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Air Conditioning and Refrigeration Careers and Jobs

Select, Find and Prepare for Air Conditioning and Refrigeration Careers and Jobs - all on one page

For hands-on people who want steady, recession-resistant trade work with low upfront education costs. Use the tools below to see which hvac/r roles fit your background and goals.

This trade requires EPA Section 608 certification to legally handle refrigerants, in addition to any state contractor licensing. Use the tools below to explore HVAC/R-related job titles sorted by growth rate, salary, or required education. You can start with entry points like HVAC Installer Helper, or look ahead to advanced roles such as HVAC Service Technician or HVAC Business Owner. Along the way, you will see specific certifications, such as EPA Section 608 Certification, that can help you move up the career ladder.



4 Steps to Use This Page: 1-Explore Careers of Intrerest 2-See Job Listings Matched to Career 3-Prepare for the Career 4-See External Career Resources

Here is a short Helper Video External Link

This page will take you through 4 steps to (1) Select from Air Conditioning and Refrigeration careers/jobs, (2) Find Air Conditioning and Refrigeration job listings, (3) Prepare for Air Conditioning and Refrigeration careers, and (4) Provide Air Conditioning and Refrigeration career-specific resources.

Step 1: Select a Career/Job: This page starts with 4 ways for you to identify and select from listings of Air Conditioning and Refrigeration careers/jobs:
A) Fastest Growing Air Conditioning and Refrigeration Careers - 2023 to 2033 (est.)
These listings are based on job growth estimates and helps you to identify the fastest growing and evolving Air Conditioning and Refrigeration careers. Some careers may not initially seem related to Air Conditioning and Refrigeration, so relevant Air Conditioning and Refrigeration jobs are listed alongside each listing. This can also help us to identify which careers (bottom of the listing) may have negative growth - perhaps due to automation or planned obsolescence.
B) Median Annual Salary U.S. Air Conditioning and Refrigeration Careers
These listings are sorted (descending) by median annual salary in the U.S. This may help us to identify our ideal career. We may not qualify at this time for the desired career, but this listing and the results provided can help us to explore job details, as well as learn how to appropriately prepare for the career.
C) Air Conditioning and Refrigeration Career Ladders (Educational Requirements)
These listings will help us to identify Air Conditioning and Refrigeration careers sorted by educational requirements (with the most difficult to obtain listed first). This may help us to identify career ladders (as we scroll down the list), and help us to get jobs that we qualify for now.
D) Select From a Listing of 92 Air Conditioning and Refrigeration Jobs.
The list may be quite long. There are two ways you might like to use this list:
1) Filter - As you enter a word, you will filter (limit) the list of job titles
2) Browse the list (Don't Filter) - You can simply explore the list of job titles. There may be many that you might never have considered to be of interest.
Once you have identified a job title of interest, simply click on it.

Step 2: Find a Job: After you have selected a career/job title above, you will see a form asking for your location. You will see several radio selection choices to utilize the job search site of your choice.

Step 3: Prepare For a Career: In this section you will gain access to detailed information to help you prepare for the chosen career. Information may include (not every career choice includes all of the elements below - updates occur quarterly):
Core Duties: Lists the primary worker-related tasks performed in this occupation
Supplemental Duties: Lists additional tasks that are performed but are secondary to the core duties
Work Activities: Summarizes the broad types of behaviors and actions related to this career
Specific Work Activities: Provides more granular day-to-day activities tied to the work performed
Essential Skills: Provides foundational skills that are core to performing this specific occupation
Transferable Skills: Provides career-portable skills that can be applied across multiple occupations and industries
Day-in-the-Life Summaries: Provides a snapshot of the key activities performed on a typical workday in this career
Knowledge Required: Provides the requirements regarding the acquisition of facts and principles
Software Skills: Lists software tools commonly used in this occupation, organized by category and priority
Preparation Required: Provides a summary of the required experience and education
Education Required: Detailed breakdown of the education required
Training and Experience Required: Detailed breakdown of the training and Training and Experience Required
Local Salary Information: Provides national and local salary ranges
Certifications: Provides appropriate government and private-sector certifications and/or credentials that may be required
Professional Associations: Provides professional associations that are related to the career selected
Job Listings: Provides links to active current job listings for the selected career, along with multiple similar job titles to explore. All information appears on this page without navigating away.
Related Careers to Consider: Lists up to 20 careers that might be of interest to you (related to your initial choice - what they do, what they know, and what they're called), ranked by best fit.

** If you clicked on a link from section D (as described in Step 1 above), you will see one or more links to an occupation that is usually a bit more general than your initial job selection - the link(s) is directly related to the specific job you identified through your prior selections.
*NOTE: It is possible that there may not be a career path identified for the specific job you selected in Step 1. If this is the case, scroll up the page and click on a different career/job.

Step 4: Career-Specific Resources (detailed and constantly updated): Continue to scroll down the page and you will find tabs that provide detailed (updated) links specific to the career you selected. This information includes:
Videos: Provides a listing of video links related to this career. A great way to get a quick overview of the occupation.
Resumes: Sources for resume materials and techniques. This can help to get you started.
Job Description: Sources that provide job descriptions, which are vital to resume and interview preparation.
Interviews: Provides links that can help you to prepare for and successfully complete the job interview. Can also assist with coffee chats.
Step by Step: Provides links to resources that can help to organize the career search process.
LinkedIn: One of the best professional social media sites that provides links, opportunities, and networking specifically for careers and career development.




Step 1 of 4: Select a Career/Job

22 Air Conditioning and Refrigeration careers are listed below (sorted by Percentage Change in Total Job Openings - 2023 to 2033 est.). Air Conditioning and Refrigeration-related jobs specific to each career are also provided. This shows which careers are emerging and growing the fastest. Please Scroll and Select below:

Occupations U.S. Job Openings 2023-2033 (% change) Air Conditioning and Refrigeration-Related Jobs

