Automotive air-conditioning technicians: Salary, career path, job outlook, education and more
Automotive air-conditioning technicians install and repair air-conditioners and parts, such as compressors, condensers, and controls. These workers must be trained and certified in handling refrigerants.
- Education Required
- High school courses in automotive repair, electronics, computers, and mathematics provide a good background for prospective service technicians. However, high school graduates typically need further training to become fully qualified.
- Training Required
- Service technicians who have graduated from postsecondary programs in automotive service technology generally require little on-the-job training.
- Job Outlook
-
The projected percent change in employment from 2016 to 2026: 6% (As fast as average)
(The average growth rate for all occupations is 7 percent.) - Licenses/Certifications
- The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) requires all technicians who buy or work with refrigerants to be certified in proper refrigerant handling. No formal test preparation is required, but many trade schools, unions, and employer associations offer training programs designed for the EPA exam.
- Median pay: How much do Automotive Service Technicians and Mechanics make?
- $38,470 Annual Salary
- $18.50 per hour
Careers for Automotive Service Technicians and Mechanics
- Auto clutch rebuilders
- Auto clutch specialists
- Auto fuel injection servicers
- Auto radiator specialists
- Auto suspension and steering mechanics
- Auto transmission specialists
- Automotive air-conditioning repairers
- Automotive alignment specialists
- Automotive brake adjusters
- Automotive brake specialists
- Automotive brake technicians
- Automotive fuel systems converters
- Automotive mechanics
- Automotive service mechanics
- Automotive service technicians
- Automotive specialty technicians
- Automotive technicians
- Automotive tire installers
- Automotive tire repairers
- Automotive tire specialists
- Brake repairers
- Brake technicians
- Car mechanics
- Drivability technicians
- Front-end mechanics
- Front-end technicians
- Hybrid car mechanics
- Lube technicians
- Lubrication technicians
- Mechanics and repairers
- Motor tune-up specialists
- Rebuilders, transmission
- Service mechanics
- Service technicians
- Service techs
- Technicians and technologists
- Transmission technicians and rebuilders