7313-NOC

Heating, refrigeration and air conditioning mechanics

(NOC 72402)
Annual Earnings
$66,739
Training, Education, Experience and Responsibilities
College Diploma or Apprenticeship, 2 or more years
Job Openings
(2023-2033)
840

Career Overview

Heating, refrigeration and air conditioning mechanics install, maintain and repair residential, commercial and industrial heating, ventilation and cooling systems.

Individuals work for installation contractors, construction companies, food wholesalers, engineering firms and retail outlets and chains, home and building renovation firms, hospitality and servicing businesses. They may also be self-employed. They may work on large projects for retail chains like grocery stores, warehouses or commercial outlets and housing developments, or they might work on smaller jobs in homes, convenience stores or restaurants.

Duties

Refrigeration and air conditioning mechanics:

  • Read and interpret blueprints, drawings and other specifications
  • Measure and lay out reference points for installation
  • Use hand and power tools to assemble and install refrigeration or air conditioning components, such as motors, controls, gauges, valves, circulating pumps, condensers, humidifiers, evaporators and compressors
  • Measure and cut piping, and connect piping using welding and brazing equipment
  • Install, troubleshoot and overhaul entire heating, ventilation, air handling, refrigeration and air conditioning systems
  • Start up system and test for leaks
  • Recharge system with refrigerant, test regulators, calibrate system and perform routine maintenance or servicing
  • Repair and replace parts/components for entire refrigeration, air conditioning, ventilation or heat pump systems
  • May install, maintain and repair equipment in refrigerated trucks used to transport food or medical supplies
  • May prepare work estimates for clients as well as write work orders, inspection sheets and other paperwork

 

Earnings

Earnings is income that workers receive in exchange for their labour. Depending on the type of employment, earnings can be in the form of wages (hourly), salaries (fixed monthly or annual) or self-employed earnings.

Annual Earnings

$66,739

Provincial Hourly Rate

High$47.00/hr
Median$32.00/hr
Low$19.00/hr
Source: B.C. Labour Market Information Office, derived from 2023 Job Bank Wage data

Work Environment

# Workers Employed

3,335

% Employed Full Time

63%
Source: 2021 Census

People in this job generally work 40 hours per week. Overtime and on-call work is sometimes needed to finish a project on time or to quickly repair critical equipment (for example, freezers containing food or medical items).

Refrigeration and air conditioning mechanics typically work onsite at the job, which may be in buildings under construction or in warehouses, office towers, hospitals, schools or stores. While working, they may be in a cold area like a freezer for a long period of time or work in a hot area when repairing the heating system or air conditioning. Some people in these jobs may do some work in an office, filling out paperwork. There are also times when they may need to work outside and must deal with different weather conditions.

People in these jobs may need to work in small spaces and cramped positions. Sometimes, they work from heights and lift heavy items. Some safety risks come from using heavy equipment or from electrical shock. On-the-job safety training is provided and safety procedures must be followed, particularly when handling potentially harmful refrigerants.

They should be able to work on their own, be good at solving problems and have good communication and customer service skills.

Career Pathways

Refrigeration and air conditioning mechanics may begin their careers as shop hands or in entry-level positions, or they may begin as apprentices.

With experience, refrigeration and air conditioning mechanics can advance to supervisory positions or start their own businesses.

People in this career who upgrade their skills and know how to use new technology and equipment can position themselves as specialists, which can help to advance their career.

Occupational Interests

It’s important to understand what kinds of occupations align with your interests.

For more about occupational interests visit Skills for the Future Workforce > Characteristics.

Here are the top occupational interest(s) for this career profile:

Realistic
Realistic

Job Titles

Central air conditioning mechanic
Commercial air conditioning mechanic
Heating and cooling mechanic
Heating, ventilation and air conditioning (HVAC) mechanic
Refrigeration and air conditioning mechanic apprentice
Refrigeration mechanic
Transport refrigeration mechanic

Education, Training and Skills

Completion of secondary school with English 12 and Math 11 is not mandatory but is preferred. A valid driver's licence is usually required to work in this field. Refrigeration and air conditioning mechanics must be certified to work in B.C. They also must hold a Class B Gasfitter’s licence. To become certified, workers must complete a four-year apprenticeship program. The B.C. government is introducing skilled trades certification beginning with a total of 10 trades, including refrigeration and air conditioning mechanics. Certification will be implemented in phases between 2022 and 2024. Learn more about skilled trades certification.

Apprenticeship programs

Work experience and in-class instruction are part of apprenticeship programs. Some part-time and online programs may be available. To apprentice, workers must be sponsored by an employer. A person who successfully completes an apprenticeship program and the final certification exam earns a Certificate of Qualification. Workers with significant experience in the trade may be able to challenge the certification exam to earn the Certificate of Qualification without completing a formal apprenticeship. For more information on earning a Certificate of Qualification, visit SkilledTradesBC.

To work in other provinces

Refrigeration and air conditioning mechanics may need Red Seal certification to work in other provinces. This can be earned by passing an exam and proving significant work experience.

Workers coming to B.C.

Those who are certified by a regulator elsewhere in Canada can apply for the same certification from the regulator in B.C. Under the terms of the Canadian Free Trade Agreement (CFTA), most applicants who are transferring their credentials from elsewhere in Canada will not be required to complete additional training or testing. However, the B.C. regulator may ask applicants to provide further information, such as a letter of good standing, references or a criminal record check.

