Heating, Air Conditioning, and Refrigeration Mechanics and Installers
O*NET 49-9021.00 · SOC 49-9021
Heating is a strong career choice. Median pay is $61k a year with +10.9% projected growth through 2035 (faster than average) and about 40,600 openings a year. AI exposure: Moderate.
Bureau of Labor Statistics projections 2025–2035 · Data updated 2026-07-27
What You'd Actually Do
- →Install residential or commercial HVAC systems and ductwork
- →Diagnose refrigerant leaks and recharge cooling systems
- →Replace faulty thermostats, compressors, and blower motors
- →Clean and inspect furnace heat exchangers for cracks
- →Test airflow and system efficiency after completing repairs
Education & How to Get In
Most Heating positions require an associate degree or vocational training. Many community colleges and technical schools offer relevant programs that can be completed in 1–2 years, often with hands-on clinical or lab experience built in.
Get Started Learning
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Work Environment
Hands-on, labs, workshops, or field sites
Mixed, alternates between solo focused work and collaboration
A Day in the Life
While every role varies by employer and specialization, a typical day as a Heating involves a mix of core responsibilities:
Personality Fit (RIASEC)
Who Thrives as Heating?
Based on the interests and work style this role actually demands, these personality types tend to fit it best. Salary and growth tell you if a career is worth entering; personality fit tells you whether you'll still want it in five years.
Not sure which you are? Take the 7-minute quiz →
See Open Heating Roles
Browse live openings to get a feel for requirements and pay in your area.
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Job Outlook
Employment of Heating, Air Conditioning, and Refrigeration Mechanics and Installers is projected to grow 10.9% from 2025 to 2035, faster than average for all occupations. The BLS flags this as a Bright Outlook occupation.
Will AI Replace This Job?
- ·36% routine cognitive tasks, high automation target
- ·47% physical tasks, limited by robotics progress
- ·Industry sector with low automation exposure
Scored from the mix of routine, creative, physical and social tasks the role involves, adjusted for sector and projected growth. An estimate, not a forecast.
Common Questions
How much does a Heating make?
The median Heating earns $61k a year, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics' May 2025 wage data. Half earn more than that and half earn less, and pay varies considerably by state, industry and experience.
Will AI replace Heating jobs?
Our model puts Heating at 34 out of 100 for automation exposure, which is moderate, likely AI-complementary. The main drivers: 36% routine cognitive tasks, high automation target; 47% physical tasks, limited by robotics progress.
Is Heating a growing field?
Employment is projected to grow 10.9% between 2025 and 2035, which is faster than average. That works out to roughly 40,600 openings a year, counting both new positions and people leaving the occupation.
What degree do you need to be a Heating?
Most Heating roles expect an associate degree, apprenticeship or vocational certificate rather than a four-year degree.
How long does it take to become a Heating?
Typically one to two years, typically an associate degree, apprenticeship or vocational program. O*NET classes this role as Job Zone 3 of 5, which describes how much preparation people in it usually have.
Is a Heating career right for you?
Your personality, values, and strengths matter as much as the job market. Take the quiz to see your personalized Future-Fit Score for this career and hundreds more.
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