Air-Cond/Refrig/Heat Technician

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Work Tasks

• Install and fix air-conditioning, heating, and refrigeration equipment
• Put in oil, gas, and electric systems
• Put in air ducts, water supplies, and system parts
• Read and follow blueprints to put in the equipment
• Work indoors and out, for repair shops, contractors, hospitals, and the government
• Work with hand and power tools, testing tools, and parts needed to build the systems

Salary, Size & Growth

• $46,000 average per year ($22.00 per hour)
• A large occupation (224,300 workers in 2010)
• Expected to grow rapidly (2.8% per year)

Education/Training

• Minimum for Entry: On-the-job training
• Employers Prefer: A 2-year degree in heating, air conditioning, ventilation & refrigeration maintenance technology or an apprenticeship
• Skills/Courses: Courses in shop math, mechanical drawing, applied physics and chemistry, electronics, blueprint reading, and computer applications
• Certification/Licensing: Certification is required.