Heating, Air Conditioning, and Refrigeration Mechanics and Installers

Installation, Maintenance, and Repair Occupations
O*NET-SOC code
49-9021.00

Install or repair heating, central air conditioning, HVAC, or refrigeration systems, including oil burners, hot-air furnaces, and heating stoves.

  • Data source: BLSPublished: 2026-08

    Moderate· relative

    LowFour relative bandsVery high

    Group-level value

    Scale, basis and source

    Four relative bands (Low / Moderate / High / Very high)

    831 detailed occupations in the BLS Employment Projections table. Assigned per National Employment Matrix (NEM) code, so occupations sharing a NEM code carry the same band

    Source dataset (XLSX download)

  • Data source: AnthropicPublished: 2026-03

    0.019

    0.000Range of values carried here0.745
    Scale, basis and source

    Observed exposure index, 0–1 as published

    Mapped onto O*NET tasks

    Published per SOC 2018 occupation; every O*NET occupation with the same SOC 2018 code carries this value

    Source dataset (CSV download)

  • Data source: ILOPublished: 2025

    0.21

    0.09Range of values carried here0.70

    Group-level value

    Scale, basis and source

    Generative AI exposure index, 0–1 as published

    Published per ISCO-08 unit group. Linked to this occupation, wholly or in part, by applying U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics crosswalks (ISCO-08 to 2010 SOC, 2010 SOC to 2018 SOC) as published

    Source dataset (PDF download)

What kind of figure this source publishes

The BLS category is a relative rank, not an absolute level, and it is not a first-hand measurement: it groups an occupation's percentile ranks across several published studies into four bands. It is not an employment or wage forecast, not a probability of adoption, and it does not separate automation from augmentation.

Task-level exposure

Exposed tasks only

30 rated tasks · 4 tasks with β ≥ 0.5 (13.3%)

β = direct exposure (E1) + 0.5 × exposure when tools are available (E2), per the source repository's definition.

  • Source unit: O*NET 27.2 tasks → O*NET 31.0 occupation code
  • All rated tasks are in the O*NET 31.0 task list.
Source
OpenAI "GPTs are GPTs" exposure rubric
Release
gh-main-0471612
License
MIT License, Copyright (c) 2024 OpenAI

Tasks of O*NET-SOC 2010 occupations 49-9021.01 Heating and Air Conditioning Mechanics and Installers; 49-9021.02 Refrigeration Mechanics and Installers, linked to this occupation by the O*NET-SOC 2010 to 2019 crosswalk

Task (O*NET 20.1)Claude.aiRaw / share %APIRaw / share %
Study blueprints, design specifications, or manufacturers' recommendations to ascertain the configuration of heating or cooling equipment components and to ensure the proper installation of components.

49-9021.01

0.011648.70.006380.8
Insulate shells and cabinets of systems.

49-9021.02

0.004719.70.001519.2
Repair or service heating, ventilating, and air conditioning (HVAC) systems to improve efficiency, such as by changing filters, cleaning ducts, or refilling non-toxic refrigerants.

49-9021.01

0.004117.2—0
Drill holes and install mounting brackets and hangers into floor and walls of building.

49-9021.02

0.00198.0—0
Read blueprints to determine location, size, capacity, and type of components needed to build refrigeration system.