Engineering Teachers, Postsecondary 12.5% Refrigeration Engineering Teacher
Occupation: Engineering Teachers, Postsecondary U.S. Job Openings 2023-2033: 12.5% Air Conditioning and Refrigeration-Related Jobs: Refrigeration Engineering Teacher
Aircraft Mechanics and Service Technicians 11.8% Aircraft AC Mechanic (Aircraft Air Conditioning Mechanic)
Occupation: Aircraft Mechanics and Service Technicians U.S. Job Openings 2023-2033: 11.8% Air Conditioning and Refrigeration-Related Jobs: Aircraft AC Mechanic (Aircraft Air Conditioning Mechanic)
Sailors and Marine Oilers 10.4% Refrigerating Oiler
Occupation: Sailors and Marine Oilers U.S. Job Openings 2023-2033: 10.4% Air Conditioning and Refrigeration-Related Jobs: Refrigerating Oiler
Welders, Cutters, Solderers, and Brazers 8.2% Refrigeration Brazer; Refrigeration Solderer
Occupation: Welders, Cutters, Solderers, and Brazers U.S. Job Openings 2023-2033: 8.2% Air Conditioning and Refrigeration-Related Jobs: Refrigeration Brazer; Refrigeration Solderer
Production Workers, All Other 8.2% Refrigeration Houseman; Refrigeration Specialist
Occupation: Production Workers, All Other U.S. Job Openings 2023-2033: 8.2% Air Conditioning and Refrigeration-Related Jobs: Refrigeration Houseman; Refrigeration Specialist
Sales Engineers 7.9% HVAC Commercial Salesperson (Heating, Ventilation, and Air Conditioning Commercial Salesperson)
Occupation: Sales Engineers U.S. Job Openings 2023-2033: 7.9% Air Conditioning and Refrigeration-Related Jobs: HVAC Commercial Salesperson (Heating, Ventilation, and Air Conditioning Commercial Salesperson)
Helpers--Installation, Maintenance, and Repair Workers 7.4% Air Conditioner Installer Helper (AC Installer Helper); Air Conditioner Installer Servicer Helper (AC Installer Servicer Helper); Heating and Air Conditioning Installer Helper (Heating and AC Installer Servicer Helper); HVAC Helper (Heating, Ventilation, Air Conditioning Helper); HVAC Installation Helper (Heating, Ventilation, Air Conditioning Installation Helper); Refrigeration Mechanic Helper; Window Unit Air Conditioner Installer Helper (Window Unit AC Installer Helper)
Occupation: Helpers--Installation, Maintenance, and Repair Workers U.S. Job Openings 2023-2033: 7.4% Air Conditioning and Refrigeration-Related Jobs: Air Conditioner Installer Helper (AC Installer Helper); Air Conditioner Installer Servicer Helper (AC Installer Servicer Helper); Heating and Air Conditioning Installer Helper (Heating and AC Installer Servicer Helper); HVAC Helper (Heating, Ventilation, Air Conditioning Helper); HVAC Installation Helper (Heating, Ventilation, Air Conditioning Installation Helper); Refrigeration Mechanic Helper; Window Unit Air Conditioner Installer Helper (Window Unit AC Installer Helper)
Mechanical Engineers 7% Air Conditioning Engineer (AC Engineer); HVAC Design Mechanical Engineer (Heating, Ventilation, and Air Conditioning Design Mechanical Engineer); HVAC Engineer (Heating Ventilation Air Conditioning Engineer); HVAC Engineer (Heating, Ventilation and Air Conditioning Engineer); HVAC Sensor and Digital Control Designer (Heating, Ventilation and Air Conditioning Sensor and Digital Control Designer); Mechanical HVAC Engineer (Mechanical Heating, Ventilation, and Air Conditioning Engineer); Refrigeration Engineer
Occupation: Mechanical Engineers U.S. Job Openings 2023-2033: 7% Air Conditioning and Refrigeration-Related Jobs: Air Conditioning Engineer (AC Engineer); HVAC Design Mechanical Engineer (Heating, Ventilation, and Air Conditioning Design Mechanical Engineer); HVAC Engineer (Heating Ventilation Air Conditioning Engineer); HVAC Engineer (Heating, Ventilation and Air Conditioning Engineer); HVAC Sensor and Digital Control Designer (Heating, Ventilation and Air Conditioning Sensor and Digital Control Designer); Mechanical HVAC Engineer (Mechanical Heating, Ventilation, and Air Conditioning Engineer); Refrigeration Engineer
First-Line Supervisors of Mechanics, Installers, and Repairers 6.6% AC Supervisor (Air Conditioning Supervisor); HVAC Supervisor (Heating, Ventilation, and Air Conditioning Supervisor); Refrigeration Repair Supervisor
Occupation: First-Line Supervisors of Mechanics, Installers, and Repairers U.S. Job Openings 2023-2033: 6.6% Air Conditioning and Refrigeration-Related Jobs: AC Supervisor (Air Conditioning Supervisor); HVAC Supervisor (Heating, Ventilation, and Air Conditioning Supervisor); Refrigeration Repair Supervisor
Cooling and Freezing Equipment Operators and Tenders 6% Ammonia Refrigeration Worker; Certified Refrigeration Operator; Refrigerating Machine Operator; Refrigeration Engine Operator; Refrigeration Operator; Refrigeration Person; Refrigeration Technician
Occupation: Cooling and Freezing Equipment Operators and Tenders U.S. Job Openings 2023-2033: 6% Air Conditioning and Refrigeration-Related Jobs: Ammonia Refrigeration Worker; Certified Refrigeration Operator; Refrigerating Machine Operator; Refrigeration Engine Operator; Refrigeration Operator; Refrigeration Person; Refrigeration Technician
Helpers, Construction Trades, All Other 5.9% HVAC Sheet Metal Installer Helper
Occupation: Helpers, Construction Trades, All Other U.S. Job Openings 2023-2033: 5.9% Air Conditioning and Refrigeration-Related Jobs: HVAC Sheet Metal Installer Helper
Stationary Engineers and Boiler Operators 5.8% Air Conditioning Engineer (AC Engineer); HVAC Mechanic Boiler Operator (Heating, Ventilation, and Air Conditioning Mechanic Boiler Operator); Refrigerating Engineer; Refrigeration Engineer
Occupation: Stationary Engineers and Boiler Operators U.S. Job Openings 2023-2033: 5.8% Air Conditioning and Refrigeration-Related Jobs: Air Conditioning Engineer (AC Engineer); HVAC Mechanic Boiler Operator (Heating, Ventilation, and Air Conditioning Mechanic Boiler Operator); Refrigerating Engineer; Refrigeration Engineer
Insulation Workers, Mechanical 5.1% AC Insulation Installer (Air Conditioning Insulation Installer); Refrigeration Insulator
Occupation: Insulation Workers, Mechanical U.S. Job Openings 2023-2033: 5.1% Air Conditioning and Refrigeration-Related Jobs: AC Insulation Installer (Air Conditioning Insulation Installer); Refrigeration Insulator
Heating, Air Conditioning, and Refrigeration Mechanics and Installers 5% A/C Installer-Servicer (Air Conditioning Installer-Servicer); A/C Mechanic (Air Conditioner Mechanic); A/C Service Tech (Air Conditioning Service Technician); A/C Tech (Air Conditioning Technician); Air Conditioning Specialist (A/C Specialist); Commercial HVAC Service Tech (Commercial Heating, Ventilation, and Air Conditioning Service Technician); Commercial HVAC Tech (Commercial Heating, Ventilation, and Air Conditioning Technician); Commercial Refrigeration Service Tech (Commercial Refrigeration Service Technician); Heating and Air Conditioning Installer; Heating and Air Conditioning Servicer; Heating and Air Conditioning Technician (Heating and Air Conditioning Tech); Heating, Ventilation, Air Conditioning, and Refrigeration Technician; Heating, Ventilation, and Air Conditioning Control Technician; Heating, Ventilation, and Air Conditioning Operations Technician; HVAC Controls Technician (Heating, Ventilation, and Air Conditioning Controls Technician); HVAC Installer (Heating, Ventilation, and Air Conditioning Installer); HVAC Journeyman (Heating, Ventilation, and Air Conditioning Journeyman); HVAC Maintenance Technician (Heating, Ventilation, and Air Conditioning Maintenance Technician); HVAC Mechanic (Heating, Ventilation, and Air Conditioning Mechanic); HVAC Refrigeration Technician (Heating, Ventilation, and Air Conditioning Refrigeration Technician); HVAC Service Tech (Heating, Ventilation, and Air Conditioning Service Technician); HVAC Specialist (Heating, Ventilation, and Air Conditioning Specialist); HVAC Tech (Heating, Ventilation, and Air Conditioning Technician); HVAC-R Service Tech (Heating, Ventilation, Air Conditioning, and Refrigeration Service Technician); Refrigeration and Appliance Repair Tech (Refrigeration and Appliance Repair Technician); Refrigeration Engineer; Refrigeration Installer; Refrigeration Mechanic; Refrigeration Operator; Refrigeration Service Technician (Refrigeration Service Tech); Refrigeration Systems Installer; Refrigeration Technician (Refrigeration Tech); Refrigeration Unit Repairer; Residential Heating and Air Conditioning Installer (Residential Heating and A/C Installer); Residential HVAC Service Technician (Residential Heating, Ventilation, and Air Conditioning Service Technician); Transportation Refrigeration Technician (Transportation Refrigeration Tech)
Occupation: Heating, Air Conditioning, and Refrigeration Mechanics and Installers U.S. Job Openings 2023-2033: 5% Air Conditioning and Refrigeration-Related Jobs: A/C Installer-Servicer (Air Conditioning Installer-Servicer); A/C Mechanic (Air Conditioner Mechanic); A/C Service Tech (Air Conditioning Service Technician); A/C Tech (Air Conditioning Technician); Air Conditioning Specialist (A/C Specialist); Commercial HVAC Service Tech (Commercial Heating, Ventilation, and Air Conditioning Service Technician); Commercial HVAC Tech (Commercial Heating, Ventilation, and Air Conditioning Technician); Commercial Refrigeration Service Tech (Commercial Refrigeration Service Technician); Heating and Air Conditioning Installer; Heating and Air Conditioning Servicer; Heating and Air Conditioning Technician (Heating and Air Conditioning Tech); Heating, Ventilation, Air Conditioning, and Refrigeration Technician; Heating, Ventilation, and Air Conditioning Control Technician; Heating, Ventilation, and Air Conditioning Operations Technician; HVAC Controls Technician (Heating, Ventilation, and Air Conditioning Controls Technician); HVAC Installer (Heating, Ventilation, and Air Conditioning Installer); HVAC Journeyman (Heating, Ventilation, and Air Conditioning Journeyman); HVAC Maintenance Technician (Heating, Ventilation, and Air Conditioning Maintenance Technician); HVAC Mechanic (Heating, Ventilation, and Air Conditioning Mechanic); HVAC Refrigeration Technician (Heating, Ventilation, and Air Conditioning Refrigeration Technician); HVAC Service Tech (Heating, Ventilation, and Air Conditioning Service Technician); HVAC Specialist (Heating, Ventilation, and Air Conditioning Specialist); HVAC Tech (Heating, Ventilation, and Air Conditioning Technician); HVAC-R Service Tech (Heating, Ventilation, Air Conditioning, and Refrigeration Service Technician); Refrigeration and Appliance Repair Tech (Refrigeration and Appliance Repair Technician); Refrigeration Engineer; Refrigeration Installer; Refrigeration Mechanic; Refrigeration Operator; Refrigeration Service Technician (Refrigeration Service Tech); Refrigeration Systems Installer; Refrigeration Technician (Refrigeration Tech); Refrigeration Unit Repairer; Residential Heating and Air Conditioning Installer (Residential Heating and A/C Installer); Residential HVAC Service Technician (Residential Heating, Ventilation, and Air Conditioning Service Technician); Transportation Refrigeration Technician (Transportation Refrigeration Tech)
Insulation Workers, Floor, Ceiling, and Wall 4.9% Air Conditioning Insulation Installer; Refrigeration Plant Cork Insulator
Occupation: Insulation Workers, Floor, Ceiling, and Wall U.S. Job Openings 2023-2033: 4.9% Air Conditioning and Refrigeration-Related Jobs: Air Conditioning Insulation Installer; Refrigeration Plant Cork Insulator
Sheet Metal Workers 3.6% AC Sheet Metal Installer (Air Conditioning Sheet Metal Installer); HVAC Sheet Metal Installer (Heating, Ventilation, and Air Conditioning Sheet Metal Installer); HVAC Sheet Metal Mechanic (Heating, Ventilation, and Air Conditioning Sheet Metal Mechanic); HVAC Sheet Metal Specialist (Heating, Ventilation, and Air Conditioning Sheet Metal Specialist)
Occupation: Sheet Metal Workers U.S. Job Openings 2023-2033: 3.6% Air Conditioning and Refrigeration-Related Jobs: AC Sheet Metal Installer (Air Conditioning Sheet Metal Installer); HVAC Sheet Metal Installer (Heating, Ventilation, and Air Conditioning Sheet Metal Installer); HVAC Sheet Metal Mechanic (Heating, Ventilation, and Air Conditioning Sheet Metal Mechanic); HVAC Sheet Metal Specialist (Heating, Ventilation, and Air Conditioning Sheet Metal Specialist)
Career/Technical Education Teachers, Postsecondary 3.4% HVAC Instructor (Heating, Ventilation, and Air Conditioning Instructor); HVAC-R Instructor (Heating, Ventilation, Air Conditioning, And Refrigeration Instructor)
Occupation: Career/Technical Education Teachers, Postsecondary U.S. Job Openings 2023-2033: 3.4% Air Conditioning and Refrigeration-Related Jobs: HVAC Instructor (Heating, Ventilation, and Air Conditioning Instructor); HVAC-R Instructor (Heating, Ventilation, Air Conditioning, And Refrigeration Instructor)
Automotive Service Technicians and Mechanics 0.3% A/C Tech (Air Conditioning Technician); AC Mechanic (Air Conditioning Mechanic); Auto A/C Installer (Automotive Air Conditioning Installer); Auto A/C Mechanic (Automotive Air Conditioning Mechanic)
Occupation: Automotive Service Technicians and Mechanics U.S. Job Openings 2023-2033: 0.3% Air Conditioning and Refrigeration-Related Jobs: A/C Tech (Air Conditioning Technician); AC Mechanic (Air Conditioning Mechanic); Auto A/C Installer (Automotive Air Conditioning Installer); Auto A/C Mechanic (Automotive Air Conditioning Mechanic)
Construction and Building Inspectors -2.9% Heating and Refrigeration Inspector
Occupation: Construction and Building Inspectors U.S. Job Openings 2023-2033: -2.9% Air Conditioning and Refrigeration-Related Jobs: Heating and Refrigeration Inspector
Home Appliance Repairers -3.6% Household Refrigeration Mechanic; Refrigeration Maintenance Tech (Refrigeration Maintenance Technician); Refrigeration Technician; Window Air Conditioner Installer; Window Unit Air Conditioning Mechanic
Occupation: Home Appliance Repairers U.S. Job Openings 2023-2033: -3.6% Air Conditioning and Refrigeration-Related Jobs: Household Refrigeration Mechanic; Refrigeration Maintenance Tech (Refrigeration Maintenance Technician); Refrigeration Technician; Window Air Conditioner Installer; Window Unit Air Conditioning Mechanic
Engine and Other Machine Assemblers -11.8% Air Conditioning Coil Assembler (AC Coil Assembler)
Occupation: Engine and Other Machine Assemblers U.S. Job Openings 2023-2033: -11.8% Air Conditioning and Refrigeration-Related Jobs: Air Conditioning Coil Assembler (AC Coil Assembler)
Inspectors, Testers, Sorters, Samplers, and Weighers -12.2% Air Conditioning Unit Tester (AC Unit Tester); Refrigeration Service Inspector
Occupation: Inspectors, Testers, Sorters, Samplers, and Weighers U.S. Job Openings 2023-2033: -12.2% Air Conditioning and Refrigeration-Related Jobs: Air Conditioning Unit Tester (AC Unit Tester); Refrigeration Service Inspector

