Heating, Air Conditioning, and Refrigeration Mechanics and Installers
Install or repair heating, central air conditioning, HVAC, or refrigeration systems, including oil burners, hot-air furnaces, and heating stoves.
How to read this profile
BLS projects U.S. employment for Heating, Air Conditioning, and Refrigeration Mechanics and Installers to increase by 10.9% between 2024 and 2034, from 440,900 to 489,100 jobs. Its estimate of 40,600 annual openings includes replacement needs, so it does not represent current vacancies, contract postings, or freelance demand. The wage ($61,010), education (Postsecondary nondegree award), and related experience (None) figures on this profile describe typical U.S. employees. O*NET skills describe the occupation; they do not assess an individual worker's proficiency.
Base employment (2024)
440,900
Projected employment (2034)
489,100
Projected change (2024–2034)
11%
Annual openings (projected average)
40,600
Pay & Preparation
$61,010
Postsecondary nondegree award
None
Long-term on-the-job training
Essential Skills
Operations Monitoring (3.75/5) • Troubleshooting (3.75/5) • Critical Thinking (3.62/5) • Repairing (3.38/5) • Installation (3.25/5) • Equipment Maintenance (3.25/5)
O*NET describes occupational requirements; these ratings do not measure current job-posting frequency or an individual worker’s proficiency.
BLS projections are long-term estimates; annual openings include growth and replacement needs and are not current vacancies.
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