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Hvac mechanic vs installer apprentice

The differences between hvac mechanics and installer apprentices 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 installer apprentice. Additionally, a hvac mechanic has an average salary of $50,752, which is higher than the $37,507 average annual salary of an installer apprentice.

The top three skills for a hvac mechanic include hand tools, HVAC and ventilation. The most important skills for an installer apprentice are HVAC, plumbing, and hand tools.

Hvac mechanic vs installer apprentice overview

Hvac MechanicInstaller Apprentice
Yearly salary$50,752$37,507
Hourly rate$24.40$18.03
Growth rate5%5%
Number of jobs73,05721,751
Job satisfaction--
Most common degreeAssociate Degree, 25%High School Diploma, 43%
Average age4040
Years of experience44

What does a hvac mechanic do?

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.

What does an installer apprentice do?

An elevator installer apprentice is a trainee who trains under a skilled elevator installer to install, fix, and maintain elevators, escalators, and other lifts. Elevator installer apprentices must assist in assembling elevator cars as well as connecting electrical wiring to control panels and electric motors. They are required to test installed equipment to ensure that it meets specifications and standards. Elevator installer apprentices must also conduct preventive maintenance and inspections of elevators on a scheduled basis to ensure compliance with safety regulations and building codes.

Hvac mechanic vs installer apprentice salary

Hvac mechanics and installer apprentices have different pay scales, as shown below.

Hvac MechanicInstaller Apprentice
Average salary$50,752$37,507
Salary rangeBetween $34,000 And $73,000Between $28,000 And $49,000
Highest paying CityBrookline, MASacramento, CA
Highest paying stateWashingtonAlaska
Best paying companyAmerican Residential ServicesKohler Co.
Best paying industryManufacturingTransportation

Differences between hvac mechanic and installer apprentice education

There are a few differences between a hvac mechanic and an installer apprentice in terms of educational background:

Hvac MechanicInstaller Apprentice
Most common degreeAssociate Degree, 25%High School Diploma, 43%
Most common majorHeating And Air ConditioningBusiness
Most common collegeDunwoody College of TechnologyStanford University

Hvac mechanic vs installer apprentice demographics

Here are the differences between hvac mechanics' and installer apprentices' demographics:

Hvac MechanicInstaller Apprentice
Average age4040
Gender ratioMale, 97.5% Female, 2.5%Male, 96.3% Female, 3.7%
Race ratioBlack 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, 8.4% Unknown, 4.2% Hispanic or Latino, 21.2% Asian, 2.7% White, 62.9% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.7%
LGBT Percentage2%2%

Differences between hvac mechanic and installer apprentice duties and responsibilities

Hvac mechanic example responsibilities.

  • General maintenance include plumbing, carpentry, electrical repair and installation.
  • work on motors, belts, electrical wiring and plc programing.
  • Perform all duties within the specified safety regulations of OSHA, the company and the position.
  • Repair damage chill water coils, install air handlers, condensers and through the wall heat pumps on campus.
  • Act as part of the HazMat team to clean up and evacuate any areas of any chemical spills or leaks.
  • Experience in sheet-metal fabrication and light plumbing
  • Show more

Installer apprentice example responsibilities.

  • Position electric motor and equipment on top of elevator shaft, using hoists and cable slings
  • Raise and move heavy machinery and equipment, using hoists, dollies, rollers, wire rope and cable slings.
  • Test and run system 1 ton - 20 ton.
  • Repair wiring, plumbing, equipment, and machinery.
  • Change elevator call, floor, tire, and switches.
  • Install fencing products for customers, including wood, chain link, and PVC.
  • Show more

Hvac mechanic vs installer apprentice skills

Common hvac mechanic skills
  • Hand Tools, 15%
  • HVAC, 11%
  • Ventilation, 7%
  • Ladders, 7%
  • EPA, 6%
  • Preventive Maintenance, 4%
Common installer apprentice skills
  • HVAC, 22%
  • Plumbing, 10%
  • Hand Tools, 9%
  • Ladders, 8%
  • Tape Measure, 7%
  • OSHA, 6%

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