24 Air Conditioning and Refrigeration careers are listed below (sorted by U.S. National Median Salary). Air Conditioning and Refrigeration-related jobs specific to each occupation are also provided. Please Scroll and Select below::

Occupations National Median Salary Air Conditioning and Refrigeration-Related Jobs

Sales Engineers $ 116,950 HVAC Commercial Salesperson (Heating, Ventilation, and Air Conditioning Commercial Salesperson)
Occupation: Sales Engineers National Median Salary: $ 116,950 Air Conditioning and Refrigeration-Related Jobs: HVAC Commercial Salesperson (Heating, Ventilation, and Air Conditioning Commercial Salesperson)
Energy Engineers, Except Wind and Solar $ 111,970 HVAC Engineer (Heating, Ventilation and Air Conditioning Engineer); HVAC Engineer (Heating, Ventilation, and Air Conditioning Engineer); HVAC Sensor and Digital Control Designer (Heating, Ventilation and Air Conditioning Sensor and Digital Control Designer); Refrigeration Engineer
Occupation: Energy Engineers, Except Wind and Solar National Median Salary: $ 111,970 Air Conditioning and Refrigeration-Related Jobs: HVAC Engineer (Heating, Ventilation and Air Conditioning Engineer); HVAC Engineer (Heating, Ventilation, and Air Conditioning Engineer); HVAC Sensor and Digital Control Designer (Heating, Ventilation and Air Conditioning Sensor and Digital Control Designer); Refrigeration Engineer
Engineering Teachers, Postsecondary $ 106,910 Refrigeration Engineering Teacher
Occupation: Engineering Teachers, Postsecondary National Median Salary: $ 106,910 Air Conditioning and Refrigeration-Related Jobs: Refrigeration Engineering Teacher
Mechanical Engineers $ 99,510 Air Conditioning Engineer (AC Engineer); HVAC Design Mechanical Engineer (Heating, Ventilation, and Air Conditioning Design Mechanical Engineer); HVAC Engineer (Heating Ventilation Air Conditioning Engineer); HVAC Engineer (Heating, Ventilation and Air Conditioning Engineer); HVAC Sensor and Digital Control Designer (Heating, Ventilation and Air Conditioning Sensor and Digital Control Designer); Mechanical HVAC Engineer (Mechanical Heating, Ventilation, and Air Conditioning Engineer); Refrigeration Engineer
Occupation: Mechanical Engineers National Median Salary: $ 99,510 Air Conditioning and Refrigeration-Related Jobs: Air Conditioning Engineer (AC Engineer); HVAC Design Mechanical Engineer (Heating, Ventilation, and Air Conditioning Design Mechanical Engineer); HVAC Engineer (Heating Ventilation Air Conditioning Engineer); HVAC Engineer (Heating, Ventilation and Air Conditioning Engineer); HVAC Sensor and Digital Control Designer (Heating, Ventilation and Air Conditioning Sensor and Digital Control Designer); Mechanical HVAC Engineer (Mechanical Heating, Ventilation, and Air Conditioning Engineer); Refrigeration Engineer
First-Line Supervisors of Mechanics, Installers, and Repairers $ 75,820 AC Supervisor (Air Conditioning Supervisor); HVAC Supervisor (Heating, Ventilation, and Air Conditioning Supervisor); Refrigeration Repair Supervisor
Occupation: First-Line Supervisors of Mechanics, Installers, and Repairers National Median Salary: $ 75,820 Air Conditioning and Refrigeration-Related Jobs: AC Supervisor (Air Conditioning Supervisor); HVAC Supervisor (Heating, Ventilation, and Air Conditioning Supervisor); Refrigeration Repair Supervisor
Aircraft Mechanics and Service Technicians $ 75,020 Aircraft AC Mechanic (Aircraft Air Conditioning Mechanic)
Occupation: Aircraft Mechanics and Service Technicians National Median Salary: $ 75,020 Air Conditioning and Refrigeration-Related Jobs: Aircraft AC Mechanic (Aircraft Air Conditioning Mechanic)
Construction and Building Inspectors $ 67,700 Heating and Refrigeration Inspector
Occupation: Construction and Building Inspectors National Median Salary: $ 67,700 Air Conditioning and Refrigeration-Related Jobs: Heating and Refrigeration Inspector
Stationary Engineers and Boiler Operators $ 67,640 Air Conditioning Engineer (AC Engineer); HVAC Mechanic Boiler Operator (Heating, Ventilation, and Air Conditioning Mechanic Boiler Operator); Refrigerating Engineer; Refrigeration Engineer
Occupation: Stationary Engineers and Boiler Operators National Median Salary: $ 67,640 Air Conditioning and Refrigeration-Related Jobs: Air Conditioning Engineer (AC Engineer); HVAC Mechanic Boiler Operator (Heating, Ventilation, and Air Conditioning Mechanic Boiler Operator); Refrigerating Engineer; Refrigeration Engineer
Career/Technical Education Teachers, Postsecondary $ 62,060 HVAC Instructor (Heating, Ventilation, and Air Conditioning Instructor); HVAC-R Instructor (Heating, Ventilation, Air Conditioning, And Refrigeration Instructor)
Occupation: Career/Technical Education Teachers, Postsecondary National Median Salary: $ 62,060 Air Conditioning and Refrigeration-Related Jobs: HVAC Instructor (Heating, Ventilation, and Air Conditioning Instructor); HVAC-R Instructor (Heating, Ventilation, Air Conditioning, And Refrigeration Instructor)
Sheet Metal Workers $ 58,780 AC Sheet Metal Installer (Air Conditioning Sheet Metal Installer); HVAC Sheet Metal Installer (Heating, Ventilation, and Air Conditioning Sheet Metal Installer); HVAC Sheet Metal Mechanic (Heating, Ventilation, and Air Conditioning Sheet Metal Mechanic); HVAC Sheet Metal Specialist (Heating, Ventilation, and Air Conditioning Sheet Metal Specialist)
Occupation: Sheet Metal Workers National Median Salary: $ 58,780 Air Conditioning and Refrigeration-Related Jobs: AC Sheet Metal Installer (Air Conditioning Sheet Metal Installer); HVAC Sheet Metal Installer (Heating, Ventilation, and Air Conditioning Sheet Metal Installer); HVAC Sheet Metal Mechanic (Heating, Ventilation, and Air Conditioning Sheet Metal Mechanic); HVAC Sheet Metal Specialist (Heating, Ventilation, and Air Conditioning Sheet Metal Specialist)
Heating, Air Conditioning, and Refrigeration Mechanics and Installers $ 57,300 A/C Installer-Servicer (Air Conditioning Installer-Servicer); A/C Mechanic (Air Conditioner Mechanic); A/C Service Tech (Air Conditioning Service Technician); A/C Tech (Air Conditioning Technician); Air Conditioning Specialist (A/C Specialist); Commercial HVAC Service Tech (Commercial Heating, Ventilation, and Air Conditioning Service Technician); Commercial HVAC Tech (Commercial Heating, Ventilation, and Air Conditioning Technician); Commercial Refrigeration Service Tech (Commercial Refrigeration Service Technician); Heating and Air Conditioning Installer; Heating and Air Conditioning Servicer; Heating and Air Conditioning Technician (Heating and Air Conditioning Tech); Heating, Ventilation, Air Conditioning, and Refrigeration Technician; Heating, Ventilation, and Air Conditioning Control Technician; Heating, Ventilation, and Air Conditioning Operations Technician; HVAC Controls Technician (Heating, Ventilation, and Air Conditioning Controls Technician); HVAC Installer (Heating, Ventilation, and Air Conditioning Installer); HVAC Journeyman (Heating, Ventilation, and Air Conditioning Journeyman); HVAC Maintenance Technician (Heating, Ventilation, and Air Conditioning Maintenance Technician); HVAC Mechanic (Heating, Ventilation, and Air Conditioning Mechanic); HVAC Refrigeration Technician (Heating, Ventilation, and Air Conditioning Refrigeration Technician); HVAC Service Tech (Heating, Ventilation, and Air Conditioning Service Technician); HVAC Specialist (Heating, Ventilation, and Air Conditioning Specialist); HVAC Tech (Heating, Ventilation, and Air Conditioning Technician); HVAC-R Service Tech (Heating, Ventilation, Air Conditioning, and Refrigeration Service Technician); Refrigeration and Appliance Repair Tech (Refrigeration and Appliance Repair Technician); Refrigeration Engineer; Refrigeration Installer; Refrigeration Mechanic; Refrigeration Operator; Refrigeration Service Technician (Refrigeration Service Tech); Refrigeration Systems Installer; Refrigeration Technician (Refrigeration Tech); Refrigeration Unit Repairer; Residential Heating and Air Conditioning Installer (Residential Heating and A/C Installer); Residential HVAC Service Technician (Residential Heating, Ventilation, and Air Conditioning Service Technician); Transportation Refrigeration Technician (Transportation Refrigeration Tech)
