Lost Your
Job?

Print This Page  |  Email This Page  |  FAQs  |   Rate This Page | A A A A
Topics A to Z      
Job Banks Go
 Go to More Resources
Explore Careers
America's Career InfoNet



Occupation Information
Occupation Profile
Military to Civilian Occupation Translator
Tools and Technology
Fastest-Growing
Most Openings
Largest Employment
Declining Employment
Highest-Paying
Compare Local Wages
Compare Metro Wages
Compare Employment Trends
Industry/Occupation Trends
Industry Information
State Information
Career Tools
Videos
Find It By Topic


 
Occupation Profile

Selected Criteria:
Occupation: Heating, Air Conditioning, and Refrigeration Mechanics and Installers Change Occupation
State: South Carolina Change State
Profile Content: (content listed below) Modify Profile Content
Wages  |  Employment Trends  |  Knowledge, Skills, & Abilities  |  Tasks & Activities
Tools & Technology  |  Education & Training  |  Related Occupations
Web Resources


HEATING, AIR CONDITIONING, AND REFRIGERATION MECHANICS AND INSTALLERS: SOUTH CAROLINA


Occupation Description

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



Career Video

Heating, Air Conditioning, and Refrigeration Mechanics and Installers
View career video with one of the following:
Windows Media Real One Player
Additional videos and more information available on CareerOneStop.


State and National Wages

Location Pay
Period
2008
10% 25% Median 75% 90%
United States Hourly $12.19 $14.94 $19.08 $24.84 $30.59
Yearly $25,400 $31,100 $39,700 $51,700 $63,600
South Carolina Hourly $10.90 $13.54 $16.51 $20.27 $24.14
Yearly $22,700 $28,200 $34,300 $42,200 $50,200
Annual Wages for Heating, Air Conditioning, and Refrigeration Mechanics and Installers

United States - $63,600 United States - $39,700 United States - $25,400 South Carolina - $50,200 South Carolina - $34,300 South Carolina - $22,700
  • High is the wage at which 90% of workers earn less and 10% earn more.
  • Middle is the wage at which 50% of workers earn less and 50% earn more.
  • Low is the wage at which 10% of workers earn less and 90% earn more.

Hourly Wages for Heating, Air Conditioning, and Refrigeration Mechanics and Installers

United States - $30.59 United States - $19.08 United States - $12.19 South Carolina - $24.14 South Carolina - $16.51 South Carolina - $10.9
  • High is the wage at which 90% of workers earn less and 10% earn more.
  • Middle is the wage at which 50% of workers earn less and 50% earn more.
  • Low is the wage at which 10% of workers earn less and 90% earn more.

Occupation Wages FAQs

Median Wage by Occupation Across States
Compare Wages by Occupation and Local Area
Compare Wages by Metropolitan Areas

National Data Source: Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Employment Statistics Survey
State Data Source: South Carolina Wage Information


State and National Trends

United States Employment Percent
Change
Job Openings 1
2008 2018
Heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanics and installers 308,200 394,800 +28% 13,620
South Carolina Employment Percent
Change
Job Openings 1
2006 2016
Heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanics and installers 4,850 5,370 +11% 140
1Job Openings refers to the average annual job openings due to growth and net replacement.

Note: The data for the State Employment Trends and the National Employment Trends are not directly comparable. The projections period for state data is 2006-2016, while the projections period for national data is 2008-2018.

Occupation Trends FAQs

Employment Trends by Occupation Across States
Compare Employment Trends by Occupation
Employment Trends by Industry and Occupation

National Data Source: Bureau of Labor Statistics, Office of Occupational Statistics and Employment Projections
State Data Source: South Carolina Employment Security Commission


Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

Heating, Air Conditioning, and Refrigeration Mechanics and Installers are grouped into the following occupations for which the most important knowledge, skills, and abilities (KSAs) are listed.

