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The differences between hvac mechanics 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 mechanic and a hvac technician. Additionally, a hvac technician has an average salary of $54,496, 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 technician are HVAC, customer service, and preventative maintenance.
| Hvac Mechanic | Hvac Technician | |
| Yearly salary | $50,752 | $54,496 |
| Hourly rate | $24.40 | $26.20 |
| Growth rate | 5% | 5% |
| Number of jobs | 73,057 | 86,709 |
| Job satisfaction | - | 4.5 |
| Most common degree | Associate Degree, 25% | Associate Degree, 29% |
| 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.
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 mechanics and hvac technicians have different pay scales, as shown below.
| Hvac Mechanic | Hvac Technician | |
| Average salary | $50,752 | $54,496 |
| Salary range | Between $34,000 And $73,000 | Between $36,000 And $81,000 |
| Highest paying City | Brookline, MA | Washington, DC |
| Highest paying state | Washington | Connecticut |
| Best paying company | American Residential Services | BP America Inc |
| Best paying industry | Manufacturing | Technology |
There are a few differences between a hvac mechanic and a hvac technician in terms of educational background:
| Hvac Mechanic | Hvac Technician | |
| Most common degree | Associate Degree, 25% | Associate Degree, 29% |
| 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 technicians' demographics:
| Hvac Mechanic | Hvac 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, 19.9% Asian, 2.7% White, 64.3% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.7% |
| LGBT Percentage | 2% | 2% |