Occupation: Heating, Air Conditioning, and Refrigeration Mechanics and Installers National Median Salary: $ 57,300 Air Conditioning and Refrigeration-Related Jobs: A/C Installer-Servicer (Air Conditioning Installer-Servicer); A/C Mechanic (Air Conditioner Mechanic); A/C Service Tech (Air Conditioning Service Technician); A/C Tech (Air Conditioning Technician); Air Conditioning Specialist (A/C Specialist); Commercial HVAC Service Tech (Commercial Heating, Ventilation, and Air Conditioning Service Technician); Commercial HVAC Tech (Commercial Heating, Ventilation, and Air Conditioning Technician); Commercial Refrigeration Service Tech (Commercial Refrigeration Service Technician); Heating and Air Conditioning Installer; Heating and Air Conditioning Servicer; Heating and Air Conditioning Technician (Heating and Air Conditioning Tech); Heating, Ventilation, Air Conditioning, and Refrigeration Technician; Heating, Ventilation, and Air Conditioning Control Technician; Heating, Ventilation, and Air Conditioning Operations Technician; HVAC Controls Technician (Heating, Ventilation, and Air Conditioning Controls Technician); HVAC Installer (Heating, Ventilation, and Air Conditioning Installer); HVAC Journeyman (Heating, Ventilation, and Air Conditioning Journeyman); HVAC Maintenance Technician (Heating, Ventilation, and Air Conditioning Maintenance Technician); HVAC Mechanic (Heating, Ventilation, and Air Conditioning Mechanic); HVAC Refrigeration Technician (Heating, Ventilation, and Air Conditioning Refrigeration Technician); HVAC Service Tech (Heating, Ventilation, and Air Conditioning Service Technician); HVAC Specialist (Heating, Ventilation, and Air Conditioning Specialist); HVAC Tech (Heating, Ventilation, and Air Conditioning Technician); HVAC-R Service Tech (Heating, Ventilation, Air Conditioning, and Refrigeration Service Technician); Refrigeration and Appliance Repair Tech (Refrigeration and Appliance Repair Technician); Refrigeration Engineer; Refrigeration Installer; Refrigeration Mechanic; Refrigeration Operator; Refrigeration Service Technician (Refrigeration Service Tech); Refrigeration Systems Installer; Refrigeration Technician (Refrigeration Tech); Refrigeration Unit Repairer; Residential Heating and Air Conditioning Installer (Residential Heating and A/C Installer); Residential HVAC Service Technician (Residential Heating, Ventilation, and Air Conditioning Service Technician); Transportation Refrigeration Technician (Transportation Refrigeration Tech)
Insulation Workers, Mechanical $ 53,920 AC Insulation Installer (Air Conditioning Insulation Installer); Refrigeration Insulator
Occupation: Insulation Workers, Mechanical National Median Salary: $ 53,920 Air Conditioning and Refrigeration-Related Jobs: AC Insulation Installer (Air Conditioning Insulation Installer); Refrigeration Insulator
Engine and Other Machine Assemblers $ 50,270 Air Conditioning Coil Assembler (AC Coil Assembler)
Occupation: Engine and Other Machine Assemblers National Median Salary: $ 50,270 Air Conditioning and Refrigeration-Related Jobs: Air Conditioning Coil Assembler (AC Coil Assembler)
Welders, Cutters, Solderers, and Brazers $ 48,940 Refrigeration Brazer; Refrigeration Solderer
Occupation: Welders, Cutters, Solderers, and Brazers National Median Salary: $ 48,940 Air Conditioning and Refrigeration-Related Jobs: Refrigeration Brazer; Refrigeration Solderer
Sailors and Marine Oilers $ 48,400 Refrigerating Oiler
Occupation: Sailors and Marine Oilers National Median Salary: $ 48,400 Air Conditioning and Refrigeration-Related Jobs: Refrigerating Oiler
Automotive Service Technicians and Mechanics $ 47,770 A/C Tech (Air Conditioning Technician); AC Mechanic (Air Conditioning Mechanic); Auto A/C Installer (Automotive Air Conditioning Installer); Auto A/C Mechanic (Automotive Air Conditioning Mechanic)
Occupation: Automotive Service Technicians and Mechanics National Median Salary: $ 47,770 Air Conditioning and Refrigeration-Related Jobs: A/C Tech (Air Conditioning Technician); AC Mechanic (Air Conditioning Mechanic); Auto A/C Installer (Automotive Air Conditioning Installer); Auto A/C Mechanic (Automotive Air Conditioning Mechanic)
Insulation Workers, Floor, Ceiling, and Wall $ 47,540 Air Conditioning Insulation Installer; Refrigeration Plant Cork Insulator
Occupation: Insulation Workers, Floor, Ceiling, and Wall National Median Salary: $ 47,540 Air Conditioning and Refrigeration-Related Jobs: Air Conditioning Insulation Installer; Refrigeration Plant Cork Insulator
Home Appliance Repairers $ 47,170 Household Refrigeration Mechanic; Refrigeration Maintenance Tech (Refrigeration Maintenance Technician); Refrigeration Technician; Window Air Conditioner Installer; Window Unit Air Conditioning Mechanic
Occupation: Home Appliance Repairers National Median Salary: $ 47,170 Air Conditioning and Refrigeration-Related Jobs: Household Refrigeration Mechanic; Refrigeration Maintenance Tech (Refrigeration Maintenance Technician); Refrigeration Technician; Window Air Conditioner Installer; Window Unit Air Conditioning Mechanic
Geothermal Technicians $ 46,500 Geothermal HVAC Technician (Geothermal Heating, Ventilating, and Air Conditioning Technician)
Occupation: Geothermal Technicians National Median Salary: $ 46,500 Air Conditioning and Refrigeration-Related Jobs: Geothermal HVAC Technician (Geothermal Heating, Ventilating, and Air Conditioning Technician)
Inspectors, Testers, Sorters, Samplers, and Weighers $ 45,850 Air Conditioning Unit Tester (AC Unit Tester); Refrigeration Service Inspector
Occupation: Inspectors, Testers, Sorters, Samplers, and Weighers National Median Salary: $ 45,850 Air Conditioning and Refrigeration-Related Jobs: Air Conditioning Unit Tester (AC Unit Tester); Refrigeration Service Inspector
Cooling and Freezing Equipment Operators and Tenders $ 42,420 Ammonia Refrigeration Worker; Certified Refrigeration Operator; Refrigerating Machine Operator; Refrigeration Engine Operator; Refrigeration Operator; Refrigeration Person; Refrigeration Technician
Occupation: Cooling and Freezing Equipment Operators and Tenders National Median Salary: $ 42,420 Air Conditioning and Refrigeration-Related Jobs: Ammonia Refrigeration Worker; Certified Refrigeration Operator; Refrigerating Machine Operator; Refrigeration Engine Operator; Refrigeration Operator; Refrigeration Person; Refrigeration Technician
Helpers, Construction Trades, All Other $ 40,220 HVAC Sheet Metal Installer Helper
Occupation: Helpers, Construction Trades, All Other National Median Salary: $ 40,220 Air Conditioning and Refrigeration-Related Jobs: HVAC Sheet Metal Installer Helper
Production Workers, All Other $ 37,430 Refrigeration Houseman; Refrigeration Specialist
Occupation: Production Workers, All Other National Median Salary: $ 37,430 Air Conditioning and Refrigeration-Related Jobs: Refrigeration Houseman; Refrigeration Specialist
Helpers--Installation, Maintenance, and Repair Workers $ 36,710 Air Conditioner Installer Helper (AC Installer Helper); Air Conditioner Installer Servicer Helper (AC Installer Servicer Helper); Heating and Air Conditioning Installer Helper (Heating and AC Installer Servicer Helper); HVAC Helper (Heating, Ventilation, Air Conditioning Helper); HVAC Installation Helper (Heating, Ventilation, Air Conditioning Installation Helper); Refrigeration Mechanic Helper; Window Unit Air Conditioner Installer Helper (Window Unit AC Installer Helper)
Occupation: Helpers--Installation, Maintenance, and Repair Workers National Median Salary: $ 36,710 Air Conditioning and Refrigeration-Related Jobs: Air Conditioner Installer Helper (AC Installer Helper); Air Conditioner Installer Servicer Helper (AC Installer Servicer Helper); Heating and Air Conditioning Installer Helper (Heating and AC Installer Servicer Helper); HVAC Helper (Heating, Ventilation, Air Conditioning Helper); HVAC Installation Helper (Heating, Ventilation, Air Conditioning Installation Helper); Refrigeration Mechanic Helper; Window Unit Air Conditioner Installer Helper (Window Unit AC Installer Helper)