**************************************************
Heating and Air Conditioning Mechanics and Installers

Knowledge:

  • Mechanical - Knowledge of machines and tools, including their designs, uses, repair, and maintenance.
  • 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.
  • Design - Knowledge of design techniques, tools, and principles involved in production of precision technical plans, blueprints, drawings, and models.
  • English Language - Knowledge of the structure and content of the English language including the meaning and spelling of words, rules of composition, and grammar.

Skills:

  • Troubleshooting - Determining causes of operating errors and deciding what to do about it.
  • Repairing - Repairing machines or systems using the needed tools.
  • Active Listening - Giving full attention to what other people are saying, taking time to understand the points being made, asking questions as appropriate, and not interrupting at inappropriate times.
  • Equipment Maintenance - Performing routine maintenance on equipment and determining when and what kind of maintenance is needed.
  • Installation - Installing equipment, machines, wiring, or programs to meet specifications.
  • Social Perceptiveness - Being aware of others' reactions and understanding why they react as they do.

Abilities:

  • Extent Flexibility - The ability to bend, stretch, twist, or reach with your body, arms, and/or legs.
  • 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.
  • Manual Dexterity - The ability to quickly move your hand, your hand together with your arm, or your two hands to grasp, manipulate, or assemble objects.
  • 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 there is a problem.
  • 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.
  • Inductive Reasoning - The ability to combine pieces of information to form general rules or conclusions (includes finding a relationship among seemingly unrelated events).
  • Trunk Strength - The ability to use your abdominal and lower back muscles to support part of the body repeatedly or continuously over time without 'giving out' or fatiguing.

Source: Occupational Information Network: Heating and Air Conditioning Mechanics and Installers.

**************************************************
Refrigeration Mechanics and Installers

Knowledge:

  • Mechanical - Knowledge of machines and tools, including their designs, uses, repair, and maintenance.
  • 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.
  • Mathematics - Knowledge of arithmetic, algebra, geometry, calculus, statistics, and their applications.
  • Public Safety and Security - Knowledge of relevant equipment, policies, procedures, and strategies to promote effective local, state, or national security operations for the protection of people, data, property, and institutions.

Skills:

  • 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.
  • Operation Monitoring - Watching gauges, dials, or other indicators to make sure a machine is working properly.
  • Repairing - Repairing machines or systems using the needed tools.

Abilities:

  • 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 there is a problem.
  • Manual Dexterity - The ability to quickly move your hand, your hand together with your arm, or your two hands to grasp, manipulate, or assemble objects.
  • Near Vision - The ability to see details at close range (within a few feet of the observer).
  • 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.
  • Deductive Reasoning - The ability to apply general rules to specific problems to produce answers that make sense.
  • Oral Comprehension - The ability to listen to and understand information and ideas presented through spoken words and sentences.

Source: Occupational Information Network: Refrigeration Mechanics and Installers.


Tasks and Activities

Heating, Air Conditioning, and Refrigeration Mechanics and Installers are grouped into the following occupations for which occupation specific tasks, the most important generalized work activities, and detailed work activities are listed.

**************************************************
Heating and Air Conditioning Mechanics and Installers

Occupation Specific Tasks:

