 2% |