22 Air Conditioning and Refrigeration careers are listed (sorted by Education/Preparation Requirements - descending) to provide career ladders. Air Conditioning and Refrigeration-related jobs specific to each career are also provided.

Education/Preparation Categories:
5 = Usually requires graduate school (e.g., Master's degree, Ph.D., M.D., or J.D.)
4 = Usually requires a four-year Bachelor's degree
3 = Usually requires vocational training, related on-the-job experience, or Associate's degree
2 = Usually requires a high school diploma or GED, but not always
Please Scroll and Select below:
Occupations Education/Preparation Air Conditioning and Refrigeration-Related Jobs

Engineering Teachers, Postsecondary 5 Refrigeration Engineering Teacher
Occupation: Engineering Teachers, Postsecondary Education/Preparation: 5 Air Conditioning and Refrigeration-Related Jobs: Refrigeration Engineering Teacher
Energy Engineers, Except Wind and Solar 4 HVAC Engineer (Heating, Ventilation and Air Conditioning Engineer); HVAC Engineer (Heating, Ventilation, and Air Conditioning Engineer); HVAC Sensor and Digital Control Designer (Heating, Ventilation and Air Conditioning Sensor and Digital Control Designer); Refrigeration Engineer
Occupation: Energy Engineers, Except Wind and Solar Education/Preparation: 4 Air Conditioning and Refrigeration-Related Jobs: HVAC Engineer (Heating, Ventilation and Air Conditioning Engineer); HVAC Engineer (Heating, Ventilation, and Air Conditioning Engineer); HVAC Sensor and Digital Control Designer (Heating, Ventilation and Air Conditioning Sensor and Digital Control Designer); Refrigeration Engineer
Sales Engineers 4 HVAC Commercial Salesperson (Heating, Ventilation, and Air Conditioning Commercial Salesperson)
Occupation: Sales Engineers Education/Preparation: 4 Air Conditioning and Refrigeration-Related Jobs: HVAC Commercial Salesperson (Heating, Ventilation, and Air Conditioning Commercial Salesperson)
Mechanical Engineers 4 Air Conditioning Engineer (AC Engineer); HVAC Design Mechanical Engineer (Heating, Ventilation, and Air Conditioning Design Mechanical Engineer); HVAC Engineer (Heating Ventilation Air Conditioning Engineer); HVAC Engineer (Heating, Ventilation and Air Conditioning Engineer); HVAC Sensor and Digital Control Designer (Heating, Ventilation and Air Conditioning Sensor and Digital Control Designer); Mechanical HVAC Engineer (Mechanical Heating, Ventilation, and Air Conditioning Engineer); Refrigeration Engineer
Occupation: Mechanical Engineers Education/Preparation: 4 Air Conditioning and Refrigeration-Related Jobs: Air Conditioning Engineer (AC Engineer); HVAC Design Mechanical Engineer (Heating, Ventilation, and Air Conditioning Design Mechanical Engineer); HVAC Engineer (Heating Ventilation Air Conditioning Engineer); HVAC Engineer (Heating, Ventilation and Air Conditioning Engineer); HVAC Sensor and Digital Control Designer (Heating, Ventilation and Air Conditioning Sensor and Digital Control Designer); Mechanical HVAC Engineer (Mechanical Heating, Ventilation, and Air Conditioning Engineer); Refrigeration Engineer
Automotive Service Technicians and Mechanics 3 A/C Tech (Air Conditioning Technician); AC Mechanic (Air Conditioning Mechanic); Auto A/C Installer (Automotive Air Conditioning Installer); Auto A/C Mechanic (Automotive Air Conditioning Mechanic)
Occupation: Automotive Service Technicians and Mechanics Education/Preparation: 3 Air Conditioning and Refrigeration-Related Jobs: A/C Tech (Air Conditioning Technician); AC Mechanic (Air Conditioning Mechanic); Auto A/C Installer (Automotive Air Conditioning Installer); Auto A/C Mechanic (Automotive Air Conditioning Mechanic)
Career/Technical Education Teachers, Postsecondary 3 HVAC Instructor (Heating, Ventilation, and Air Conditioning Instructor); HVAC-R Instructor (Heating, Ventilation, Air Conditioning, And Refrigeration Instructor)
Occupation: Career/Technical Education Teachers, Postsecondary Education/Preparation: 3 Air Conditioning and Refrigeration-Related Jobs: HVAC Instructor (Heating, Ventilation, and Air Conditioning Instructor); HVAC-R Instructor (Heating, Ventilation, Air Conditioning, And Refrigeration Instructor)
Construction and Building Inspectors 3 Heating and Refrigeration Inspector
Occupation: Construction and Building Inspectors Education/Preparation: 3 Air Conditioning and Refrigeration-Related Jobs: Heating and Refrigeration Inspector
Aircraft Mechanics and Service Technicians 3 Aircraft AC Mechanic (Aircraft Air Conditioning Mechanic)
Occupation: Aircraft Mechanics and Service Technicians Education/Preparation: 3 Air Conditioning and Refrigeration-Related Jobs: Aircraft AC Mechanic (Aircraft Air Conditioning Mechanic)
Stationary Engineers and Boiler Operators 3 Air Conditioning Engineer (AC Engineer); HVAC Mechanic Boiler Operator (Heating, Ventilation, and Air Conditioning Mechanic Boiler Operator); Refrigerating Engineer; Refrigeration Engineer
Occupation: Stationary Engineers and Boiler Operators Education/Preparation: 3 Air Conditioning and Refrigeration-Related Jobs: Air Conditioning Engineer (AC Engineer); HVAC Mechanic Boiler Operator (Heating, Ventilation, and Air Conditioning Mechanic Boiler Operator); Refrigerating Engineer; Refrigeration Engineer
First-Line Supervisors of Mechanics, Installers, and Repairers 3 AC Supervisor (Air Conditioning Supervisor); HVAC Supervisor (Heating, Ventilation, and Air Conditioning Supervisor); Refrigeration Repair Supervisor
Occupation: First-Line Supervisors of Mechanics, Installers, and Repairers Education/Preparation: 3 Air Conditioning and Refrigeration-Related Jobs: AC Supervisor (Air Conditioning Supervisor); HVAC Supervisor (Heating, Ventilation, and Air Conditioning Supervisor); Refrigeration Repair Supervisor
Heating, Air Conditioning, and Refrigeration Mechanics and Installers 3 A/C Installer-Servicer (Air Conditioning Installer-Servicer); A/C Mechanic (Air Conditioner Mechanic); A/C Service Tech (Air Conditioning Service Technician); A/C Tech (Air Conditioning Technician); Air Conditioning Specialist (A/C Specialist); Commercial HVAC Service Tech (Commercial Heating, Ventilation, and Air Conditioning Service Technician); Commercial HVAC Tech (Commercial Heating, Ventilation, and Air Conditioning Technician); Commercial Refrigeration Service Tech (Commercial Refrigeration Service Technician); Heating and Air Conditioning Installer; Heating and Air Conditioning Servicer; Heating and Air Conditioning Technician (Heating and Air Conditioning Tech); Heating, Ventilation, Air Conditioning, and Refrigeration Technician; Heating, Ventilation, and Air Conditioning Control Technician; Heating, Ventilation, and Air Conditioning Operations Technician; HVAC Controls Technician (Heating, Ventilation, and Air Conditioning Controls Technician); HVAC Installer (Heating, Ventilation, and Air Conditioning Installer); HVAC Journeyman (Heating, Ventilation, and Air Conditioning Journeyman); HVAC Maintenance Technician (Heating, Ventilation, and Air Conditioning Maintenance Technician); HVAC Mechanic (Heating, Ventilation, and Air Conditioning Mechanic); HVAC Refrigeration Technician (Heating, Ventilation, and Air Conditioning Refrigeration Technician); HVAC Service Tech (Heating, Ventilation, and Air Conditioning Service Technician); HVAC Specialist (Heating, Ventilation, and Air Conditioning Specialist); HVAC Tech (Heating, Ventilation, and Air Conditioning Technician); HVAC-R Service Tech (Heating, Ventilation, Air Conditioning, and Refrigeration Service Technician); Refrigeration and Appliance Repair Tech (Refrigeration and Appliance Repair Technician); Refrigeration Engineer; Refrigeration Installer; Refrigeration Mechanic; Refrigeration Operator; Refrigeration Service Technician (Refrigeration Service Tech); Refrigeration Systems Installer; Refrigeration Technician (Refrigeration Tech); Refrigeration Unit Repairer; Residential Heating and Air Conditioning Installer (Residential Heating and A/C Installer); Residential HVAC Service Technician (Residential Heating, Ventilation, and Air Conditioning Service Technician); Transportation Refrigeration Technician (Transportation Refrigeration Tech)
Occupation: Heating, Air Conditioning, and Refrigeration Mechanics and Installers Education/Preparation: 3 Air Conditioning and Refrigeration-Related Jobs: A/C Installer-Servicer (Air Conditioning Installer-Servicer); A/C Mechanic (Air Conditioner Mechanic); A/C Service Tech (Air Conditioning Service Technician); A/C Tech (Air Conditioning Technician); Air Conditioning Specialist (A/C Specialist); Commercial HVAC Service Tech (Commercial Heating, Ventilation, and Air Conditioning Service Technician); Commercial HVAC Tech (Commercial Heating, Ventilation, and Air Conditioning Technician); Commercial Refrigeration Service Tech (Commercial Refrigeration Service Technician); Heating and Air Conditioning Installer; Heating and Air Conditioning Servicer; Heating and Air Conditioning Technician (Heating and Air Conditioning Tech); Heating, Ventilation, Air Conditioning, and Refrigeration Technician; Heating, Ventilation, and Air Conditioning Control Technician; Heating, Ventilation, and Air Conditioning Operations Technician; HVAC Controls Technician (Heating, Ventilation, and Air Conditioning Controls Technician); HVAC Installer (Heating, Ventilation, and Air Conditioning Installer); HVAC Journeyman (Heating, Ventilation, and Air Conditioning Journeyman); HVAC Maintenance Technician (Heating, Ventilation, and Air Conditioning Maintenance Technician); HVAC Mechanic (Heating, Ventilation, and Air Conditioning Mechanic); HVAC Refrigeration Technician (Heating, Ventilation, and Air Conditioning Refrigeration Technician); HVAC Service Tech (Heating, Ventilation, and Air Conditioning Service Technician); HVAC Specialist (Heating, Ventilation, and Air Conditioning Specialist); HVAC Tech (Heating, Ventilation, and Air Conditioning Technician); HVAC-R Service Tech (Heating, Ventilation, Air Conditioning, and Refrigeration Service Technician); Refrigeration and Appliance Repair Tech (Refrigeration and Appliance Repair Technician); Refrigeration Engineer; Refrigeration Installer; Refrigeration Mechanic; Refrigeration Operator; Refrigeration Service Technician (Refrigeration Service Tech); Refrigeration Systems Installer; Refrigeration Technician (Refrigeration Tech); Refrigeration Unit Repairer; Residential Heating and Air Conditioning Installer (Residential Heating and A/C Installer); Residential HVAC Service Technician (Residential Heating, Ventilation, and Air Conditioning Service Technician); Transportation Refrigeration Technician (Transportation Refrigeration Tech)
Welders, Cutters, Solderers, and Brazers 2 Refrigeration Brazer; Refrigeration Solderer
Occupation: Welders, Cutters, Solderers, and Brazers Education/Preparation: 2 Air Conditioning and Refrigeration-Related Jobs: Refrigeration Brazer; Refrigeration Solderer
Sheet Metal Workers 2 AC Sheet Metal Installer (Air Conditioning Sheet Metal Installer); HVAC Sheet Metal Installer (Heating, Ventilation, and Air Conditioning Sheet Metal Installer); HVAC Sheet Metal Mechanic (Heating, Ventilation, and Air Conditioning Sheet Metal Mechanic); HVAC Sheet Metal Specialist (Heating, Ventilation, and Air Conditioning Sheet Metal Specialist)
Occupation: Sheet Metal Workers Education/Preparation: 2 Air Conditioning and Refrigeration-Related Jobs: AC Sheet Metal Installer (Air Conditioning Sheet Metal Installer); HVAC Sheet Metal Installer (Heating, Ventilation, and Air Conditioning Sheet Metal Installer); HVAC Sheet Metal Mechanic (Heating, Ventilation, and Air Conditioning Sheet Metal Mechanic); HVAC Sheet Metal Specialist (Heating, Ventilation, and Air Conditioning Sheet Metal Specialist)
Sailors and Marine Oilers 2 Refrigerating Oiler
Occupation: Sailors and Marine Oilers Education/Preparation: 2 Air Conditioning and Refrigeration-Related Jobs: Refrigerating Oiler
Insulation Workers, Mechanical 2 AC Insulation Installer (Air Conditioning Insulation Installer); Refrigeration Insulator
Occupation: Insulation Workers, Mechanical Education/Preparation: 2 Air Conditioning and Refrigeration-Related Jobs: AC Insulation Installer (Air Conditioning Insulation Installer); Refrigeration Insulator
Insulation Workers, Floor, Ceiling, and Wall 2 Air Conditioning Insulation Installer; Refrigeration Plant Cork Insulator
Occupation: Insulation Workers, Floor, Ceiling, and Wall Education/Preparation: 2 Air Conditioning and Refrigeration-Related Jobs: Air Conditioning Insulation Installer; Refrigeration Plant Cork Insulator
Inspectors, Testers, Sorters, Samplers, and Weighers 2 Air Conditioning Unit Tester (AC Unit Tester); Refrigeration Service Inspector
Occupation: Inspectors, Testers, Sorters, Samplers, and Weighers Education/Preparation: 2 Air Conditioning and Refrigeration-Related Jobs: Air Conditioning Unit Tester (AC Unit Tester); Refrigeration Service Inspector
Home Appliance Repairers 2 Household Refrigeration Mechanic; Refrigeration Maintenance Tech (Refrigeration Maintenance Technician); Refrigeration Technician; Window Air Conditioner Installer; Window Unit Air Conditioning Mechanic
Occupation: Home Appliance Repairers Education/Preparation: 2 Air Conditioning and Refrigeration-Related Jobs: Household Refrigeration Mechanic; Refrigeration Maintenance Tech (Refrigeration Maintenance Technician); Refrigeration Technician; Window Air Conditioner Installer; Window Unit Air Conditioning Mechanic
Helpers--Installation, Maintenance, and Repair Workers 2 Air Conditioner Installer Helper (AC Installer Helper); Air Conditioner Installer Servicer Helper (AC Installer Servicer Helper); Heating and Air Conditioning Installer Helper (Heating and AC Installer Servicer Helper); HVAC Helper (Heating, Ventilation, Air Conditioning Helper); HVAC Installation Helper (Heating, Ventilation, Air Conditioning Installation Helper); Refrigeration Mechanic Helper; Window Unit Air Conditioner Installer Helper (Window Unit AC Installer Helper)
Occupation: Helpers--Installation, Maintenance, and Repair Workers Education/Preparation: 2 Air Conditioning and Refrigeration-Related Jobs: Air Conditioner Installer Helper (AC Installer Helper); Air Conditioner Installer Servicer Helper (AC Installer Servicer Helper); Heating and Air Conditioning Installer Helper (Heating and AC Installer Servicer Helper); HVAC Helper (Heating, Ventilation, Air Conditioning Helper); HVAC Installation Helper (Heating, Ventilation, Air Conditioning Installation Helper); Refrigeration Mechanic Helper; Window Unit Air Conditioner Installer Helper (Window Unit AC Installer Helper)
Geothermal Technicians 2 Geothermal HVAC Technician (Geothermal Heating, Ventilating, and Air Conditioning Technician)
Occupation: Geothermal Technicians Education/Preparation: 2 Air Conditioning and Refrigeration-Related Jobs: Geothermal HVAC Technician (Geothermal Heating, Ventilating, and Air Conditioning Technician)
Engine and Other Machine Assemblers 2 Air Conditioning Coil Assembler (AC Coil Assembler)
Occupation: Engine and Other Machine Assemblers Education/Preparation: 2 Air Conditioning and Refrigeration-Related Jobs: Air Conditioning Coil Assembler (AC Coil Assembler)
Cooling and Freezing Equipment Operators and Tenders 2 Ammonia Refrigeration Worker; Certified Refrigeration Operator; Refrigerating Machine Operator; Refrigeration Engine Operator; Refrigeration Operator; Refrigeration Person; Refrigeration Technician
Occupation: Cooling and Freezing Equipment Operators and Tenders Education/Preparation: 2 Air Conditioning and Refrigeration-Related Jobs: Ammonia Refrigeration Worker; Certified Refrigeration Operator; Refrigerating Machine Operator; Refrigeration Engine Operator; Refrigeration Operator; Refrigeration Person; Refrigeration Technician

