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Installer apprentice vs lead hvac technician

The differences between installer apprentices and lead 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 lead hvac technician. Additionally, a lead hvac technician has an average salary of $51,139, 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 lead hvac technician are ventilation, plumbing, and preventive maintenance.

Installer apprentice vs lead hvac technician overview

Installer ApprenticeLead Hvac Technician
Yearly salary$37,507$51,139
Hourly rate$18.03$24.59
Growth rate5%5%
Number of jobs21,75164,060
Job satisfaction--
Most common degreeHigh School Diploma, 43%Associate Degree, 33%
Average age4040
Years of experience44

Installer apprentice vs lead hvac technician salary

Installer apprentices and lead hvac technicians have different pay scales, as shown below.

Installer ApprenticeLead Hvac Technician
Average salary$37,507$51,139
Salary rangeBetween $28,000 And $49,000Between $34,000 And $74,000
Highest paying CitySacramento, CASan Francisco, CA
Highest paying stateAlaskaAlaska
Best paying companyKohler Co.Carrier
Best paying industryTransportationHealth Care

Differences between installer apprentice and lead hvac technician education

There are a few differences between an installer apprentice and a lead hvac technician in terms of educational background:

Installer ApprenticeLead Hvac Technician
Most common degreeHigh School Diploma, 43%Associate Degree, 33%
Most common majorBusinessHeating And Air Conditioning
Most common collegeStanford UniversityDunwoody College of Technology

Installer apprentice vs lead hvac technician demographics

Here are the differences between installer apprentices' and lead hvac technicians' demographics:

Installer ApprenticeLead Hvac Technician
Average age4040
Gender ratioMale, 96.3% Female, 3.7%Male, 98.2% Female, 1.8%
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, 8.9% Unknown, 4.2% Hispanic or Latino, 19.8% Asian, 2.7% White, 63.7% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.7%
LGBT Percentage2%2%

Differences between installer apprentice and lead hvac technician 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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Lead hvac technician example responsibilities.

  • Make sure that the department is complying with OSHA and EPA guidelines.
  • Research and recommend changes in water treatment to reduce replacement of parts in humidifiers.
  • Work with mechanical, electrical and plumbing contractors to gather quotes for repairs and capital projects.
  • Repair, installation, maintenance of HVAC, and plumbing equipment as well as customer service.
  • Repair and replace light fixtures, dimmer switches, outlets, ceiling fans and outlets and fixtures.
  • Supervise install helpers and install heating air conditioning and ventilation.
  • Show more

Installer apprentice vs lead hvac technician skills

Common installer apprentice skills
  • HVAC, 22%
  • Plumbing, 10%
  • Hand Tools, 9%
  • Ladders, 8%
  • Tape Measure, 7%
  • OSHA, 6%
Common lead hvac technician skills
  • Ventilation, 49%
  • Plumbing, 3%
  • Preventive Maintenance, 3%
  • Heat Pumps, 3%
  • Routine Maintenance, 3%
  • Safety Procedures, 3%

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