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Installer apprentice vs air-conditioning mechanic

The differences between installer apprentices and air-conditioning mechanics can be seen in a few details. Each job has different responsibilities and duties. It typically takes 2-4 years to become both an installer apprentice and an air-conditioning mechanic. Additionally, an air-conditioning mechanic has an average salary of $44,852, which is higher than the $37,507 average annual salary of an installer apprentice.

The top three skills for an installer apprentice include HVAC, plumbing and hand tools. The most important skills for an air-conditioning mechanic are ladders, ventilation, and condensers.

Installer apprentice vs air-conditioning mechanic overview

Installer ApprenticeAir-Conditioning Mechanic
Yearly salary$37,507$44,852
Hourly rate$18.03$21.56
Growth rate5%5%
Number of jobs21,75135,226
Job satisfaction--
Most common degreeHigh School Diploma, 43%Associate Degree, 26%
Average age4040
Years of experience44

Installer apprentice vs air-conditioning mechanic salary

Installer apprentices and air-conditioning mechanics have different pay scales, as shown below.

Installer ApprenticeAir-Conditioning Mechanic
Average salary$37,507$44,852
Salary rangeBetween $28,000 And $49,000Between $32,000 And $62,000
Highest paying CitySacramento, CASan Francisco, CA
Highest paying stateAlaskaAlaska
Best paying companyKohler Co.Halifax Health
Best paying industryTransportationHealth Care

Differences between installer apprentice and air-conditioning mechanic education

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

Installer ApprenticeAir-Conditioning Mechanic
Most common degreeHigh School Diploma, 43%Associate Degree, 26%
Most common majorBusinessEnvironmental Control Technologies/Technicians
Most common collegeStanford UniversityDunwoody College of Technology

Installer apprentice vs air-conditioning mechanic demographics

Here are the differences between installer apprentices' and air-conditioning mechanics' demographics:

Installer ApprenticeAir-Conditioning Mechanic
Average age4040
Gender ratioMale, 96.3% Female, 3.7%Male, 94.9% Female, 5.1%
Race ratioBlack 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%Black or African American, 7.3% Unknown, 4.1% Hispanic or Latino, 23.1% Asian, 2.5% White, 62.2% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.7%
LGBT Percentage2%2%

Differences between installer apprentice and air-conditioning mechanic duties and responsibilities

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.
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Air-conditioning mechanic example responsibilities.

  • Maintain the equipment by reassembling the evaporators, condensers and receivers, repackaging the valves.
  • Repair freezers, swamp coolers, condensers, pumps and other relate equipment.
  • Maintain drains, PVC, piping, and systems for inspectional services reviews.
  • Experience in soldering and brazing for heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration piping.
  • Install and repair ventilation systems in the dining facility and buildings (whole compound).
  • Specialize in brazing copper pipe (flexible and hard) and the installation of duct/ventilation system according to blueprint.
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Installer apprentice vs air-conditioning mechanic skills

Common installer apprentice skills
  • HVAC, 22%
  • Plumbing, 10%
  • Hand Tools, 9%
  • Ladders, 8%
  • Tape Measure, 7%
  • OSHA, 6%
Common air-conditioning mechanic skills
  • Ladders, 10%
  • Ventilation, 9%
  • Condensers, 5%
  • Hand Tools, 5%
  • Preventative Maintenance, 4%
  • Ice Machines, 4%

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