Scroll through the picklist (below). There are 92 specific Air Conditioning and Refrigeration job titles listed. Select those that may be of interest - you will get active job listing links, along with detailed resources to help you prepare for a career related to that job.
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A/C Installer-Servicer (Air Conditioning Installer-Servicer)
A/C Mechanic (Air Conditioner Mechanic)
A/C Service Tech (Air Conditioning Service Technician)
A/C Tech (Air Conditioning Technician)
AC Insulation Installer (Air Conditioning Insulation Installer)
AC Mechanic (Air Conditioning Mechanic)
AC Sheet Metal Installer (Air Conditioning Sheet Metal Installer)
AC Supervisor (Air Conditioning Supervisor)
Air Conditioner Installer Helper (AC Installer Helper)
Air Conditioner Installer Servicer Helper (AC Installer Servicer Helper)
Air Conditioning Coil Assembler (AC Coil Assembler)
Air Conditioning Engineer (AC Engineer)
Air Conditioning Insulation Installer
Air Conditioning Specialist (A/C Specialist)
Air Conditioning Unit Tester (AC Unit Tester)
Aircraft AC Mechanic (Aircraft Air Conditioning Mechanic)
Ammonia Refrigeration Worker
Auto A/C Installer (Automotive Air Conditioning Installer)
Auto A/C Mechanic (Automotive Air Conditioning Mechanic)
Certified Refrigeration Operator
Commercial HVAC Service Tech (Commercial Heating, Ventilation, and Air Conditioning Service Technician)
Commercial HVAC Tech (Commercial Heating, Ventilation, and Air Conditioning Technician)
Commercial Refrigeration Service Tech (Commercial Refrigeration Service Technician)
Geothermal HVAC Technician (Geothermal Heating, Ventilating, and Air Conditioning Technician)
Heating and Air Conditioning Installer
Heating and Air Conditioning Installer Helper (Heating and AC Installer Servicer Helper)
Heating and Air Conditioning Servicer
Heating and Air Conditioning Technician (Heating and Air Conditioning Tech)
Heating and Refrigeration Inspector
Heating, Ventilation, Air Conditioning, and Refrigeration Technician
Heating, Ventilation, and Air Conditioning Control Technician
Heating, Ventilation, and Air Conditioning Operations Technician
Household Refrigeration Mechanic
HVAC Commercial Salesperson (Heating, Ventilation, and Air Conditioning Commercial Salesperson)
HVAC Controls Technician (Heating, Ventilation, and Air Conditioning Controls Technician)
HVAC Design Mechanical Engineer (Heating, Ventilation, and Air Conditioning Design Mechanical Engineer)
HVAC Engineer (Heating Ventilation Air Conditioning Engineer)
HVAC Engineer (Heating, Ventilation and Air Conditioning Engineer)
HVAC Engineer (Heating, Ventilation, and Air Conditioning Engineer)
HVAC Helper (Heating, Ventilation, Air Conditioning Helper)
HVAC Installation Helper (Heating, Ventilation, Air Conditioning Installation Helper)
HVAC Installer (Heating, Ventilation, and Air Conditioning Installer)
HVAC Instructor (Heating, Ventilation, and Air Conditioning Instructor)
HVAC Journeyman (Heating, Ventilation, and Air Conditioning Journeyman)
HVAC Maintenance Technician (Heating, Ventilation, and Air Conditioning Maintenance Technician)
HVAC Mechanic (Heating, Ventilation, and Air Conditioning Mechanic)
HVAC Mechanic Boiler Operator (Heating, Ventilation, and Air Conditioning Mechanic Boiler Operator)
HVAC Refrigeration Technician (Heating, Ventilation, and Air Conditioning Refrigeration Technician)
HVAC Sensor and Digital Control Designer (Heating, Ventilation and Air Conditioning Sensor and Digital Control Designer)
HVAC Service Tech (Heating, Ventilation, and Air Conditioning Service Technician)
HVAC Sheet Metal Installer (Heating, Ventilation, and Air Conditioning Sheet Metal Installer)
HVAC Sheet Metal Installer Helper
HVAC Sheet Metal Mechanic (Heating, Ventilation, and Air Conditioning Sheet Metal Mechanic)
HVAC Sheet Metal Specialist (Heating, Ventilation, and Air Conditioning Sheet Metal Specialist)
HVAC Specialist (Heating, Ventilation, and Air Conditioning Specialist)
HVAC Supervisor (Heating, Ventilation, and Air Conditioning Supervisor)
HVAC Tech (Heating, Ventilation, and Air Conditioning Technician)
HVAC-R Instructor (Heating, Ventilation, Air Conditioning, And Refrigeration Instructor)
HVAC-R Service Tech (Heating, Ventilation, Air Conditioning, and Refrigeration Service Technician)
Mechanical HVAC Engineer (Mechanical Heating, Ventilation, and Air Conditioning Engineer)
Refrigerating Engineer
Refrigerating Machine Operator
Refrigerating Oiler
Refrigeration and Appliance Repair Tech (Refrigeration and Appliance Repair Technician)
Refrigeration Brazer
Refrigeration Engine Operator
Refrigeration Engineer
Refrigeration Engineering Teacher
Refrigeration Houseman
Refrigeration Installer
Refrigeration Insulator
Refrigeration Maintenance Tech (Refrigeration Maintenance Technician)
Refrigeration Mechanic
Refrigeration Mechanic Helper
Refrigeration Operator
Refrigeration Person
Refrigeration Plant Cork Insulator
Refrigeration Repair Supervisor
Refrigeration Service Inspector
Refrigeration Service Technician (Refrigeration Service Tech)
Refrigeration Solderer
Refrigeration Specialist
Refrigeration Systems Installer
Refrigeration Technician
Refrigeration Technician (Refrigeration Tech)
Refrigeration Unit Repairer
Residential Heating and Air Conditioning Installer (Residential Heating and A/C Installer)
Residential HVAC Service Technician (Residential Heating, Ventilation, and Air Conditioning Service Technician)
Transportation Refrigeration Technician (Transportation Refrigeration Tech)
Window Air Conditioner Installer
Window Unit Air Conditioner Installer Helper (Window Unit AC Installer Helper)
Window Unit Air Conditioning Mechanic


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Sheet Metal Workers

Description: Fabricate, assemble, install, and repair sheet metal products and equipment, such as ducts, control boxes, drainpipes, and furnace casings. Work may involve any of the following: setting up and operating fabricating machines to cut, bend, and straighten sheet metal; shaping metal over anvils, blocks, or forms using hammer; operating soldering and welding equipment to join sheet metal parts; or inspecting, assembling, and smoothing seams and joints of burred surfaces. Includes sheet metal duct installers who install prefabricated sheet metal ducts used for heating, air conditioning, or other purposes.