49-9021.02

0.00156.3—0
Not observed on any surface — 42 task(s) — These tasks have no row in the source for this release. The 0 in the share row is a display-stage composition ratio; absence is what the — in the raw row states.
Repair or replace defective equipment, components, or wiring.
—0—0
Test electrical circuits or components for continuity, using electrical test equipment.
—0—0
Inspect and test systems to verify system compliance with plans and specifications or to detect and locate malfunctions.
—0—0
Test pipe or tubing joints or connections for leaks, using pressure gauge or soap-and-water solution.
—0—0
Recommend, develop, or perform preventive or general maintenance procedures, such as cleaning, power-washing, or vacuuming equipment, oiling parts, or changing filters.
—0—0
Lay out and connect electrical wiring between controls and equipment, according to wiring diagrams, using electrician's hand tools.
—0—0
Cut or drill holes in floors, walls, or roof to install equipment, using power saws or drills.
—0—0
Measure, cut, thread, or bend pipe or tubing, using pipe fitter's tools.
—0—0
Fabricate, assemble, or install duct work or chassis parts, using portable metal-working tools or welding equipment.
—0—0
Install and test automatic, programmable, or wireless thermostats in residential or commercial buildings to minimize energy usage for heating or cooling.
—0—0
Install dehumidifiers or related equipment for spaces that require cool, dry air to operate efficiently, such as computer rooms.
—0—0
Install magnetic-centrifugal chillers, compressors, or related equipment to cool air temperatures through the use of recirculating water.
—0—0
Install or repair air purification systems, such as specialized filters or ultraviolet (UV) light purification systems.
—0—0
Install radiator controls for room-level zone control heating of residential or commercial buildings.
—0—0
Discuss heating or cooling system malfunctions with users to isolate problems or to verify that repairs corrected malfunctions.
—0—0
Install, connect, or adjust thermostats, humidistats, or timers.
—0—0
Connect heating or air conditioning equipment to fuel, water, or refrigerant source to form complete circuit.
—0—0
Comply with all applicable standards, policies, or procedures, such as safety procedures or the maintenance of a clean work area.
—0—0
Install auxiliary components to heating or cooling equipment, such as expansion or discharge valves, air ducts, pipes, blowers, dampers, flues, or stokers.
—0—0
Record and report time, materials, faults, deficiencies, or other unusual occurrences on work orders.
—0—0
Adjust system controls to settings recommended by manufacturer to balance system.
—0—0
Assemble, position, and mount heating or cooling equipment, following blueprints or manufacturer's specifications.
—0—0
Install or repair self-contained ground source heat pumps or hybrid ground or air source heat pumps to minimize carbon-based energy consumption and reduce carbon emissions.
—0—0
Wrap pipes, securing insulation in place with cement or wire bands.
—0—0
Braze or solder parts to repair defective joints and leaks.
—0—0
Observe and test system operation, using gauges and instruments.
—0—0
Test lines, components, and connections for leaks.
—0—0
Dismantle malfunctioning systems and test components, using electrical, mechanical, and pneumatic testing equipment.
—0—0
Adjust or replace worn or defective mechanisms and parts and reassemble repaired systems.
—0—0
Supervise and instruct assistants.
—0—0
Install wiring to connect components to an electric power source.
—0—0
Perform mechanical overhauls and refrigerant reclaiming.
—0—0
Cut, bend, thread, and connect pipe to functional components and water, power, or refrigeration system.
—0—0
Adjust valves according to specifications and charge system with proper type of refrigerant by pumping the specified gas or fluid into the system.
—0—0
Estimate, order, pick up, deliver, and install materials and supplies needed to maintain equipment in good working condition.
—0—0
Install expansion and control valves, using acetylene torches and wrenches.
—0—0
Mount compressor, condenser, and other components in specified locations on frames, using hand tools and acetylene welding equipment.
—0—0
Keep records of repairs and replacements made and causes of malfunctions.
—0—0
Lay out reference points for installation of structural and functional components, using measuring instruments.
—0—0
Schedule work with customers and initiate work orders, house requisitions, and orders from stock.
—0—0
Fabricate and assemble structural and functional components of refrigeration system, using hand tools, power tools, and welding equipment.
—0—0
Lift and align components into position, using hoist or block and tackle.
—0—0

Data sources & licenses — O*NET®, Anthropic Economic Index, Eloundou et al. (2023): see full notices on the Credits page

All O*NET 31.0 task statements (30)

All O*NET 31.0 task statements for this occupation (English, as published; task type core or supplemental). Exposure values are not listed here; they are in the table above, next to each task statement as worded in the O*NET version each source used.

