Airconditioning and Refrigeration Mechanics
Overview
Snapshot
Summary
Airconditioning and Refrigeration Mechanics assemble, install, maintain and repair industrial, commercial and domestic airconditioning and refrigeration systems and equipment.
Tasks
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establishing job requirements from drawings and specifications, and laying out installation reference points
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drilling holes, installing mounting brackets and cutting, bending and threading piping
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installing and repairing components such as compressors, motors, condensers, evaporators, switches and gauges, and copper lines for steam, gas, refrigerant, compressed air, oil and chilled water
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bolting, soldering, riveting, welding and brazing pipes to connect equipment, and checking alignment and accuracy of fit
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filling systems with gas or fluid to check for leaks
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test-operating refrigeration systems, checking mechanisms and making adjustments
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removing test gas and fluid using vacuum pumps, and filling with refrigerant
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checking and overhauling refrigeration systems, diagnosing faults and repairing and replacing defective components
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adjusting system controls and mechanisms and reassembling systems
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recording causes of malfunctioning and action taken
Characteristics
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Vocational Education and Training (VET)
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Practical
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Analytical
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Administrative
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Medium
-
Heavy
Outlook
JSA produces employment projections to show where likely future job opportunities may be. The latest data are for the five years from November 2021 to November 2026. Over this period, the number of workers:
- is expected to grow moderately
- is likely to reach 30,800 by 2026.
Source: Jobs and Skills Australia Employment Projections to 2026.
Notes: The number employed includes people who work in this occupation as their main job. People who work in more than one job are counted against the occupation they work the most hours in.
Employment projections figures are rounded to the nearest 100. Calculations based on these rounded figures may result in differences to the numbers that are displayed on this page. Employment projections data (including occupations) can be downloaded from the Employment Projections page.
Number of Workers
Year | Employment |
---|---|
2011 | 19,400 |
2012 | 26,500 |
2013 | 26,400 |
2014 | 21,600 |
2015 | 24,800 |
2016 | 28,600 |
2017 | 28,700 |
2018 | 22,700 |
2019 | 30,500 |
2020 | 29,600 |
2021 | 29,600 |
2026 | 30,800 |
Source: ABS Labour Force Survey, ABS seasonally adjusted data to November 2021 and Jobs and Skills Australia Employment Projections to 2026.
Earnings and hours
Working arrangements
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Around 89% of people employed as Airconditioning and Refrigeration Mechanics work full-time hours, in all their jobs combined. This is 23 percentage points above the all jobs average (66%).
Full-time workers work an average of 44 hours per week in their main job. This is the same as the all jobs average.
More than half of workers regularly work overtime or extra hours (either paid or unpaid).
Median hourly earnings are $51, this is more than the all jobs median ($41 per hour).
Sources: Full-time share and full-time hours: ABS, 2016 Census, customised report. Compared to the all jobs average. Overtime hours: ABS, Characteristics of Employment, 2021. Full-time median earnings and median hourly earnings: ABS, Survey of Employee Earnings and Hours, May 2021. Compared to all jobs median.
Industries
Main industries
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Airconditioning and Refrigeration Mechanics work in industries like:
Source: ABS Labour Force Survey, annual average 2021.
Regions
Employment across Australia
NSW
VIC
QLD
SA
WA
TAS
NT
ACT
Employment by State and Territory (% Share)
State | Airconditioning and Refrigeration Mechanics | All Jobs Average |
---|---|---|
NSW | 33.6 | 31.6 |
VIC | 18.3 | 25.6 |
QLD | 22.6 | 20.0 |
SA | 8.0 | 7.0 |
WA | 12.4 | 10.8 |
TAS | 1.4 | 2.0 |
NT | 2.0 | 1.0 |
ACT | 1.7 | 1.9 |
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Around 60% of Airconditioning and Refrigeration Mechanics live in capital cities, similar to the all jobs average of 62%.
The regions with the largest share of workers are:
- Perth - North West
- Melbourne - South East
- Gold Coast
- Sydney - Outer West and Blue Mountains
- Melbourne - Outer East.