U.S. Total Employment (2023):
135,400
U.S. Total Employment (2033 est.):
140,200
Employment Change (2023-2033 est.):
4,800 (3.6%)
Average Annual Job Openings (2023-2033 est.):
13,100
Please click on a section below to expand and see detailed occupational information related to "Sheet Metal Workers":

Core Duties

Important Core Job Duties (in order of importance)
For the Top 5 most important - How can you build experience and skill doing these? This will help now, to begin preparing for this type of occupation.
Importance (%) Description
Importance: 99 (%) Description: Select gauges or types of sheet metal or nonmetallic material, according to product specifications.
Importance: 97 (%) Description: Determine project requirements, such as scope, assembly sequences, or required methods or materials, using blueprints, drawings, or written or verbal instructions.
Importance: 94 (%) Description: Fasten seams or joints together with welds, bolts, cement, rivets, solder, caulks, metal drive clips, or bonds to assemble components into products or to repair sheet metal items.
Importance: 93 (%) Description: Maintain equipment, making repairs or modifications when necessary.
Importance: 92 (%) Description: Hire, train, or supervise new employees or apprentices.
Importance: 91 (%) Description: Fabricate or alter parts at construction sites, using shears, hammers, punches, or drills.
Importance: 91 (%) Description: Lay out, measure, and mark dimensions and reference lines on material, such as roofing panels, using calculators, scribes, dividers, squares, or rulers.
Importance: 87 (%) Description: Install assemblies, such as flashing, pipes, tubes, heating and air conditioning ducts, furnace casings, rain gutters, or downspouts in supportive frameworks.
Importance: 86 (%) Description: Fabricate ducts for high efficiency heating, ventilating, and air conditioning (HVAC) systems to maximize efficiency of systems.
Importance: 86 (%) Description: Transport prefabricated parts to construction sites for assembly and installation.
Importance: 84 (%) Description: Maneuver completed roofing units into position for installation.
Importance: 79 (%) Description: Trim, file, grind, deburr, buff, or smooth surfaces, seams, or joints of assembled parts, using hand tools or portable power tools.
Importance: 75 (%) Description: Shape metal material over anvils, blocks, or other forms, using hand tools.
Supplemental Duties
Important Supplemental Job Duties (in order of importance)
For the Top 5 most important - How can you build experience and skill doing these? This will help now, to begin preparing for this type of occupation.
Importance (%) Description
Importance: 72 (%) Description: Finish parts, using hacksaws or hand, rotary, or squaring shears.
Importance: 65 (%) Description: Verify that heating, ventilating, and air conditioning (HVAC) systems are designed, installed, and calibrated in accordance with green certification standards, such as those of Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED).
Importance: 65 (%) Description: Fasten roof panel edges or machine-made moldings to structures by nailing or welding.
Importance: 64 (%) Description: Perform building commissioning activities by completing mechanical inspections of a building's water, lighting, or heating, ventilating, and air conditioning (HVAC) systems.
Importance: 61 (%) Description: Convert blueprints into shop drawings to be followed in the construction or assembly of sheet metal products.
Importance: 46 (%) Description: Inspect individual parts, assemblies, or installations, using measuring instruments, such as calipers, scales, or micrometers.
Work Activities

Important General Work Activities (in order of importance)
For the Top 5 most important - How can you build experience and skill doing these? This will help now, to begin preparing for this type of occupation.
Importance (%) Description
Importance: 94 (%) Description: Getting Information: Observing, receiving, and otherwise obtaining information from all relevant sources.
Importance: 89 (%) Description: Inspecting Equipment, Structures, or Materials: Inspecting equipment, structures, or materials to identify the cause of errors or other problems or defects.
Importance: 88 (%) Description: Monitoring Processes, Materials, or Surroundings: Monitoring and reviewing information from materials, events, or the environment, to detect or assess problems.
Importance: 86 (%) Description: Establishing and Maintaining Interpersonal Relationships: Developing constructive and cooperative working relationships with others, and maintaining them over time.
Importance: 85 (%) Description: Communicating with People Outside the Organization: Communicating with people outside the organization, representing the organization to customers, the public, government, and other external sources. This information can be exchanged in person, in writing, or by telephone or e-mail.
Importance: 85 (%) Description: Identifying Objects, Actions, and Events: Identifying information by categorizing, estimating, recognizing differences or similarities, and detecting changes in circumstances or events.
Importance: 85 (%) Description: Training and Teaching Others: Identifying the educational needs of others, developing formal educational or training programs or classes, and teaching or instructing others.
Importance: 84 (%) Description: Operating Vehicles, Mechanized Devices, or Equipment: Running, maneuvering, navigating, or driving vehicles or mechanized equipment, such as forklifts, passenger vehicles, aircraft, or watercraft.
Importance: 84 (%) Description: Coaching and Developing Others: Identifying the developmental needs of others and coaching, mentoring, or otherwise helping others to improve their knowledge or skills.
Importance: 82 (%) Description: Evaluating Information to Determine Compliance with Standards: Using relevant information and individual judgment to determine whether events or processes comply with laws, regulations, or standards.
Importance: 79 (%) Description: Communicating with Supervisors, Peers, or Subordinates: Providing information to supervisors, co-workers, and subordinates by telephone, in written form, e-mail, or in person.
Importance: 79 (%) Description: Guiding, Directing, and Motivating Subordinates: Providing guidance and direction to subordinates, including setting performance standards and monitoring performance.
Importance: 78 (%) Description: Resolving Conflicts and Negotiating with Others: Handling complaints, settling disputes, and resolving grievances and conflicts, or otherwise negotiating with others.
Importance: 78 (%) Description: Developing and Building Teams: Encouraging and building mutual trust, respect, and cooperation among team members.
Importance: 78 (%) Description: Documenting/Recording Information: Entering, transcribing, recording, storing, or maintaining information in written or electronic/magnetic form.
Importance: 76 (%) Description: Performing for or Working Directly with the Public: Performing for people or dealing directly with the public. This includes serving customers in restaurants and stores, and receiving clients or guests.
Importance: 76 (%) Description: Handling and Moving Objects: Using hands and arms in handling, installing, positioning, and moving materials, and manipulating things.
Importance: 75 (%) Description: Organizing, Planning, and Prioritizing Work: Developing specific goals and plans to prioritize, organize, and accomplish your work.
Importance: 75 (%) Description: Performing General Physical Activities: Performing general physical activities includes doing activities that require considerable use of your arms and legs and moving your whole body, such as climbing, lifting, balancing, walking, stooping, and handling materials.
Importance: 75 (%) Description: Coordinating the Work and Activities of Others: Getting members of a group to work together to accomplish tasks.
Importance: 74 (%) Description: Estimating the Quantifiable Characteristics of Products, Events, or Information: Estimating sizes, distances, and quantities; or determining time, costs, resources, or materials needed to perform a work activity.
Importance: 73 (%) Description: Providing Consultation and Advice to Others: Providing guidance and expert advice to management or other groups on technical, systems-, or process-related topics.
Importance: 72 (%) Description: Making Decisions and Solving Problems: Analyzing information and evaluating results to choose the best solution and solve problems.
Importance: 72 (%) Description: Selling or Influencing Others: Convincing others to buy merchandise/goods or to otherwise change their minds or actions.
Importance: 71 (%) Description: Updating and Using Relevant Knowledge: Keeping up-to-date technically and applying new knowledge to your job.
Importance: 70 (%) Description: Processing Information: Compiling, coding, categorizing, calculating, tabulating, auditing, or verifying information or data.
Importance: 70 (%) Description: Judging the Qualities of Objects, Services, or People: Assessing the value, importance, or quality of things or people.
Importance: 70 (%) Description: 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.
Importance: 70 (%) Description: Drafting, Laying Out, and Specifying Technical Devices, Parts, and Equipment: Providing documentation, detailed instructions, drawings, or specifications to tell others about how devices, parts, equipment, or structures are to be fabricated, constructed, assembled, modified, maintained, or used.
Importance: 68 (%) Description: Monitoring and Controlling Resources: Monitoring and controlling resources and overseeing the spending of money.
Importance: 67 (%) Description: Repairing and Maintaining Electronic Equipment: Servicing, repairing, calibrating, regulating, fine-tuning, or testing machines, devices, and equipment that operate primarily on the basis of electrical or electronic (not mechanical) principles.
Importance: 66 (%) Description: Thinking Creatively: Developing, designing, or creating new applications, ideas, relationships, systems, or products, including artistic contributions.
Importance: 65 (%) Description: Scheduling Work and Activities: Scheduling events, programs, and activities, as well as the work of others.
Importance: 65 (%) Description: Developing Objectives and Strategies: Establishing long-range objectives and specifying the strategies and actions to achieve them.
Importance: 63 (%) Description: Controlling Machines and Processes: Using either control mechanisms or direct physical activity to operate machines or processes (not including computers or vehicles).
Importance: 63 (%) Description: Performing Administrative Activities: Performing day-to-day administrative tasks such as maintaining information files and processing paperwork.
Importance: 61 (%) Description: Analyzing Data or Information: Identifying the underlying principles, reasons, or facts of information by breaking down information or data into separate parts.
Specific Work Activities

Important Specific Work Activities
How can you begin to build experience and skill doing these? This will help now, to begin preparing for this type of occupation. Specific Work Activities appear below:
Assemble products or production equipment.
Create construction or installation diagrams.
Direct construction or extraction personnel.
Evaluate construction projects to determine compliance with external standards or regulations.
Fabricate parts or components.
Inspect completed work to ensure proper installation.
Inspect industrial or commercial equipment to ensure proper operation.
Install building fixtures.
Install plumbing or piping.
Install roofing materials.
Maintain construction tools or equipment.
Mark reference points on construction materials.
Measure materials or objects for installation or assembly.
Move construction or extraction materials to locations where they are needed.
Position structural components.
Review blueprints or specifications to determine work requirements.
Select construction materials.
Smooth surfaces with abrasive materials or tools.
Train construction or extraction personnel.
Weld metal components.
Knowledge Required