Task (O*NET 31.0)Type
Test electrical circuits or components for continuity, using electrical test equipment.Core
Repair or replace defective equipment, components, or wiring.Core
Discuss heating or cooling system malfunctions with users to isolate problems or to verify that repairs corrected malfunctions.Core
Connect heating or air conditioning equipment to fuel, water, or refrigerant source to form complete circuit.Core
Install, connect, or adjust thermostats, humidistats, or timers.Core
Comply with all applicable standards, policies, or procedures, such as safety procedures or the maintenance of a clean work area.Core
Study blueprints, design specifications, or manufacturers' recommendations to ascertain the configuration of heating or cooling equipment components and to ensure the proper installation of components.Core
Install auxiliary components to heating or cooling equipment, such as expansion or discharge valves, air ducts, pipes, blowers, dampers, flues, or stokers.Core
Braze or solder parts to repair defective joints and leaks.Core
Lay out and connect electrical wiring between controls and equipment, according to wiring diagrams, using electrician's hand tools.Core
Inspect and test systems to verify system compliance with plans and specifications or to detect and locate malfunctions.Core
Record and report time, materials, faults, deficiencies, or other unusual occurrences on work orders.Core
Perform mechanical overhauls and refrigerant reclaiming.Core
Adjust system controls to settings recommended by manufacturer to balance system.Core
Install expansion and control valves, using acetylene torches and wrenches.Core
Install dehumidifiers or related equipment for spaces that require cool, dry air to operate efficiently, such as computer rooms.Core
Recommend, develop, or perform preventive or general maintenance procedures, such as cleaning, power-washing, or vacuuming equipment, oiling parts, or changing filters.Core
Cut or drill holes in floors, walls, or roof to install equipment, using power saws or drills.Core
Mount compressor, condenser, and other components in specified locations on frames, using hand tools and acetylene welding equipment.Core
Measure, cut, thread, or bend pipe or tubing, using pipe fitter's tools.Core
Keep records of repairs and replacements made and causes of malfunctions.Core
Install or repair air purification systems, such as specialized filters or ultraviolet (UV) light purification systems.Core
Estimate, order, pick up, deliver, and install materials and supplies needed to maintain equipment in good working condition.Core
Schedule work with customers and initiate work orders, house requisitions, and orders from stock.Core
Supervise and instruct assistants.Core
Lay out reference points for installation of structural and functional components, using measuring instruments.Core
Lift and align components into position, using hoist or block and tackle.Core
Install or repair self-contained ground source heat pumps or hybrid ground or air source heat pumps to minimize carbon-based energy consumption and reduce carbon emissions.Core
Repair or service heating, ventilating, and air conditioning (HVAC) systems to improve efficiency, such as by changing filters, cleaning ducts, and refilling non-toxic refrigerants.Core
Test pipes, lines, components, and connections for leaks.Core

Occupation information

Employment outlook (BLS)

Employment, 2025
441K
Projected employment, 2035
489K
Change (2025–35)
+10.9%
Median annual wage, 2025
$61,010
Typical education needed for entry
Postsecondary nondegree award
lowest $30,890median wage across 825 detailed occupations, BLS EP 2025–35highest $559,030

Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Employment Projections 2025–35 — Employment by detailed occupation, 2025 and projected 2035

Korea classification links (KSCO)

Links from the current release of the Korea Occupation Direct Crosswalk v1.1, made by AI Changing Work. Relation values are read from the O*NET-SOC occupation side.

KSCO codeKSCO titleRelationStatus
75351건물용 냉동·냉장·공조기 설치 및 정비원This occupation is broaderconfirmed
75359그 외 냉동·냉장·공조기 설치 및 정비원This occupation is broaderconfirmed
75361건물용 보일러 설치 및 정비원This occupation is broaderconfirmed

Relation and status definitions(kr-direct v1.1)

ILO occupational description

AI Changing Work links the ISCO-08 unit groups below to this occupation by applying the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics crosswalks (2018 SOC to 2010 SOC, 2010 SOC to ISCO-08) as published, without case-by-case selection; each link may be whole or partial.

  • ISCO-08 7127Air Conditioning and Refrigeration Mechanics

The definition, tasks and examples below are the ILO's description of that unit group, not of this occupation.

Air conditioning and refrigeration mechanics assemble, install, maintain and repair air conditioning and refrigeration systems and equipment.

Tasks

  • (a) interpreting blueprints, drawings or other specifications;
  • (b) assembling, installing and repairing components such as compressors, motors, condensers, evaporators, switches and gauges for air conditioning and refrigeration systems;
  • (c) connecting piping and equipment by bolting, riveting, welding or brazing;
  • (d) testing systems, diagnosing faults and performing routine maintenance or servicing.

Example occupations

Air conditioning equipment mechanic · Refrigeration mechanic

Sources: ILO ISCO-08 — details: Credits

ESCO occupational vocabulary

Each entry below is matched to this occupation in the published ESCO-O*NET Crosswalk (version 1, 2022). The match types are that crosswalk's; the wording is AI Changing Work's.

  • heating, ventilation, air conditioning and refrigeration engineering technicianESCO 3115.1.5Overlapping, not the same

    Heating, ventilation, air conditioning and refrigeration engineering technicians aid in the design of devices which provide heating, ventilation, air conditioning and possibly refrigeration in buildings. They ensure the equipment complies with environmental standards. They handle hazardous materials used in the systems, and ensure safety precautions are in place.

