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Air Conditioning Mechanic, Mechanic, Service Technician
In Canada, the federal government groups and organizes occupations based on a National Occupational Classification (NOC) system. This alis occupation may not reflect the entire NOC group it is part of. Data for the NOC group can apply across multiple occupations.
The NOC system is updated every 5 years to reflect changes in the labour market. Government forms and labour market data may group and refer to an occupation differently, depending on the system used.
Here is how this occupation has been classified over time.
2006 NOC
2006 NOC-S
2011 NOC
2016 NOC
2021 NOC
2023 OaSIS
At installation sites, refrigeration and air conditioning mechanics work from blueprints or verbal instructions to mount or place system components. They also:
Maintenance work involves checking all components of a system and assessing the system’s operation, as well as lubricating moving parts. Refrigeration mechanics also monitor the refrigerant charge.
When a system fails, refrigeration and air conditioning mechanics diagnose the problem and fix the unit by replacing or repairing controls, electric wiring or other parts.
Mechanics also repair heating equipment, troubleshoot gas-fired equipment and calibrate gas-related controls.
The working environment varies greatly from one job to another. Refrigeration and air conditioning mechanics work in compressor rooms and on rooftops as well as in clean computer rooms. They typically work 40 hours a week, year round.
They may also find themselves lifting and moving items weighing over 25 kilograms. There is some risk of injury when working with electricity, gases under high pressure, hazardous gases.
In Alberta, this occupation is part of 1 or more 2006 National Occupational Classification (NOC) groups. If there are multiple related NOC groups, select a NOC heading to learn about each one.
Interest in precision working to measure and cut piping and to measure and lay out reference points for installation
Interest in recharging systems with refrigerant, checking and testing regulators and calibrating systems; and in performing routine maintenance and servicing
Interest in analyzing information to repair and replace parts and components for entire refrigeration, air conditioning, ventilation and heat-pump systems; and in installing, troubleshooting and overhauling entire heating, ventilation, air handling, refrigeration and air conditioning systems
To identify or change your interest codes, complete the Interests Exercise in CAREERinsite.
The interest code helps you figure out if you’d like to work in a particular occupation.
It’s based on the Canadian Work Preference Inventory (CWPI), which measures 5 occupational interests: Directive, Innovative, Methodical, Objective, and Social.
Each set of 3 interest codes for this NOC group is listed in order of importance.
A code in capital letters means it’s a strong fit for the occupation.
A code in all lowercase letters means the fit is weaker.
To fill in or change the values for your abilities, complete the Abilities Exercise in CAREERinsite.
A Quick Guide
You are born with abilities that help you process certain types of information and turn it into action. These abilities influence which skills you can learn more easily.
The abilities or aptitudes shown for this NOC group come from the General Aptitude Test Battery (GATB). The GATB measures 9 aptitudes. It groups them into 3 categories: mental, visual, and physical.
The abilities scores range from 1 to 5, with 5 being stronger.
Refrigeration and air conditioning mechanics need:
They should enjoy variety, solving problems and working with little supervision.
In Alberta, this occupation is part of 1 or more 2016 National Occupational Classification (NOC) groups. If there are multiple related NOC groups, select a NOC heading to learn about each one.
This chart shows which job skills are currently in highest demand for this occupational group. It was created using this occupation's 100 most recent Alberta job postings, collected between Apr 20, 2023 and Apr 23, 2024.
Review these skills to learn:
| Tasks: Install, troubleshoot, repair and overhaul entire heating, ventilation, air handling, refrigeration and air conditioning systems | 86 |
|---|---|
| Tasks: Start up system and test for leaks using testing devices | 82 |
| Tasks: Repair and replace parts and components for entire refrigeration, air conditioning, ventilation or heat pump systems | 80 |
| Tasks: Assemble and install refrigeration or air conditioning components | 79 |
| Tasks: Measure, cut and connect piping using welding and brazing equipment | 72 |
| Tasks: Measure and lay out reference points for installation | 71 |
| Tasks: Recharge system with refrigerant, check and test regulators, calibrate system and perform routine maintenance or servicing | 70 |
| Attention to detail | 63 |
| Construction Specialization: Reliability | 56 |
| Certificates, Licences, Memberships, and Courses : Refrigeration and Air Conditioning Mechanic Trade Certification | 55 |
To work in Alberta, a refrigeration and air conditioning mechanic must be ONE of the following:
To register with Alberta Apprenticeship and Industry Training, apprentices must find a suitable employer who is willing to hire and train them. They must also meet ONE of the following:
Most employers prefer to hire graduates of post-secondary technical programs, high school graduates who have good marks and an aptitude for science and mechanics, or people who have journeyman certification in other trades.
