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The differences between hvac mechanics 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 mechanic and a hvac-r technician. Additionally, a hvac-r technician has an average salary of $53,354, which is higher than the $50,752 average annual salary of a hvac mechanic.
The top three skills for a hvac mechanic include hand tools, HVAC and ventilation. The most important skills for a hvac-r technician are HVAC/R, ventilation, and plumbing.
| Hvac Mechanic | Hvac-R Technician | |
| Yearly salary | $50,752 | $53,354 |
| Hourly rate | $24.40 | $25.65 |
| Growth rate | 5% | 5% |
| Number of jobs | 73,057 | 85,555 |
| Job satisfaction | - | - |
| Most common degree | Associate Degree, 25% | Associate Degree, 34% |
| 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.
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 mechanics and hvac-r technicians have different pay scales, as shown below.
| Hvac Mechanic | Hvac-R Technician | |
| Average salary | $50,752 | $53,354 |
| Salary range | Between $34,000 And $73,000 | Between $35,000 And $79,000 |
| Highest paying City | Brookline, MA | Lynnwood, WA |
| Highest paying state | Washington | Washington |
| Best paying company | American Residential Services | Better |
| Best paying industry | Manufacturing | Health Care |
There are a few differences between a hvac mechanic and a hvac-r technician in terms of educational background:
| Hvac Mechanic | Hvac-R Technician | |
| Most common degree | Associate Degree, 25% | Associate Degree, 34% |
| Most common major | Heating And Air Conditioning | Heating And Air Conditioning |
| Most common college | Dunwoody College of Technology | Dunwoody College of Technology |
Here are the differences between hvac mechanics' and hvac-r technicians' demographics:
| Hvac Mechanic | Hvac-R Technician | |
| Average age | 40 | 40 |
| Gender ratio | Male, 97.5% Female, 2.5% | Male, 97.4% Female, 2.6% |
| 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, 8.3% Unknown, 4.2% Hispanic or Latino, 18.9% Asian, 2.7% White, 65.1% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.7% |
| LGBT Percentage | 2% | 2% |