HVACR Labor Market Information

Occupational Information Network (O*NET)

Heating, Air Conditioning, and Refrigeration Mechanics and Installers

Standard Occupational Classification: 49-9021.00

Job Description: Install or repair heating, central air conditioning, HVAC, or refrigeration systems, including oil burners, hot-air furnaces, and heating stoves.

Sample of reported job titles: 

  • A/C Tech (Air Conditioning Technician)
  • HVAC Installer (Heating, Ventilation, and Air Conditioning Installer)
  • HVAC Mechanic (Heating, Ventilation, and Air Conditioning Mechanic)
  • HVAC Service Tech (Heating, Ventilation, and Air Conditioning Service Technician)
  • HVAC Specialist (Heating, Ventilation, and Air Conditioning Specialist)
  • HVAC Tech (Heating, Ventilation, and Air Conditioning Technician)
  • Refrigeration Mechanic
  • Refrigeration Operator
  • Refrigeration Technician (Refrigeration Tech)
  • Service Technician (Service Tech)

Skills

  • Operations Monitoring — Watching gauges, dials, or other indicators to make sure a machine is working properly.

  • Critical Thinking — Using logic and reasoning to identify the strengths and weaknesses of alternative solutions, conclusions, or approaches to problems.

  • Troubleshooting — Determining causes of operating errors and deciding what to do about it.

  • Installation — Installing equipment, machines, wiring, or programs to meet specifications.

  • Reading Comprehension — Understanding written sentences and paragraphs in work-related documents.

Knowledge

  • Mechanical — Knowledge of machines and tools, including their designs, uses, repair, and maintenance.

  • Building and Construction — Knowledge of materials, methods, and the tools involved in the construction or repair of houses, buildings, or other structures such as highways and roads.

  • Customer and Personal Service — Knowledge of principles and processes for providing customer and personal services. This includes customer needs assessment, meeting quality standards for services, and evaluation of customer satisfaction.

  • Engineering and Technology — Knowledge of the practical application of engineering science and technology. This includes applying principles, techniques, procedures, and equipment to the design and production of various goods and services.

  • Computers and Electronics — Knowledge of circuit boards, processors, chips, electronic equipment, and computer hardware and software, including applications and programming.

Abilities

  • Near Vision — The ability to see details at close range (within a few feet of the observer).

  • Problem Sensitivity — The ability to tell when something is wrong or is likely to go wrong. It does not involve solving the problem, only recognizing that there is a problem.

  • Deductive Reasoning — The ability to apply general rules to specific problems to produce answers that make sense.

  • Arm-Hand Steadiness — The ability to keep your hand and arm steady while moving your arm or while holding your arm and hand in one position.

  • Finger Dexterity — The ability to make precisely coordinated movements of the fingers of one or both hands to grasp, manipulate, or assemble very small objects.

Work Styles

  • Dependability — Job requires being reliable, responsible, and dependable, and fulfilling obligations.

  • Attention to Detail — Job requires being careful about detail and thorough in completing work tasks.

  • Innovation — Job requires creativity and alternative thinking to develop new ideas for and answers to work-related problems.

  • Integrity — Job requires being honest and ethical.

  • Independence — Job requires developing one's own ways of doing things, guiding oneself with little or no supervision, and depending on oneself to get things done.