Heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanics and installers
BLS projects employment of heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanics and installers to change by +10.9% from 2025 to 2035, faster than the 3.5% projected for all occupations, with about 40,600 openings a year. The median annual wage in 2025 was $61,010 (all occupations: $50,980).
Updated
| Median annual wage, 2025 | $61,010 |
|---|---|
| Employment, 2025 | 440,900 |
| Projected employment, 2035 | 489,100 |
| Change, 2025–35 | +10.9% (+48,200) |
| Openings per year, 2025–35 average | 40,600 |
| Typical entry education | Postsecondary nondegree award |
| Work experience in a related occupation | None |
| Typical on-the-job training | Long-term on-the-job training |
| Self-employed | 6.3% |
Read the official BLS Occupational Outlook Handbook profile ↗
Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Employment Projections program, Table 1.2 Occupational projections, 2025–35, and worker characteristics, 2025 ↗. Employment is for 2025, projections to 2035; median annual wage is for 2025; openings are the projected annual average for 2025–35. Figures are national, not local. Data last downloaded Oct 16, 2026.
Frequently asked questions
How much do heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanics and installers make?
BLS reports a median annual wage of $61,010 for heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanics and installers in 2025.
What is the job outlook for heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanics and installers?
BLS projects employment to change by +10.9% from 2025 to 2035, with about 40,600 openings per year on average.
What education do heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanics and installers need?
BLS lists the typical entry-level education as: Postsecondary nondegree award. Typical on-the-job training: Long-term on-the-job training.