Knowledge Required (in order of importance)
For the Top 5 most important - How can you build experience and skill doing these? This will help now, to begin preparing for this type of occupation.
Importance (%) Description
Importance: 82 (%) Description: Mechanical: Knowledge of machines and tools, including their designs, uses, repair, and maintenance.
Importance: 74 (%) Description: Building and Construction: Knowledge of materials, methods, and the tools involved in the construction or repair of houses, buildings, or other structures such as highways and roads.
Importance: 74 (%) Description: Mathematics: Knowledge of arithmetic, algebra, geometry, calculus, statistics, and their applications.
Importance: 71 (%) Description: Design: Knowledge of design techniques, tools, and principles involved in production of precision technical plans, blueprints, drawings, and models.
Importance: 67 (%) Description: English Language: Knowledge of the structure and content of the English language including the meaning and spelling of words, and rules of composition and grammar.
Importance: 61 (%) Description: Administration and Management: Knowledge of business and management principles involved in strategic planning, resource allocation, human resources modeling, leadership technique, production methods, and coordination of people and resources.
Importance: 61 (%) Description: Education and Training: Knowledge of principles and methods for curriculum and training design, teaching and instruction for individuals and groups, and the measurement of training effects.
Importance: 60 (%) Description: Production and Processing: Knowledge of raw materials, production processes, quality control, costs, and other techniques for maximizing the effective manufacture and distribution of goods.
Importance: 60 (%) Description: 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.
Essential Skills

Essential Skills (in order of importance)
These are the foundational skills most central to success in this occupation. For the Top 5 most important, how can you begin building experience and confidence using these skills now?
Importance (%) Description
Importance: 52 (%) Description: Reading Comprehension: Understanding written sentences and paragraphs in work-related documents.
Importance: 52 (%) Description: Critical Thinking: Using logic and reasoning to identify the strengths and weaknesses of alternative solutions, conclusions, or approaches to problems.
Importance: 52 (%) Description: Monitoring: Monitoring/Assessing performance of yourself, other individuals, or organizations to make improvements or take corrective action.
Transferable Skills

Transferable Skills (in order of importance)
These are skills that can transfer across occupations and industries. For the Top 5 most important, how can you strengthen these skills now so they support both this career and future career flexibility?
Importance (%) Description
Importance: 52 (%) Description: Coordination: Adjusting actions in relation to others' actions.
Day-in-the-Life Summaries

Day-in-the-Life Summaries
These summaries show the main types of activities you are likely to perform on a regular basis in this occupation. How can you imagine your typical workday — using these examples to see if this type of work fits you?
Activity: Assemble equipment or components.
Activity: Build structures.
Activity: Create visual designs or displays.
Activity: Direct construction or extraction activities.
Activity: Fabricate devices or components.
Activity: Inspect commercial, industrial, or production systems or equipment.
Activity: Inspect completed work or finished products.
Activity: Install plumbing or piping equipment or systems.
Activity: Join parts using soldering, welding, or brazing techniques.
Activity: Maintain tools or equipment.
Activity: Measure physical characteristics of materials, products, or equipment.
Activity: Monitor operations to ensure compliance with regulations or standards.
Activity: Move materials, equipment, or supplies.
Activity: Position materials or components for assembly.
Activity: Read documents or materials to inform work processes.
Activity: Select materials or equipment for operations or projects.
Activity: Smooth surfaces of objects or equipment.
Activity: Train others on operational or work procedures.
Software Skills

Software Skills
These are examples of software tools commonly used in this occupation, organized from most to least important for your career preparation. How can you start learning or practicing the highest-priority tools so that you feel confident using them on the job?
Emerging Tech Skills
Computer aided design CAD software:
Autodesk AutoCAD
Office suite software:
Microsoft Office software
Operating system software:
Microsoft Windows
Spreadsheet software:
Microsoft Excel
Word processing software:
Microsoft Word
General Software Tools
Computer aided design CAD software (scroll table below):
Applied Production ProFold
Corte Certo
FCC Software AutoPOL Series
PTC Creo Parametric
QuickPen DuctDesigner 3D
Revcad Software Sheet Lightning
Siemens NX
XY Soft Sheet Cutting Suite
Computer aided manufacturing CAM software (scroll table below):
Applied Production ProFab
JETCAM Expert
Merry Mechanization SMP/IS
Striker Systems SS-Profile
WiCAM PN4000
Preparation Required
Preparation Required - How much preparation is needed to obtain this type of job?
Job Zone 1-2: Very Little to Some Preparation Needed

Some occupations may need little or no previous experience; others require several months to a year of experience. For example, landscaping and groundskeeping workers might require very little training or previous experience, while agricultural equipment operators can benefit from on-the job training.

Usually requires a high school diploma or GED, though some occupations may not.

Ranges from a few days to one year of on-the-job training.

These occupations involve following instructions and often involve using your knowledge and skills to help others. Examples include dishwashers, landscaping and groundskeeping workers, counter and rental clerks, dental laboratory technicians, and security guards.
Education Required

Education Required - by frequency of educational attainment
This shows you details about the level of education most commonly held by workers in this occupation. How can you begin planning the educational pathway that will prepare you best for this type of work?
Frequency of Attainment (%) Level of Education
Frequency of Attainment: 49.0 (%) Level of Education: High School Diploma - or the equivalent (for example, GED)
Frequency of Attainment: 43.8 (%) Level of Education: Post-Secondary Certificate - awarded for training completed after high school (for example, in agriculture or natural resources, computer services, personal or culinary services, engineering technologies, healthcare, construction trades, mechanic and repair technologies, or precision production)
Frequency of Attainment: 7.2 (%) Level of Education: Less than a High School Diploma
Training and Experience Required

Training and Experience Required - by frequency of training and work experience attainment
This section shows you how often different types of training and work experience are required for this occupation. How can you start gaining the kinds of experience and training that are most common for this type of work?
Frequency of Attainment (%) Level of Training and Work Experience
Frequency of Attainment: 46.9 (%) Level of Training and Work Experience: None
Frequency of Attainment: 15.9 (%) Level of Training and Work Experience: Over 10 years
Frequency of Attainment: 15.6 (%) Level of Training and Work Experience: Over 6 months, up to and including 1 year
Frequency of Attainment: 7.2 (%) Level of Training and Work Experience: Over 2 years, up to and including 4 years
Frequency of Attainment: 7.2 (%) Level of Training and Work Experience: Over 4 years, up to and including 6 years
Frequency of Attainment: 7.2 (%) Level of Training and Work Experience: Over 8 years, up to and including 10 years
Local Salary Information
Professional Associations
Professional Associations
These associations connect people who work in this occupation or related fields. How can you start using these associations to learn more, build your network, or find mentoring opportunities?
National Institute for Metalworking Skills (NIMS) External Link
Sheet Metal and Air Conditioning Contractor's Association (SMACNA) External Link
Sheet Metal Workers International Association (SMWIA) External Link
Job Listings
Job Listings and Similar Occupational Titles - scroll and click to identify common requirements, keywords, and skills in current job listings
AC Sheet Metal Installer (Air Conditioning Sheet Metal Installer)
Air Duct Mechanic
Aircraft Metalsmith
Aircraft Sheet Metal Mechanic
Angle Bender
Aviation Metalsmith
Beam Worker
Ceiling Installer
Chute Builder
Commercial Sheet Metal Service Installer
Coppersmith
Cornice Maker
Cowlman
Deburr Tech (Deburr Technician)
Duct Installer
Dural Mechanic
Duralumin Mechanic
Duralumin Metalworker
Extrusion Former
Fabrication Technician (Fabrication Tech)
Fairing Man
Fairing Worker
Field Installer
Geothermal Sheet Metal Worker
Gutter Hanger
Gutter Installer
Heating Duct Installer
Hood Maker
Hood Technician (Hood Tech)
HVAC Sheet Metal Installer (Heating, Ventilation, and Air Conditioning Sheet Metal Installer)
HVAC Sheet Metal Mechanic (Heating, Ventilation, and Air Conditioning Sheet Metal Mechanic)
HVAC Sheet Metal Specialist (Heating, Ventilation, and Air Conditioning Sheet Metal Specialist)
Journeyman Sheet Metal Worker
Layout Worker
Metal Ceiling Builder
Metal Ceiling Hanger
Metal Fabricator
Metal Technician (Metal Tech)
Metal Work Duct Installer
Metal Worker
Metalsmith
Press Brake Operator
Sheet Metal Assembler
Sheet Metal Duct Installer
Sheet Metal Erector
Sheet Metal Fabricator
Sheet Metal Former
Sheet Metal Installer
Sheet Metal Journeyman
Sheet Metal Layout Mechanic
Sheet Metal Layout Worker
Sheet Metal Mechanic
Sheet Metal Operator
Sheet Metal Smith
Sheet Metal Technician (Sheet Metal Tech)
Sheet Metal Work Furnace Installer
Sheet Metal Worker
Spouting Installer
Template Fitter
Template Layout Worker
Tin Worker
Tinker
Tinner
Tinsmith
Whitesmith
Wind Turbine Sheet Metal Worker
Related Careers to Consider


Step 4 of 4: Career-Specific Resources

This section contains detailed external resources appropriate to "Sheet Metal Workers". Explore these resources to start learning more. Links are constantly updated, so bookmark this page.

Videos

Here is a listing of videos related to this career. A great way to get a quick overview of the occupation.


Resumes

Here are resources that allow you to see example resumes for this occupation. It may be helpful to see examples from others who have this type of experience.


Job Description

Here are resources that provide job descriptions, which are vital for resume and interview preparation.


Interviews

There are many great resources that can help guide you through the interview process. These links provide help in preparing and performing an effective interview, specific to this occupation.


Salary Data

Here are links to help you identify salary ranges for this occupation. These data are necessary prior to effective salary negotiations.


Raises

Here are resources that help you to prepare to ask for a raise. These links will help you to prepare for the salary negotiation process.


Jobs

Here are resources that lead to links for actual jobs related to "Sheet Metal Workers". Use these links to find a job.


Jobs

Here are resources that lead to links for actual jobs related to "Sheet Metal Workers". Use these links to find a job.


Classifieds

There are various sources for job classified ads. These links should help get you started to find a job for this occupation.


Step-by-Step

Here are links to help guide you, step-by-step, to become a(n): Sheet Metal Workers


Career Change

Here are resources to help you prepare for a career change. It is helpful to look carefully at the information provided in Section 3: Career Change (detailed previously on this page) prior to using these links. There is much to learn ...


LinkedIn®

Here are links to various posts and groups from LinkedIn ® that relate to this occupation. Great way to start building professional contacts in the field that might be most appropriate for you.


Career Path

Here are links to various resources to help you explore the career path related to the "Sheet Metal Workers" occupation.






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