Average salary, compensation, and wages for Heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanics and installers in the United StatesMedian hourly earnings of heating, air-conditioning, and refrigeration mechanics and installers were $16.78 in 2002. The middle 50 percent earned between $12.95 and $21.37 an hour. The lowest 10 percent earned less than $10.34, and the top 10 percent earned more than $26.20. Median hourly earnings in the industries employing the largest numbers of heating, air-conditioning, and refrigeration mechanics and installers in 2002 were as follows:
Apprentices usually begin at about 50 percent of the wage rate paid to experienced workers. As they gain experience and improve their skills, they receive periodic increases until they reach the wage rate of experienced workers. Heating, air-conditioning, and refrigeration mechanics and installers enjoy a variety of employer-sponsored benefits. In addition to typical benefits such as health insurance and pension plans, some employers pay for work-related training and provide uniforms, company vans, and tools. About 20 percent of heating, air-conditioning, and refrigeration mechanics and installers are members of a union. The unions to which the greatest numbers of mechanics and installers belong are the Sheet Metal Workers� International Association and the United Association of Journeymen and Apprentices of the Plumbing and Pipefitting Industry of the United States and Canada. More information on Heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanics and installers from The U.S. Department of Labor Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Outlook Handbook Overview of Heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanics and installers occupation Number of Heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanics and installers in the U.S. Salary and earnings for Heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanics and installers Working conditions for Heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanics and installers Significant points for Heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanics and installers Training requirements for Heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanics and installers Labor Information Home | Occupational data by city | Search Rainforests | Madagascar | What's new |