Source: Based on ABS Census 2016, Customised Report. Share of workers across Australian states, territories and regions, in this job compared to the all jobs average.
Worker profile
Age and gender
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The median age of Airconditioning and Refrigeration Mechanics is 33 years. This is younger than the all jobs average of 40 years.
A large share of workers are aged 25 to 34 years.
Females make up 1% of the workforce. This is 47 percentage points below the all jobs average of 48%.
Source: Based on ABS Census 2016, Customised Report. Age profile and gender share compared to the all jobs average.
Age Profile (% Share)
Age Bracket | Airconditioning and Refrigeration Mechanics | All Jobs Average |
---|---|---|
15-19 | 6.7 | 5.0 |
20-24 | 15.7 | 9.3 |
25-34 | 30.3 | 22.9 |
35-44 | 19.9 | 22.0 |
45-54 | 16.1 | 21.6 |
55-59 | 6.0 | 9.0 |
60-64 | 3.6 | 6.0 |
65 and Over | 1.8 | 4.2 |
Median Age | 33 | 40 |
Source: Based on ABS Census 2016, Customised Report. Age profile of workers in this job compared to the all jobs average.
Employment Pathways
Education, training and experience
A certificate III or IV in refrigeration and airconditioning is usually needed to work as an Airconditioning and Refrigeration Mechanic. These courses are often completed as part of an apprenticeship.
Visit
- My Skills to compare Vocational Education and Training (VET) courses, providers and student outcomes.
- AAPathways website to explore Electrotechnology VET training pathways.
Highest Level of Education (% Share)
Type of Qualification | Airconditioning and Refrigeration Mechanics | All Jobs Average |
---|---|---|
Post Graduate/Graduate Diploma or Graduate Certificate | 0.4 | 10.1 |
Bachelor degree | 2.3 | 21.8 |
Advanced Diploma/Diploma | 4.9 | 11.6 |
Certificate III/IV | 71.8 | 21.1 |
Year 12 | 11.9 | 18.1 |
Year 11 | 3.2 | 4.8 |
Year 10 and below | 5.4 | 12.5 |
Source: ABS Census 2016, Customised Report. Highest qualification completed by workers in this job (in any field of study). Qualifications needed by new workers might be different from the qualifications of workers already in the job.
Skills and Knowledge
Employers look for Airconditioning and Refrigeration Mechanics who can provide good customer service, are polite and courteous and have a strong work ethic.
Skills
Skills can be improved through training or experience.
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55%
RepairingFixing machines or systems.
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55%
TroubleshootingFiguring out why a machine or system went wrong and working out what to do about it.
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52%
Equipment maintenanceMaintaining equipment and deciding what maintenance will be needed in the future.
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52%
InstallationInstalling equipment, machines, wiring, or programs.
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48%
Quality control analysisDoing tests and checking products, services, or processes to make sure they are working properly.
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48%
Reading comprehensionReading work related information.
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46%
Active listeningListening to others, not interrupting, and asking good questions.
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46%
Critical thinkingThinking about the pros and cons of different ways to solve a problem.
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45%
Operation monitoringWatching gauges, dials, or other indicators to make sure a machine is working properly.
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45%
Operation and controlControlling equipment or systems.
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45%
Coordination with othersBeing adaptable and coordinating work with other people.
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45%
SpeakingTalking to others.
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43%
Active learningBeing able to use what you have learnt to solve problems now and again in the future.
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43%
Complex problem solvingNoticing a problem and figuring out the best way to solve it.
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43%
Judgment and decision makingFiguring out the pros and cons of different options and choosing the best one.
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43%
MonitoringKeeping track of how well work is progressing so you can make changes or improvements.
-
43%
Time managementManaging your own and other peoples' time to get work done.
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41%
Systems analysisFiguring out how a system should work and how changes in conditions, operations, and the environment will affect it.
-
39%
InstructingTeaching people how to do something.
