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The differences between stationary engineers and hvac technicians can be seen in a few details. Each job has different responsibilities and duties. While it typically takes 1-2 years to become a stationary engineer, becoming a hvac technician takes usually requires 2-4 years. Additionally, a stationary engineer has an average salary of $69,163, which is higher than the $54,496 average annual salary of a hvac technician.
The top three skills for a stationary engineer include HVAC, preventive maintenance and plumbing. The most important skills for a hvac technician are HVAC, customer service, and preventative maintenance.
| Stationary Engineer | Hvac Technician | |
| Yearly salary | $69,163 | $54,496 |
| Hourly rate | $33.25 | $26.20 |
| Growth rate | 4% | 5% |
| Number of jobs | 5,010 | 86,709 |
| Job satisfaction | - | 4.5 |
| Most common degree | Associate Degree, 35% | Associate Degree, 29% |
| Average age | 50 | 40 |
| Years of experience | 2 | 4 |
Stationary Engineers are employees who are trained to operate machines and equipment. They mainly operate mechanical equipment, boilers, steam engines, and other stationary engines. They are also trained to conduct maintenance checks and basic repairs on such equipment. Stationary Engineers should be able to read gauges on the machines and assess the fuel levels. They are expected to monitor the machines and equipment and to track the operations. They are also expected to record and document the performance of the equipment. Sationary Engineers should know how to test the quality of the machines' outputs. This would help them manage the equipment.
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.
Stationary engineers and hvac technicians have different pay scales, as shown below.
| Stationary Engineer | Hvac Technician | |
| Average salary | $69,163 | $54,496 |
| Salary range | Between $44,000 And $107,000 | Between $36,000 And $81,000 |
| Highest paying City | Santa Rosa, CA | Washington, DC |
| Highest paying state | New York | Connecticut |
| Best paying company | UCSF Benioff Children's Hospital | BP America Inc |
| Best paying industry | Health Care | Technology |
There are a few differences between a stationary engineer and a hvac technician in terms of educational background:
| Stationary Engineer | Hvac Technician | |
| Most common degree | Associate Degree, 35% | Associate Degree, 29% |
| Most common major | Heating And Air Conditioning | Heating And Air Conditioning |
| Most common college | - | Dunwoody College of Technology |
Here are the differences between stationary engineers' and hvac technicians' demographics:
| Stationary Engineer | Hvac Technician | |
| Average age | 50 | 40 |
| Gender ratio | Male, 97.0% Female, 3.0% | Male, 97.4% Female, 2.6% |
| Race ratio | Black or African American, 11.0% Unknown, 4.5% Hispanic or Latino, 17.4% Asian, 7.6% White, 59.1% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.5% | 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 | 4% | 2% |