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The differences between hvac technicians and journeymen 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 technician and a journeyman. Additionally, a journeyman has an average salary of $57,682, which is higher than the $54,496 average annual salary of a hvac technician.
The top three skills for a hvac technician include HVAC, customer service and preventative maintenance. The most important skills for a journeyman are hand tools, work ethic, and HVAC.
| Hvac Technician | Journeyman | |
| Yearly salary | $54,496 | $57,682 |
| Hourly rate | $26.20 | $27.73 |
| Growth rate | 5% | 2% |
| Number of jobs | 86,709 | 13,953 |
| Job satisfaction | 4.5 | - |
| Most common degree | Associate Degree, 29% | Associate Degree, 31% |
| Average age | 40 | 42 |
| Years of experience | 4 | 4 |
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.
A journeyman is an experienced worker whose role will vary on the line of industry where one is involved. They work without supervision from a master craftsman. Most of the responsibilities will revolve around performing manual work such as carpentry, plumbing, electrical and mechanical tasks, and other forms of trade. Furthermore, a journeyman can choose whether to work independently or to be part of a business entity. They can also recruit and train an apprentice, or even pursue to become a master in their preferred field.
Hvac technicians and journeymen have different pay scales, as shown below.
| Hvac Technician | Journeyman | |
| Average salary | $54,496 | $57,682 |
| Salary range | Between $36,000 And $81,000 | Between $39,000 And $83,000 |
| Highest paying City | Washington, DC | San Francisco, CA |
| Highest paying state | Connecticut | Washington |
| Best paying company | BP America Inc | CVR Energy |
| Best paying industry | Technology | Construction |
There are a few differences between a hvac technician and a journeyman in terms of educational background:
| Hvac Technician | Journeyman | |
| Most common degree | Associate Degree, 29% | Associate Degree, 31% |
| Most common major | Heating And Air Conditioning | Business |
| Most common college | Dunwoody College of Technology | - |
Here are the differences between hvac technicians' and journeymen' demographics:
| Hvac Technician | Journeyman | |
| Average age | 40 | 42 |
| Gender ratio | Male, 97.4% Female, 2.6% | Male, 87.2% Female, 12.8% |
| Race ratio | 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% | Black or African American, 7.3% Unknown, 4.7% Hispanic or Latino, 23.2% Asian, 1.6% White, 62.0% American Indian and Alaska Native, 1.1% |
| LGBT Percentage | 2% | 2% |