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The differences between hvac mechanics and technicians 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 technician takes usually requires 1-2 years. Additionally, a hvac mechanic has an average salary of $50,752, which is higher than the $38,045 average annual salary of a technician.
The top three skills for a hvac mechanic include hand tools, HVAC and ventilation. The most important skills for a technician are patients, customer service, and patient care.
| Hvac Mechanic | Technician | |
| Yearly salary | $50,752 | $38,045 |
| Hourly rate | $24.40 | $18.29 |
| Growth rate | 5% | 1% |
| Number of jobs | 73,057 | 596,842 |
| Job satisfaction | - | 2 |
| Most common degree | Associate Degree, 25% | Bachelor's Degree, 32% |
| Average age | 40 | 40 |
| 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.
Technicians are skilled professionals who primarily work with technology in different industries. They are knowledgeable about the technical aspects of the various items they work with. They are usually working with electricity or with technological advancements. Technicians may be assigned to do the construction of equipment or materials related to their field of study. They may also be assigned to conduct diagnostics and other maintenance activities to ensure that the equipment works properly. Technicians may also be required to conduct basic repairs in case of problems. It is important that technicians have good analytical skills and decision-making skills.
Hvac mechanics and technicians have different pay scales, as shown below.
| Hvac Mechanic | Technician | |
| Average salary | $50,752 | $38,045 |
| Salary range | Between $34,000 And $73,000 | Between $24,000 And $58,000 |
| Highest paying City | Brookline, MA | San Jose, CA |
| Highest paying state | Washington | Hawaii |
| Best paying company | American Residential Services | Microsoft |
| Best paying industry | Manufacturing | Telecommunication |
There are a few differences between a hvac mechanic and a technician in terms of educational background:
| Hvac Mechanic | Technician | |
| Most common degree | Associate Degree, 25% | Bachelor's Degree, 32% |
| Most common major | Heating And Air Conditioning | Business |
| Most common college | Dunwoody College of Technology | - |
Here are the differences between hvac mechanics' and technicians' demographics:
| Hvac Mechanic | Technician | |
| Average age | 40 | 40 |
| Gender ratio | Male, 97.5% Female, 2.5% | Male, 75.2% Female, 24.8% |
| 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, 9.4% Unknown, 4.2% Hispanic or Latino, 19.4% Asian, 4.9% White, 61.2% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.8% |
| LGBT Percentage | 2% | 2% |