  • Adjust system controls to setting recommended by manufacturer to balance system, using hand tools.
  • Assemble, position and mount heating or cooling equipment, following blueprints.
  • Assist with other work in coordination with repair and maintenance teams.
  • Comply with all applicable standards, policies, and procedures, including safety procedures and the maintenance of a clean work area.
  • Cut and drill holes in floors, walls, and roof to install equipment, using power saws and drills.
  • Discuss heating-cooling system malfunctions with users to isolate problems or to verify that malfunctions have been corrected.
  • Fabricate, assemble and install duct work and chassis parts, using portable metal-working tools and welding equipment.
  • Generate work orders that address deficiencies in need of correction.
  • Inspect and test system to verify system compliance with plans and specifications and to detect and locate malfunctions.
  • Install auxiliary components to heating-cooling equipment, such as expansion and discharge valves, air ducts, pipes, blowers, dampers, flues and stokers, following blueprints.
  • Install, connect, and adjust thermostats, humidistats and timers, using hand tools.
  • Join pipes or tubing to equipment and to fuel, water, or refrigerant source, to form complete circuit.
  • Lay out and connect electrical wiring between controls and equipment according to wiring diagram, using electrician's hand tools.
  • Measure, cut, thread, and bend pipe or tubing, using pipe fitter's tools.
  • Obtain and maintain required certifications.
  • Reassemble and test equipment following repairs.
  • Recommend, develop, and perform preventive and general maintenance procedures such as cleaning, power-washing and vacuuming equipment, oiling parts, and changing filters.
  • Record and report all faults, deficiencies, and other unusual occurrences, as well as the time and materials expended on work orders.
  • Repair or replace defective equipment, components, or wiring.
  • Study blueprints, design specifications, and manufacturers' recommendations to ascertain the configuration of heating or cooling equipment components and to ensure the proper installation of components.
  • Test electrical circuits and components for continuity, using electrical test equipment.
  • Test pipe or tubing joints and connections for leaks, using pressure gauge or soap-and-water solution.
  • Wrap pipes in insulation, securing it in place with cement or wire bands.

Generalized Work Activities:

  • Performing General Physical Activities - Performing physical activities that require considerable use of your arms and legs and moving your whole body, such as climbing, lifting, balancing, walking, stooping, and handling of materials.
  • Repairing and Maintaining Mechanical Equipment - Servicing, repairing, adjusting, and testing machines, devices, moving parts, and equipment that operate primarily on the basis of mechanical (not electronic) principles.
  • Handling and Moving Objects - Using hands and arms in handling, installing, positioning, and moving materials, and manipulating things.
  • Getting Information - Observing, receiving, and otherwise obtaining information from all relevant sources.
  • Operating Vehicles, Mechanized Devices, or Equipment - Running, maneuvering, navigating, or driving vehicles or mechanized equipment, such as forklifts, passenger vehicles, aircraft, or water craft.

Detailed Work Activities:

  • adhere to safety procedures
  • adjust or set mechanical controls or components
  • analyze operation of malfunctioning electrical or electronic equipment
  • apply cleaning solvents
  • assemble and install pipe sections, fittings, or plumbing fixtures
  • assemble, dismantle, or reassemble equipment or machinery
  • bend pipes
  • bend tubing or conduit
  • conduct performance testing
  • conduct tests to locate mechanical system malfunction
  • control HVAC equipment
  • cut, bend, or thread pipe for gas, air, hydraulic, or water lines
  • determine installation, service, or repair needed
  • determine material or tool requirements
  • determine project methods and procedures
  • diagnose mechanical problems in machinery or equipment
  • estimate time or cost for installation, repair, or construction projects
  • fabricate ducting
  • fabricate sheet metal parts or items
  • fabricate, assemble, or disassemble manufactured products by hand
  • identify properties of metals for repair or fabrication activities
  • inspect machinery or equipment to determine adjustments or repairs needed
  • install electrical conduit or tubing
  • install electrical fixtures or components
  • install electronic equipment, components, or systems
  • install equipment or attachments on machinery or related structures
  • install insulating materials
  • install or replace meters, regulators, or related measuring or control devices
  • install sheet metal assemblies in supportive framework
  • install/connect electrical equipment to power circuit
  • install/string electrical or electronic cable or wiring
  • lay out electrical wiring for buildings, etc.
  • lubricate machinery, equipment, or parts
  • maintain or repair industrial or related equipment/machinery
  • maintain or repair work tools or equipment
  • maintain repair records
  • maintain welding machines or equipment
  • move or fit heavy objects
  • obtain information from clients, customers, or patients
  • operate sheet metal fabrication machines
  • perform safety inspections in industrial, manufacturing or repair setting
  • plan layout of electrical/electronic equipment installation
  • position, align, or level machines, equipment, or structures
  • pressure test piping system or equipment for leaks
  • read blueprints
  • read schematics
  • read specifications
  • read technical drawings
  • read work order, instructions, formulas, or processing charts
  • repair or adjust measuring or control devices
  • repair or replace electrical wiring, circuits, fixtures, or equipment
  • repair or replace gas, steam, sewer, or water piping or fixtures
  • repair or replace malfunctioning or worn mechanical components
  • repair refrigeration or HVAC equipment
  • replace electronic components
  • solder electrical or electronic connections or components
  • test electrical/electronic wiring, equipment, systems or fixtures
  • test electronic or electrical circuit connections
  • test mechanical products or equipment
  • understand detailed electronic design specifications
  • understand service or repair manuals
  • understand technical operating, service or repair manuals
  • use acetylene welding/cutting torch
  • use arc welding equipment
  • use basic plumbing techniques
  • use combination welding procedures
  • use electrical or electronic test devices or equipment
  • use electronic calibration devices
  • use hand or power tools
  • use hand or power woodworking tools
  • use high voltage apparatus
  • use knowledge of metric system
  • use knowledge of ventilation systems
  • use knowledge of welding filler rod types
  • use oral or written communication techniques
  • use pipe fitting equipment
  • use precision measuring devices in mechanical repair work
  • use precision tools in electronics repair
  • use pressure gauges
  • use soldering equipment
  • use tube bending equipment
  • use voltmeter, ammeter, or ohmmeter
  • weld together metal parts, components, or structures