The term of apprenticeship is 4 years (four 12-month periods) that include a minimum of 1,560 hours of on-the-job training and 8 weeks of classroom instruction each year.
High school students can earn credits toward apprenticeship training and a high school diploma at the same time through the Registered Apprenticeship Program (RAP). Applicants who have related training or work experience may be eligible for admission, credit, or certification. Credits may reduce the period of apprenticeship.
Refrigeration and air conditioning mechanic apprentices may take the interprovincial exam in the final period of their apprenticeship training to earn a Red Seal (certification recognized in most parts of Canada).
Classroom instruction is arranged by Alberta Apprenticeship and Industry Training. For more information, see the Apprenticeship Training Catalogue.
The following schools offer programs or courses that are related to this occupation but are not required to enter the field.
To expand or narrow your search for programs related to this occupation, visit Post-Secondary Programs.
Completing a program does not guarantee entrance into an occupation. Before enrolling in an education program, prospective students should look into various sources for education options and employment possibilities. For example, contact associations and employers in this field.
Refrigeration and air conditioning mechanics install, maintain, repair and overhaul industrial, commercial and residential refrigeration and air conditioning systems and their component parts. For more information, see the Designated Trades Profile section of Alberta’s Tradesecrets website.
Under Alberta’s Skilled Trades and Apprenticeship Education Act [pdf], you must have a certificate that is recognized by Alberta Apprenticeship and Industry Training or be a registered apprentice to install, maintain, repair or overhaul industrial, commercial and residential refrigeration or air conditioning systems or their component parts in Alberta.
For information on what you need and other details, visit the certification profile Refrigeration and Air Conditioning Mechanic.
Certified tradespeople who want to build their business skills may obtain an Achievement in Business Competencies (Blue Seal) Certificate from Alberta Apprenticeship and Industry Training.
Source: 2019-2023 Alberta Regional Occupational Demand Outlook
Refrigeration and air conditioning mechanics usually work for companies that install and service air-conditioning and refrigeration systems. Some are self-employed.
Experienced refrigeration and air conditioning mechanics may advance to supervisory positions.
This section shows the industries where the majority of people in this occupation work. The data is based on the 2016 Census.
In Alberta, this occupation is part of 1 or more 2016 National Occupational Classification (NOC) groups.
In the 7313: Heating, refrigeration and air conditioning mechanics occupational group, 77.7% of people work in:
Employment outlook is influenced by a wide variety of factors including:
In Alberta, the 7313: Refrigeration and air conditioning mechanics occupational group is expected to have a below-average annual growth of 1.8% from 2019 to 2023. In addition to job openings created by employment turnover, 59 new positions are forecasted to be created within this occupational group each year.
Note
NOC groups often include several related occupations. Although there is labour market data for the larger NOC group, this occupation makes up only a part of that group. It means data for this occupation may be different than the data shown. For example, only some of the new positions to be created will be for this occupation. It also applies to other data for the NOC group such as number of people employed.
Source: 2019-2023 Alberta Regional Occupational Demand Outlook
Employment turnover is expected to increase as members of the baby boom generation retire over the next few years.
Journeyperson refrigeration and air conditioning mechanics wage rates vary but generally range from $30 to $45 an hour plus benefits (2019 estimates). Apprentices earn 50% of the journeyperson wage rate in their place of employment in the first year, 60% in the second, 75% in the third and 85% in the fourth.
Refrigeration and air conditioning mechanics are part of the larger 2016 National Occupational Classification 7313: Heating, refrigeration and air conditioning mechanics.
According to the 2021 Alberta Wage and Salary Survey, Albertans in the Heating, refrigeration and air conditioning mechanics occupational group earned on average up to $35.62 an hour. The overall average was $38.22 an hour. For more information, see the Heating, refrigeration and air conditioning mechanics wage profile.
Alberta Apprenticeship and Industry Training website: tradesecrets.alberta.ca
BuildForce Canada website: www.buildforce.ca
Get information and referrals about career, education, and employment options from Alberta Supports.
Updated Mar 31, 2020. The information contained in this profile is current as of the dates shown. Salary, employment outlook, and educational program information may change without notice. It is advised that you confirm this information before making any career decisions.
