Heating, air-conditioning, and refrigeration mechanics and installers held about 270,000 jobs in 2006; almost half worked for plumbing, heating, and air-conditioning contractors.

The remainder were employed in a variety of industries throughout the country, reflecting a widespread dependence on climate-control systems. Some worked for fuel oil dealers, refrigeration and air-conditioning service and repair shops, schools, and stores that sell heating and air-conditioning systems. About 15 percent of mechanics and installers were self-employed.

Median hourly earnings of HVAC mechanics and installers were $19.08 in May 2008. The middle 50 percent earned between $14.12 and $23.32 per hour. The lowest 10 percent earned less than 11.38, and the top 10 percent earned more than $28.57.

A growing number of retirements of highly skilled technicians are expected to generate many job openings. In addition, employment of heating, air-conditioning, and refrigeration mechanics and installers is projected to increase faster than average for all occupations through the year 2014.

As the population and stock of buildings grows, so does the demand for residential, commercial, and industrial climate-control systems. The increased complexity of HVACR systems, increasing the possibility that equipment may malfunction, also will create opportunities for service technicians.

Technicians who specialize in installation work may experience periods of unemployment when the level of new construction activity declines, but maintenance and repair work usually remains relatively stable. People and businesses depend on their climate-control systems and must keep them in good working order, regardless of economic conditions.

There is a tremendous demand for qualified servicepersons. Lindsey-Cooper Refrigeration School offers an intensive program designed to meet this need and to give you the information that you need in order to excel in this rapidly growing field.

• SKILLED TRADES
• NORTH AMERICAN TECHNICIAN EXCELLENCE
• AIR-CONDITIONING AND REFRIGERATION INSTITUTE
• MECHANICAL CONTRACTORS ASSOCIATION OF AMERICA

• AIR CONDITIONING CONTRACTORS OF AMERICA
• PLUMBING-HEATING-COOLING CONTRACTORS ASSOCIATION
• SHEET METAL AND AIR CONDITIONING CONTRACTORS NATIONAL ASSOCIATION