Source: Occupational Information Network: Heating and Air Conditioning Mechanics and Installers.

**************************************************
Refrigeration Mechanics and Installers

Occupation Specific Tasks:

  • Adjust or replace worn or defective mechanisms and parts, and reassemble repaired systems.
  • Adjust valves according to specifications and charge system with proper type of refrigerant by pumping the specified gas or fluid into the system.
  • Braze or solder parts to repair defective joints and leaks.
  • Cut, bend, thread, and connect pipe to functional components and water, power, or refrigeration system.
  • Dismantle malfunctioning systems and test components, using electrical, mechanical, and pneumatic testing equipment.
  • Drill holes and install mounting brackets and hangers into floor and walls of building.
  • Estimate, order, pick up, deliver, and install materials and supplies needed to maintain equipment in good working condition.
  • Fabricate and assemble structural and functional components of refrigeration system, using hand tools, power tools, and welding equipment.
  • Install expansion and control valves, using acetylene torches and wrenches.
  • Install wiring to connect components to an electric power source.
  • Insulate shells and cabinets of systems.
  • Keep records of repairs and replacements made and causes of malfunctions.
  • Lay out reference points for installation of structural and functional components, using measuring instruments.
  • Lift and align components into position, using hoist or block and tackle.
  • Mount compressor, condenser, and other components in specified locations on frames, using hand tools and acetylene welding equipment.
  • Observe and test system operation, using gauges and instruments.
  • Perform mechanical overhauls and refrigerant reclaiming.
  • Read blueprints to determine location, size, capacity, and type of components needed to build refrigeration system.
  • Schedule work with customers and initiate work orders, house requisitions and orders from stock.
  • Supervise and instruct assistants.
  • Test lines, components, and connections for leaks.

Generalized Work Activities:

  • Repairing and Maintaining Mechanical Equipment - Servicing, repairing, adjusting, and testing machines, devices, moving parts, and equipment that operate primarily on the basis of mechanical (not electronic) principles.
  • Handling and Moving Objects - Using hands and arms in handling, installing, positioning, and moving materials, and manipulating things.
  • Monitor Processes, Materials, or Surroundings - Monitoring and reviewing information from materials, events, or the environment, to detect or assess problems.
  • Getting Information - Observing, receiving, and otherwise obtaining information from all relevant sources.
  • Identifying Objects, Actions, and Events - Identifying information by categorizing, estimating, recognizing differences or similarities, and detecting changes in circumstances or events.

