What Is the Average Pay for an AC & Refrigeration Tech?
- A HVAC technician may specialize in a certain area, such as cooling and refrigeration, or perform more general duties for all of the systems that the technician learns. The technician is responsible for the proper installation, service and maintenance of a particular building system. He may work in residential, commercial or industrial areas, or focus on one in particular. The technician may further specialize in specific aspects of the system, primarily working with only one type of equipment. The more specialized the technician, the higher the salary, although job prospects might be slimmer.
- According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, most HVAC technicians go through technical and vocational school to learn their trade. The classes are split between the theory of the HVAC systems and the practical hands-on training. The hands-on training may take place at the school or on site, under the supervision of an experienced HVAC tech. Another educational path includes apprenticeships, where the student learns primarily through another HVAC technician. Each state has its own requirements as to whether or not the HVAC tech needs a license.
- HVAC technicians are paid an hourly wage, which varies depending on their employment sector. The median HVAC wage, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, is $19.08 an hour as of June 2011. Local governments have the highest hourly wage for HVAC technicians, with $22.79 per hour being the average. Other sectors that employ HVAC technicians include equipment wholesalers, maintaining commercial machines and retail equipment sales.
- The Bureau of Labor Statistics reports that job prospects are expected to grow 28 percent in the HVAC industry by 2018. The most likely paths for employment are for HVAC technicians who have gone through a formal training program. The nature of the equipment used in HVAC necessitates the replacement every decade or so, so job opportunities are generally always available for the technicians. The area where HVAC technicians may run into issues is if they specialize in new installation. The construction industry outlook affects these technicians.
