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The differences between hvac-r technicians and instrument technician apprentices 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-r technician, becoming an instrument technician apprentice takes usually requires 6-12 months. Additionally, a hvac-r technician has an average salary of $53,354, which is higher than the $39,849 average annual salary of an instrument technician apprentice.
The top three skills for a hvac-r technician include HVAC/R, ventilation and plumbing. The most important skills for an instrument technician apprentice are hand tools, customer satisfaction, and diagnosis.
| Hvac-R Technician | Instrument Technician Apprentice | |
| Yearly salary | $53,354 | $39,849 |
| Hourly rate | $25.65 | $19.16 |
| Growth rate | 5% | - |
| Number of jobs | 85,555 | 130,235 |
| Job satisfaction | - | - |
| Most common degree | Associate Degree, 34% | High School Diploma, 28% |
| Average age | 40 | 50 |
| Years of experience | 4 | 12 |
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.
An instrument technician apprentice is responsible for performing installation and repairs on various electrical equipment and instruments such as control panels and motors, all while under the supervision and directives of a senior or master technician. Typically, their tasks revolve around conducting regular maintenance checks, coordinating with other technicians, organizing supplies, operating electrical tools, and understanding various electronic principles. Furthermore, there are also instances where one may liaise with clients to discuss the extent of damage or repairs, building positive relationships in the process to secure a client base.
Hvac-r technicians and instrument technician apprentices have different pay scales, as shown below.
| Hvac-R Technician | Instrument Technician Apprentice | |
| Average salary | $53,354 | $39,849 |
| Salary range | Between $35,000 And $79,000 | Between $27,000 And $57,000 |
| Highest paying City | Lynnwood, WA | Hayward, CA |
| Highest paying state | Washington | Hawaii |
| Best paying company | Better | Accenture |
| Best paying industry | Health Care | Automotive |
There are a few differences between a hvac-r technician and an instrument technician apprentice in terms of educational background:
| Hvac-R Technician | Instrument Technician Apprentice | |
| Most common degree | Associate Degree, 34% | High School Diploma, 28% |
| Most common major | Heating And Air Conditioning | Automotive Technology |
| Most common college | Dunwoody College of Technology | - |
Here are the differences between hvac-r technicians' and instrument technician apprentices' demographics:
| Hvac-R Technician | Instrument Technician Apprentice | |
| Average age | 40 | 50 |
| Gender ratio | Male, 97.4% Female, 2.6% | Male, 89.9% Female, 10.1% |
| Race ratio | 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% | Black or African American, 6.3% Unknown, 4.3% Hispanic or Latino, 10.4% Asian, 8.0% White, 70.8% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.1% |
| LGBT Percentage | 2% | 8% |