Detailed Work Activities:

  • adhere to safety procedures
  • adjust or set mechanical controls or components
  • align or adjust clearances of mechanical components or parts
  • analyze operation of malfunctioning electrical or electronic equipment
  • assemble and install pipe sections, fittings, or plumbing fixtures
  • assemble, dismantle, or reassemble equipment or machinery
  • bend pipes
  • bend tubing or conduit
  • braze metal parts or components together
  • conduct tests to locate mechanical system malfunction
  • cut, bend, or thread pipe for gas, air, hydraulic, or water lines
  • determine installation, service, or repair needed
  • determine material or tool requirements
  • determine project methods and procedures
  • diagnose mechanical problems in machinery or equipment
  • direct and coordinate activities of workers or staff
  • estimate time or cost for installation, repair, or construction projects
  • fabricate ducting
  • fabricate, assemble, or disassemble manufactured products by hand
  • identify properties of metals for repair or fabrication activities
  • inspect machinery or equipment to determine adjustments or repairs needed
  • install electrical conduit or tubing
  • install electrical fixtures or components
  • install electronic equipment, components, or systems
  • install equipment or attachments on machinery or related structures
  • install insulating materials
  • install or replace meters, regulators, or related measuring or control devices
  • install sheet metal assemblies in supportive framework
  • install/connect electrical equipment to power circuit
  • install/string electrical or electronic cable or wiring
  • lay out machining, welding or precision assembly projects
  • maintain or repair industrial or related equipment/machinery
  • maintain or repair work tools or equipment
  • maintain repair records
  • maintain welding machines or equipment
  • measure and mark reference points or cutting lines on workpieces
  • move or fit heavy objects
  • observe or listen to machinery or equipment operation to detect malfunctions
  • operate hoist, winch, or hydraulic boom
  • operate pneumatic test equipment
  • order or purchase supplies, materials, or equipment
  • overhaul industrial or construction machinery or equipment
  • position, align, or level machines, equipment, or structures
  • pressure test piping system or equipment for leaks
  • read blueprints
  • read schematics
  • read technical drawings
  • read work order, instructions, formulas, or processing charts
  • repair or adjust measuring or control devices
  • repair or replace electrical wiring, circuits, fixtures, or equipment
  • repair or replace gas, steam, sewer, or water piping or fixtures
  • repair or replace malfunctioning or worn mechanical components
  • repair refrigeration or HVAC equipment
  • replace electronic components
  • schedule activities, classes, or events
  • solder electrical or electronic connections or components
  • solder metal parts or components together
  • test electrical/electronic wiring, equipment, systems or fixtures
  • test electronic or electrical circuit connections
  • test mechanical products or equipment
  • understand service or repair manuals
  • understand technical operating, service or repair manuals
  • use acetylene welding/cutting torch
  • use arc welding equipment
  • use basic carpentry techniques
  • use basic plumbing techniques
  • use braze-welding equipment
  • use combination welding procedures
  • use electrical or electronic test devices or equipment
  • use electronic calibration devices
  • use hand or power tools
  • use hand or power woodworking tools
  • use knowledge of metric system
  • use knowledge of ventilation systems
  • use knowledge of welding filler rod types
  • use pipe fitting equipment
  • use precision measuring devices in mechanical repair work
  • use precision tools in electronics repair
  • use pressure gauges
  • use soldering equipment
  • use voltmeter, ammeter, or ohmmeter
  • weld together metal parts, components, or structures

Source: Occupational Information Network: Refrigeration Mechanics and Installers.


Tools and Technology

Heating, Air Conditioning, and Refrigeration Mechanics and Installers are grouped into the following occupations for which Tools and Technology information is available.

**************************************************

Heating and Air Conditioning Mechanics and Installers  View Detailed Report

Tools:

  • Flow sensors - Turbine flow meters, Venturi meters, Water flow meters, Water pressure gauges
  • Hammers - Hammers, Soft face hammers, Tinners hammers
  • Pressure indicators - Differential pressure detectors, Duplex pressure gauges, Pneumatic air gauges, Pressure gauges, Refrigerant pressure meters
  • Thermocouples - Bead type thermocouples, Pipe clamp thermocouples, Thermocouples
  • Voltage or current meters - Alternating current AC line splitters, Electrical current meters, Non-contact voltage detectors, Voltmeters

Technology:

  • Computer aided design CAD software - Computer aided design CAD software, HVAC tools software
  • Customer relationship management CRM software - Contact management systems
  • Data base user interface and query software - Data logging software, Database software
  • Spreadsheet software - Microsoft Excel, Spreadsheet software
  • Word processing software - Atlas Construction Business Forms, Microsoft Word

Source: Occupational Information Network: Heating and Air Conditioning Mechanics and Installers.

