Veterans Guidebook to Residental Building

HVAC MECHANICS AND INSTALLERS

2023 Average Wage

$27.54 Per Hour

Entry-Level Education

Postsecondary Non-degree Award

Typical On-the-Job Training Needed

Long-Term On-the-Job Training

Number of Jobs in Michigan, 2023

10,580

Job Growth (2020-2030)

830

Forecasted Employment Growth Through 2030

9.2%

What HVAC Mechanics and Installers Do

Heating, ventilation, air conditioning, and refrigeration

mechanics and installers – often called HVACR technicians –

work on heating, ventilation, cooling, and refrigeration systems

that control the temperature and air quality in buildings.

Work Environment

HVACR technicians work in residential homes, schools, hospitals,

office buildings, or factories. Their worksite may be very hot or

cold because the heating and cooling systems they must repair

may not be working, and because some parts of these systems

are located outdoors. Irregular hours and working in cramped

spaces are common.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

TECHNICAL SKILLS are essential for working with complex

heating, cooling, ventilation, and refrigeration systems,

including computer-controlled components.

TROUBLESHOOTING SKILLS are critical for diagnosing and

repairing issues in advanced and often intricate HVACR systems.

KNOWLEDGE OF COMPUTERS AND ELECTRONICS is required

to operate, maintain, and repair modern systems with inte-

grated technology.

PHYSICAL STAMINA AND FLEXIBILITY are needed for working

in cramped spaces, enduring extreme temperatures, and

handling irregular hours.

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