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The differences between hvac mechanics and stationary engineers can be seen in a few details. Each job has different responsibilities and duties. While it typically takes 2-4 years to become a hvac mechanic, becoming a stationary engineer takes usually requires 1-2 years. Additionally, a stationary engineer has an average salary of $69,163, 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 stationary engineer are HVAC, preventive maintenance, and plumbing.
| Hvac Mechanic | Stationary Engineer | |
| Yearly salary | $50,752 | $69,163 |
| Hourly rate | $24.40 | $33.25 |
| Growth rate | 5% | 4% |
| Number of jobs | 73,057 | 5,010 |
| Job satisfaction | - | - |
| Most common degree | Associate Degree, 25% | Associate Degree, 35% |
| Average age | 40 | 50 |
| Years of experience | 4 | 2 |
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.
Stationary Engineers are employees who are trained to operate machines and equipment. They mainly operate mechanical equipment, boilers, steam engines, and other stationary engines. They are also trained to conduct maintenance checks and basic repairs on such equipment. Stationary Engineers should be able to read gauges on the machines and assess the fuel levels. They are expected to monitor the machines and equipment and to track the operations. They are also expected to record and document the performance of the equipment. Sationary Engineers should know how to test the quality of the machines' outputs. This would help them manage the equipment.
Hvac mechanics and stationary engineers have different pay scales, as shown below.
| Hvac Mechanic | Stationary Engineer | |
| Average salary | $50,752 | $69,163 |
| Salary range | Between $34,000 And $73,000 | Between $44,000 And $107,000 |
| Highest paying City | Brookline, MA | Santa Rosa, CA |
| Highest paying state | Washington | New York |
| Best paying company | American Residential Services | UCSF Benioff Children's Hospital |
| Best paying industry | Manufacturing | Health Care |
There are a few differences between a hvac mechanic and a stationary engineer in terms of educational background:
| Hvac Mechanic | Stationary Engineer | |
| Most common degree | Associate Degree, 25% | Associate Degree, 35% |
| Most common major | Heating And Air Conditioning | Heating And Air Conditioning |
| Most common college | Dunwoody College of Technology | - |
Here are the differences between hvac mechanics' and stationary engineers' demographics:
| Hvac Mechanic | Stationary Engineer | |
| Average age | 40 | 50 |
| Gender ratio | Male, 97.5% Female, 2.5% | Male, 97.0% Female, 3.0% |
| 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, 11.0% Unknown, 4.5% Hispanic or Latino, 17.4% Asian, 7.6% White, 59.1% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.5% |
| LGBT Percentage | 2% | 4% |