About the job
Heating, refrigeration, and air conditioning mechanics install, maintain, repair and overhaul residential central air conditioning systems, commercial and industrial refrigeration and air conditioning systems and combined heating, ventilation and cooling systems. They are employed by heating, refrigeration, and air conditioning installation contractors, various industrial settings, food wholesalers, engineering firms and retail and servicing establishments. Transport refrigeration mechanics are included in this group.
- Read and interpret blueprints, drawings or other specifications.
- Measure and lay out reference points for installation.
- Assemble and install refrigeration or air conditioning components such as motors, controls, gauges, valves, circulating pumps, condensers, humidifiers, evaporators and compressors using hand and power tools.
- 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.
- Startup system and test for leaks using testing devices.
- Recharge system with refrigerant, check and test regulators, calibrate system and perform routine maintenance or servicing.
- Repair and replace parts and 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.
- air conditioning and heating mechanic
- heating and cooling mechanic
- heating, ventilation and air conditioning (HVAC) mechanic
- refrigeration and air conditioning mechanic
- refrigeration and mechanical technician
- refrigeration mechanic
- refrigeration technician
- transport refrigeration technician
This work requires an understanding of the principles of electricity and a mechanical aptitude. You should be able to follow instructions and perform detailed work. A strong background in mathematics and the sciences is important. You should also have physical strength, stamina, and the ability to work at heights.
- Completion of secondary school is usually required.
- Completion of a three- to five-year apprenticeship program or a combination of over five years of work experience in the trade and some high school, college or industry courses in refrigeration and air conditioning repair is usually required to be eligible for trade certification.
- Trade certification for refrigeration and air conditioning mechanics is compulsory in Nova Scotia.
- Red Seal Endorsement (RSE) is also available to qualified refrigeration and air conditioning mechanics upon successful completion of the interprovincial Red Seal examination.
Workers may be self-employed and provide services as needed to their clients. Therefore, earnings may vary throughout the year and depend upon the person's ability to attract and retain customers. Progression to supervisory positions is possible with experience
Labour Market Information
The employment outlook over the next few years for this occupational group is “average”, which indicates the chances of a qualified individual finding work is comparable to the average for all occupations in Nova Scotia. This is a moderate sized occupation in Nova Scotia so some job opportunities may occur through turnover. The number employed in this occupation is expected to decline slightly over the next few years, which may affect the number of new opportunities available. With a large percent of workers being 55 years of age and older, retirements are expected to be a key contributor to employment opportunities over the coming years. Refrigeration and Air Conditioning Mechanics most commonly work full-time hours. Furthermore, the jobs are typically temporary positions (such as a term, contract, or casual work). With employment conditions being somewhat seasonal, periods of downtime or layoff throughout the year affect some workers. Also, a fair portion of the workforce is self-employed, so having the option to "work for yourself" may appeal to some individuals’ interests/motivations.
The median employment income for 70% of Refrigeration and Air Conditioning Mechanics who worked full-time, year-round in 2015 was $54,077. Across all occupations in Nova Scotia, 59% of those who worked full-time year round had a median employment income of $43,600.
(Source: 2016 Census)
Occupation | Estimated employment in 2018 | Estimated change in employment between 2017 and 2019 | Estimated openings due to growth and retirements, 2017-2019 | Estimated rate of unemployment in 2018 | Estimated hourly earnings in 2015 (learn more) | Estimated annual earnings in 2015 |
Heating, Refrigeration, and Air Conditioning Mechanics | 490 | decline slightly | 30 | Moderate | Minimum: $14.75 Median: $28.25 Maximum: $39.00 | Minimum: $6,836 Median: $51,037 Maximum: $88,418 |
Occupations in Trades and Transportation | 57,925 | Decline slightly | 3,400 | High | Minimum: $13.00 Median: $20.35 Maximum: $34.00 | Minimum: $7,580 Median: $37,269 Maximum: $79,787 |
Heating, Refrigeration, and Air Conditioning Mechanics | Compared to: Occupations in Trades and Transportation | |
Percent employed full-time | 93% | 89% |
Percent self-employed | 27% | 13% |
Area of Employment | Heating, Refrigeration, and Air Conditioning Mechanics | Compared to: All NS Occupations | ||
% Employed | Median Annual Income | % Employed | Median Annual Income | |
Southern | 9% | $39,596 | 12% | $30,581 |
Northern | 13% | x | 16% | $33,660 |
Cape Breton | 6% | x | 13% | $32,974 |
Halifax | 54% | $52,117 | 47% | $41,209 |
Annapolis Valley | 18% | $50,072 | 13% | $32,958 |

Age | Heating, Refrigeration, and Air Conditioning Mechanics | Compared to: All Trades and Transportation |
% Employed | % Employed | |
15-24 | 10% | x |
25-34 | 48% | 13% |
35-44 | 13% | 33% |
45-54 | 17% | 34% |
55-64 | 13% | 19% |
65+ | 4% | x |
Median Age | 40 | 47 |

Gender | Heating, Refrigeration, and Air Conditioning Mechanics | Compared to: Occupations in Trades and Transportation |
% Employed | % Employed | |
Female | 0% | 5% |
Male | 100% | 95% |
Education | Heating, Refrigeration, and Air Conditioning Mechanics | Compared to: All Trades and Transportation | ||
% Employed | Median Annual Income | % Employed | Median Annual Income | |
Less than high school | 6.2% | $42,061 | 18.2% | $25,753 |
High school | 10.6% | $38,055 | 25.5% | $28,089 |
Trades certificate | 47.8% | $66,200 | 29.4% | $40,890 |
College certificate or diploma | 31.9% | $58,013 | 22.6% | $39,023 |
University certificate or diploma | N/A | x | 1.0% | $35,969 |
Bachelor's degree | 2.7% | x | 2.7% | $36,972 |
University advanced certificate or diploma | 1.8% | x | 0.2% | $41,705 |
Master's degree | N/A | x | 0.3% | x |
Doctorate | N/A | x | 0.0% | $36,029 |
Medicine, dentistry, veterinary, optometry | N/A | x | 0.0% | $3,714 |
Total | 100% | 100% |
Hourly earnings data are from the Labour Force Survey by Statistics Canada. Data are not available for all occupations. Hourly earnings are calculated based on usual hours worked per week. This is how an annual salary, for instance, gets converted to an hourly rate. The data include full and part-time workers along with new and experienced workers. Self-employed workers are excluded.
Annual employment income data reported in the Work Prospects section, are from the 2011 National Household Survey by Statistics Canada. Much of the data (around 70%) came directly from tax records. The data relates to the year 2010 and includes total wages and salaries and net income from self-employment.
Employment Requirements & Contacts
Training Paths & Education
This instructional program class comprises any program that defines the prescribed requirements, specified by the appropriate jurisdiction, for the completion of and graduation from a secondary school program of academic subject matter offered for adult learners outside of the regular secondary school program. This does not include adult compensatory education programs resulting in completion of a high school equivalency certificate or diploma.
This instructional program class comprises any program that prepares individuals to apply technical knowledge and skills to repair, install, service and maintain the operating condition of heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration systems. These programs include courses in diagnostic techniques, the use of testing equipment and the principles of mechanics, electricity, and electronics as they relate to the repair of heating, air conditioning and refrigeration systems.