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Retrofit installer vs hvac-r technician

The differences between retrofit installers and hvac-r technicians can be seen in a few details. Each job has different responsibilities and duties. It typically takes 2-4 years to become both a retrofit installer and a hvac-r technician. Additionally, a hvac-r technician has an average salary of $53,354, which is higher than the $45,826 average annual salary of a retrofit installer.

The top three skills for a retrofit installer include HVAC, retrofit and heat pumps. The most important skills for a hvac-r technician are HVAC/R, ventilation, and plumbing.

Retrofit installer vs hvac-r technician overview

Retrofit InstallerHvac-R Technician
Yearly salary$45,826$53,354
Hourly rate$22.03$25.65
Growth rate5%5%
Number of jobs15,07085,555
Job satisfaction--
Most common degreeHigh School Diploma, 47%Associate Degree, 34%
Average age4040
Years of experience44

Retrofit installer vs hvac-r technician salary

Retrofit installers and hvac-r technicians have different pay scales, as shown below.

Retrofit InstallerHvac-R Technician
Average salary$45,826$53,354
Salary rangeBetween $33,000 And $62,000Between $35,000 And $79,000
Highest paying City-Lynnwood, WA
Highest paying state-Washington
Best paying company-Better
Best paying industry-Health Care

Differences between retrofit installer and hvac-r technician education

There are a few differences between a retrofit installer and a hvac-r technician in terms of educational background:

Retrofit InstallerHvac-R Technician
Most common degreeHigh School Diploma, 47%Associate Degree, 34%
Most common majorCriminal JusticeHeating And Air Conditioning
Most common collegeSUNY College of Technology at AlfredDunwoody College of Technology

Retrofit installer vs hvac-r technician demographics

Here are the differences between retrofit installers' and hvac-r technicians' demographics:

Retrofit InstallerHvac-R Technician
Average age4040
Gender ratioMale, 97.8% Female, 2.2%Male, 97.4% Female, 2.6%
Race ratioBlack or African American, 5.2% Unknown, 4.1% Hispanic or Latino, 17.2% Asian, 2.3% White, 70.5% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.7%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%
LGBT Percentage2%2%

Differences between retrofit installer and hvac-r technician duties and responsibilities

Retrofit installer example responsibilities.

  • Move up to crew leader and also gain experience troubleshooting HVAC systems.
  • Service and install humidifiers, oven range hoods, hot water heaters, unit heaters and bath fans.
  • Retrofit fluorescent lighting at various establishments.
  • Field installation of heating, ventilation and air condition equipment for residential customers.
  • Perform installation of missing wiring receive from the production line.
  • work on walk in coolers and freezers and reach ins and ac units braze coppe.r wire units in.

Hvac-r technician example responsibilities.

  • Perform preventative maintenance, corrective maintenance and installation of refrigeration, heating, air conditioning, and ventilation and plumbing applications.
  • Install, maintain, and repair package units, split systems, boilers and other mechanical equipment.
  • Install, repair, and maintain light commercial rooftop units, boilers, controls, and other mechanical equipment.
  • Maintain all ventilation systems including preventative maintenance tasks and rebuilding of equipment when need.
  • Perform repairs and installation on HVAC/R equipment and commercial kitchen equipment for residential and commercial customers.
  • Perform maintenance and repair of HVAC/R equipment for commercial and residential applications including commercial refrigeration equipment.
  • Show more

Retrofit installer vs hvac-r technician skills

Common retrofit installer skills
  • HVAC, 42%
  • Retrofit, 33%
  • Heat Pumps, 25%
Common hvac-r technician skills
  • HVAC/R, 11%
  • Ventilation, 8%
  • Plumbing, 6%
  • Hand Tools, 5%
  • Ladders, 5%
  • Safety Procedures, 5%

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