**************************************************

Refrigeration Mechanics and Installers  View Detailed Report

Tools:

  • Flowmeters - Air flow hoods, Flowmeters, Pitot tubes
  • Handheld thermometer - Temperature gauges, Thermometers, Water temperature gauges
  • Levels - Bubble levels, Laser levels, Precision levels, Water levels
  • Power drills - Cordless drills, Electric drills, Hand drills, Power drills
  • Pressure indicators - Gas pressure gauges, Magnehelic gauges, Pressure simulators

Technology:

  • Data base user interface and query software - Database software
  • Facilities management software - Facility energy management software, Johnson Controls Metasys

Source: Occupational Information Network: Refrigeration Mechanics and Installers.


Education and Training

Occupation: Heating, Air Conditioning, and Refrigeration Mechanics and Installers
Most Common Educational/Training Level: Postsecondary vocational award
Related Instructional Programs:

  • Heating, Air Conditioning and Refrigeration Technology/Technician (ACH/ACR/ACHR/HRAC/HVAC/AC Technology)
  • Heating, Air Conditioning, Ventilation and Refrigeration Maintenance Technology/Technician (HAC, HACR, HVAC, HVACR)
  • Solar Energy Technology/Technician
Distribution of Educational Attainment
Occupation Percent of employees aged 25 to 44 in the occupation whose highest level of educational attainment is
Less than high school diploma High school diploma or equivalent Some college, no degree Associate's degree Bachelor's degree Master's degree Doctoral or professional degree
Heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanics and installers 13.1% 42.8% 26.9% 11.8% 4.5% 0.6% 0.3%
Other Installation, Maintenance, and Repair Occupations 12.8% 38.8% 27.1% 11.8% 7.8% 1.4% 0.3%
Installation, Maintenance, and Repair 13% 39.6% 26.6% 12.1% 7.3% 1.1% 0.3%
Total, All Occupations 10.7% 27.6% 20.6% 8.9% 19.4% 8.3% 4.5%

Find colleges, training schools and instructional programs for this occupation.

Find education and training programs where you can earn a certificate, diploma, or award in less than 2 years with the Short-Term Training Finder.

Access additional Education Resources in the Career Resource Library.

Use the Financial Aid Advisor to help find funds for financing education.

WIA Eligible Training Provider List: http://www.workforcesouthcarolina.com/provider/

Source: Bureau of Labor Statistics, Office of Occupational Statistics and Employment Projections (Education/Training Level, Educational Attainment); National Center for Education Statistics (Typical Instructional Programs)


Related Occupation Profiles
Occupations with similar skill requirements


Web Resources

The following resources are related to occupations in the job family
Installation, Maintenance, and Repair

Electrical and Electronic Equipment Mechanics, Installers, and Repairers
Other Installation, Maintenance, and Repair Occupations
Vehicle and Mobile Equipment Mechanics, Installers, and Repairers

Other Installation, Maintenance, and Repair Occupations
Vehicle and Mobile Equipment Mechanics, Installers, and Repairers



Modify Occupation Profile Content :







Select or deselect profile options individually or use the Select All button below to change the report. To view the new results, select the Update button.

                         


Related Content: 

New Profile

Department of Labor CareerOneStop is sponsored by the U. S. Department of Labor,
Employment and Training Administration
Home | Explore Careers | Salary + Benefits | Education + Training | Job Search | Resumes + Interviews | People + Places to Help
About Us | Site Privacy | Contact Us | Link to Us | Site Map | Copyright © 2010 State of Minnesota