Source: European Commission, DG EMPL — ESCO API 2026-08-08 (bridge v1.2.1)

License: CC BY 4.0 (EU Reuse Notice)

View original

ESCO reuse terms and the modification notice are in Credits.

France classification links (ROME)

AI Changing Work's links between this occupation and ROME 4.0 job profiles, judged with AI models. Relations are read from this occupation's side. Links marked “provisional” were adopted on the judgments of two judges from the same model family (Claude) alone, or by an operator rule applied to their judgments, so they rest on weaker evidence than confirmed links.

ROME codeROME title (French)Relation
F1620Installateur / Installatrice chauffage et climatisationThis occupation is broaderprovisional
I1306FrigoristeThis occupation is broaderprovisional
I1308ChauffagisteThis occupation is broaderprovisional
I1316Technicien / Technicienne de maintenance Chauffage, Ventilation et Climatisation - CVCThis occupation is broaderprovisional
I1336Technicien / Technicienne froid embarqué routierThis occupation is broaderprovisional
F1621Ramoneur / RamoneuseRelated, not a match
F1630Technicien / Technicienne de désenfumageRelated, not a match
I1325Technicien-cuisiniste / Technicienne-cuisiniste en cuisines professionnellesRelated, not a matchprovisional

Source: France Travail — Répertoire Opérationnel des Métiers et des Emplois (ROME 4.0), version 61, last updated 15 June 2026 (https://www.data.gouv.fr/datasets/repertoire-operationnel-des-metiers-et-des-emplois-rome). Licence Ouverte 2.0.

ROME codes and titles are reproduced unchanged; the links to O*NET-SOC occupations are AI Changing Work's own judgment and are not a France Travail correspondence.

(AI Changing Work link release: fr-direct v1)

Spain classification links (CNO-11)

AI Changing Work's links between this occupation and CNO-11 occupations, judged with AI models. Relations are read from this occupation's side.

CNO-11 codeCNO-11 title (Spanish)Relation
7250Mecánicos-instaladores de refrigeración y climatizaciónSame scopeprovisional

Source: Instituto Nacional de Estadística (INE), National Classification of Occupations 2011 (CNO-11, Royal Decree 1591/2010) — www.ine.es · Licensed CC BY 4.0. CNO-11 codes and Spanish titles are reproduced unchanged; the links to O*NET occupations are AI Changing Work's own judgment and are not an INE correspondence.

(AI Changing Work link release: es-direct v1)

Germany classification links (KldB)

AI Changing Work's links between this occupation and KldB occupations, judged with AI models. Relations are read from this occupation's side.

KldB codeKldB title (German)Relation
34232Berufe in der Kältetechnik - fachlich ausgerichtete TätigkeitenThis occupation is broader
34212Berufe in der Sanitär-, Heizungs- und Klimatechnik - fachlich ausgerichtete TätigkeitenOverlapping, not the same
34213Berufe in der Sanitär-, Heizungs- und Klimatechnik - komplexe SpezialistentätigkeitenRelated, not a matchprovisional
34222Berufe im Ofen- und Luftheizungsbau - fachlich ausgerichtete TätigkeitenRelated, not a matchprovisional
34233Berufe in der Kältetechnik - komplexe SpezialistentätigkeitenRelated, not a matchprovisional

Source: © Statistik der Bundesagentur für Arbeit — Klassifikation der Berufe 2010 – überarbeitete Fassung 2020, https://statistik.arbeitsagentur.de. KldB codes and titles are reproduced unchanged; the links to O*NET occupations are AI Changing Work's own mapping (eigene Zuordnung) and are not a Bundesagentur für Arbeit correspondence.

(AI Changing Work link release: de-direct v1)

Japan classification links (JSCO)

AI Changing Work's links between this occupation and JSCO occupations, judged with AI models. Relations are read from this occupation's side.

JSCO codeJSCO title (Japanese)Relation
551はん用・生産用・業務用機械器具整備・修理従事者Related, not a match
666配管従事者Related, not a match

Source: Ministry of Internal Affairs and Communications (MIC), Japan Standard Occupational Classification (Dec. 2009, MIC Notification No. 555). JSCO codes and Japanese titles are reproduced unchanged; the links to O*NET occupations are AI Changing Work's own judgment and are not a MIC correspondence.

(AI Changing Work link release: jp-direct v1)

Sources, licenses and AI Changing Work's modification and translation notices for this page: Credits & sources