Workers who trained outside of Canada

Refrigeration and air conditioning mechanics who trained outside of Canada and have never received certification from a Canadian jurisdiction will likely need a full assessment. Most occupational regulators have a process for assessment and recognize internationally trained applicants. Contact SkilledTradesBC for details on how to apply for certification in B.C.

For information about labour mobility in Canada, visit www.workersmobility.ca.

View a list of Professional Regulatory Authorities in B.C.

Education programs in B.C.

The following program areas are related to this occupation:

  • Heavy Mechanical Repair
EducationPlannerBC Logo
Find out more information about programs offered specifically for this career.

Skills

Every job calls for a certain set of skills. Knowing those skills is the first step in finding a good career fit.

Here, you will find the 10 most relevant workplace skills. Some are more important to achieving success in a certain career than others. These skills may come naturally to you or you may need to gain them through education, training and experience.

See the list of work-related skills below, ranked in order of importance for this career. Check out the list and see if this career matches your skills—take that first step!

Operations Monitoring

Watching gauges, dials or other indicators to make sure that a machine is working properly.

65%
Critical Thinking

Using logic and reasoning to identify the strengths and weaknesses of alternative solutions, conclusions or approaches to problems.

62%
Troubleshooting

Determining causes of operating errors and deciding what to do about it.

62%
Installation

Installing equipment, machines, wiring, or programs to meet specifications.

59%
Repairing

Repairing machines or systems using the needed tools.

59%
Reading Comprehension

Understanding written sentences and paragraphs in work-related documents.

59%
Complex Problem Solving

Being able to solve novel, ill-defined problems in complex, real-world settings.

56%
Quality Control Analysis

Conducting tests and inspections of products, services or processes to evaluate quality or performance.

56%
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.

56%
Judgment and Decision Making

Considering the relative costs and benefits of potential actions to choose the most appropriate one.

53%

Labour Market Statistics

Discover data, facts and information that have been gathered and analyzed. Learn about the characteristics of the economy and labour market in B.C.

Employment

Find out about employment types and trends by region and industry.

Employment

3,335
Source: 2021 Census

Employment by Region

Map of BC Map of BC highlighting Cariboo region Map of BC highlighting Kootenay region Map of BC highlighting Mainland/Southwest region Map of BC highlighting North Coast and Nechako region Map of BC highlighting Northeast region Map of BC highlighting Thompson-Okanagan region Map of BC highlighting Vancouver Island/Coast region
Cariboo
Kootenay
Mainland/Southwest
North Coast and Nechako
Northeast
Thompson-Okanagan
Vancouver Island/Coast
Region Employment % Employment of this Occupation
Cariboo 115 3.4%
Kootenay 120 3.6%
Mainland/Southwest 2,010 60.3%
North Coast and Nechako 25 0.7%
Northeast 15 0.4%
Thompson-Okanagan 545 16.3%
Vancouver Island/Coast 510 15.3%
Source: 2021 Census

Labour Market Outlook

The B.C. Labour Market Outlook is a 10-year forecast of the expected supply and demand for labour in the province. It’s usually updated every year. The purpose is to provide British Columbians with the knowledge to make informed decisions on careers, skills training, education and hiring.

Forecasted Job Openings (2023-2033)

840
Source: B.C. Labour Market Outlook

Forecasted Job Openings

Forecasted Employment Growth Rate

Composition of Job Openings

Source: B.C. Labour Market Outlook

Job Openings by Region (2023-2033)

Map of BC Map of BC highlighting Cariboo region Map of BC highlighting Kootenay region Map of BC highlighting Mainland/Southwest region Map of BC highlighting North Coast and Nechako region Map of BC highlighting Northeast region Map of BC highlighting Thompson-Okanagan region Map of BC highlighting Vancouver Island/Coast region
Cariboo
Kootenay
Mainland/Southwest
North Coast and Nechako
Northeast
Thompson-Okanagan
Vancouver Island/Coast
Region Job Openings Avg. Annual Employment Growth
Cariboo 10 0.4%
Kootenay 20 -0.2%
Mainland/Southwest 430 0.5%
North Coast and Nechako 0 0.2%
Northeast 0 1.1%
Thompson-Okanagan 210 1.3%
Vancouver Island/Coast 150 0.7%
Source: B.C. Labour Market Outlook

Industry Highlights

Learn about the opportunities in B.C.'s major industries, including employment trends, earning potential, locations of work and more.

Forecasted Job Openings by Industry

IndustryJob Openings (2023-2033)
Construction600
Wholesale Trade40
Repair, Personal And Non-Profit Services40
Manufacturing30
Educational Services30
For additional industry information, visit the Industry Profiles page.
Source: B.C. Labour Market Outlook

Insights from Industry

Many job openings will come from the need to replace those who retire.

The construction industry has traditionally created strong demand for workers in both residential and non-residential sectors. Government funding for capital projects is also an important source of work. Also, there’s been an increase in companies who need their heating, refrigeration and air conditioning systems serviced.

An increased focus on the environment and energy conservation has created a demand for energy-saving heating and air conditioning systems. With the need for better energy management and environmentally safe refrigerants, older systems in existing homes and buildings are being replaced with more efficient systems.

The increasing use of technology in refrigeration and air conditioning, such as control systems, as well as new forms of refrigerants, requires mechanics to be up to date with the latest systems and developments. Workers with current technological knowledge will have more employment opportunities.

Resources