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The differences between installer apprentices and hvac technicians 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 a hvac technician. Additionally, a hvac technician has an average salary of $54,496, 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 a hvac technician are HVAC, customer service, and preventative maintenance.
| Installer Apprentice | Hvac Technician | |
| Yearly salary | $37,507 | $54,496 |
| Hourly rate | $18.03 | $26.20 |
| Growth rate | 5% | 5% |
| Number of jobs | 21,751 | 86,709 |
| Job satisfaction | - | 4.5 |
| Most common degree | High School Diploma, 43% | Associate Degree, 29% |
| Average age | 40 | 40 |
| Years of experience | 4 | 4 |
An elevator installer apprentice is a trainee who trains under a skilled elevator installer to install, fix, and maintain elevators, escalators, and other lifts. Elevator installer apprentices must assist in assembling elevator cars as well as connecting electrical wiring to control panels and electric motors. They are required to test installed equipment to ensure that it meets specifications and standards. Elevator installer apprentices must also conduct preventive maintenance and inspections of elevators on a scheduled basis to ensure compliance with safety regulations and building codes.
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.
Installer apprentices and hvac technicians have different pay scales, as shown below.
| Installer Apprentice | Hvac Technician | |
| Average salary | $37,507 | $54,496 |
| Salary range | Between $28,000 And $49,000 | Between $36,000 And $81,000 |
| Highest paying City | Sacramento, CA | Washington, DC |
| Highest paying state | Alaska | Connecticut |
| Best paying company | Kohler Co. | BP America Inc |
| Best paying industry | Transportation | Technology |
There are a few differences between an installer apprentice and a hvac technician in terms of educational background:
| Installer Apprentice | Hvac Technician | |
| Most common degree | High School Diploma, 43% | Associate Degree, 29% |
| Most common major | Business | Heating And Air Conditioning |
| Most common college | Stanford University | Dunwoody College of Technology |
Here are the differences between installer apprentices' and hvac technicians' demographics:
| Installer Apprentice | Hvac Technician | |
| Average age | 40 | 40 |
| Gender ratio | Male, 96.3% Female, 3.7% | Male, 97.4% Female, 2.6% |
| Race ratio | Black 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, 8.3% Unknown, 4.2% Hispanic or Latino, 19.9% Asian, 2.7% White, 64.3% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.7% |
| LGBT Percentage | 2% | 2% |