Heating, Air Conditioning, and Refrigeration Mechanics and Installers

Bright outlookJob zone 3: medium preparationO*NET 49-9021.00

Pay and outlook shown for

median pay per year, San Antonio-New Braunfels, TX

$38k10th$59kMedian$82k90th

New workers start near $37,960; experienced workers reach $82,400. About 3,160 people do this job in San Antonio-New Braunfels, TX.

Job outlook

Alamo region (San Antonio and 12 surrounding counties), Texas Workforce Commission projection 2024 to 2034; U.S. figures from the BLS.

Employment change: +15.2%; Alamo region, 3,208 to 3,697 jobs · U.S. +8%
Openings a year: 334; in the Alamo region, from growth and people leaving · U.S. 40,100
Employed in 2024: 3,208; in the Alamo region · U.S. 425,200

Typical entry education: Postsecondary nondegree award · Training: Long-term on-the-job training

1 program, with the college that teaches each.

The skills O*NET rates most important for the job, with how much of each the work needs on a 1 to 7 scale.

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

Test electrical circuits or components for continuity, using electrical test equipment.
Repair or replace defective equipment, components, or wiring.
Discuss heating or cooling system malfunctions with users to isolate problems or to verify that repairs corrected malfunctions.
Connect heating or air conditioning equipment to fuel, water, or refrigerant source to form complete circuit.
Install, connect, or adjust thermostats, humidistats, or timers.
Comply with all applicable standards, policies, or procedures, such as safety procedures or the maintenance of a clean work area.

Share of workers by highest education, from O*NET surveys. It shows what others did, not what you must do.

Job zone 3, medium preparation: Training, an associate degree, or a few years of related experience.

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