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37%
Equipment selectionDeciding on the kind of tools and equipment needed to do a job.
Knowledge
These are important topics, subjects or knowledge areas.
-
76%
MechanicalMachines and tools, including their designs, uses, repair, and maintenance.
-
71%
Building and constructionMaterials, and methods used to construct or repair houses, buildings, or other structures like highways and roads.
-
67%
Customer and personal serviceUnderstanding customer needs, providing good quality service, and measuring customer satisfaction.
-
59%
PhysicsThe physical laws of matter, motion and energy, and how they interact through space and time.
-
57%
Technical designDesign techniques, tools, and principles used to make detailed technical plans, blueprints, drawings, and models.
-
54%
Engineering and technologyUse engineering, science and technology to design and produce goods and services.
-
52%
MathematicsArithmetic, algebra, geometry, calculus, or statistics.
-
50%
ChemistryChemical composition, structure, and properties. How chemicals are made, used, mixed, and can change.
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46%
Computers and electronicsCircuit boards, processors, chips, electronic equipment, and computer hardware and software, including applications and programming.
-
44%
English languageEnglish language including the meaning and spelling of words, rules of composition, and grammar.
-
43%
Sales and marketingShowing, promoting, and selling including marketing strategy, product demonstration, sales techniques, and sales control systems.
-
42%
Administration and managementBusiness principles involved in strategic planning, leadership, and coordinating people and resources.
-
40%
Public safety and securityUse of equipment, rules and ideas to protect people, data, property, and institutions.
-
39%
Education and trainingCurriculum and training design, teaching and instruction for individuals and groups, and the measurement of training effects.
-
35%
Personnel and human resourcesRecruiting and training people, managing pay and other entitlements (like sick leave), and negotiating pay and conditions.
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33%
ClericalWord processing, managing files and records, stenography and transcription, designing forms, and other office work.
-
33%
Law and governmentHow our laws and courts work. Government rules and regulations, and the political system.
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32%
Production and processingRaw materials, production processes, quality control, costs, and ways of making and distributing goods.
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27%
TransportationMoving people or goods by air, rail, sea, or road.
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22%
TelecommunicationsTransmission, broadcasting, switching, control, and operation of telecommunications systems.
Abilities
Workers use these physical and mental abilities..
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57%
Oral comprehensionListen to and understand what people say.
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57%
VisualizationImagine how something will look after it is moved around or changed.
-
55%
Extent flexibilityBend, stretch, twist, or reach with your body, arms, and/or legs.
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55%
Near visionSee details that are up-close (within a few feet).
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55%
Oral expressionCommunicate by speaking.
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52%
Problem spottingNotice when something is wrong or is likely to go wrong, even if you can't solve the problem.
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52%
Sorting or orderingOrder or arrange things in a pattern or sequence (e.g., numbers, letters, words, pictures, mathematical operations).
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48%
Deductive reasoningUse general rules to find answers or solve problems logically.
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48%
Finger dexterityPut together small parts with your fingers.
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48%
Inductive reasoningUse lots of detailed information to come up with answers or make general rules.
-
46%
Multilimb coordinationUse your arms and/or legs at the same time while sitting, standing, or lying down.
-
46%
Speech recognitionIdentify and understand the speech of another person.
-
45%
Trunk strengthUse your abdominal and lower back muscles a number of times without 'giving out' or fatiguing.
-
45%
Colour discriminationNotice differences between colours, including shades of colour and brightness.
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45%
Control precisionQuickly change the controls of a machine, car, truck or boat.
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45%
Selective attentionPay attention to something without being distracted.
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43%
Arm-hand steadinessKeep your hand or arm steady.
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43%
Manual dexterityQuickly move your hand to grasp, manipulate, or assemble objects.
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43%
Perceptual speedUse your eyes to quickly compare groups of letters, numbers, pictures, or other things.
-
39%
Speed of recognitionQuickly make sense of and organize things you can see like letters, numbers, pictures, or other things.
Activities
These are kinds of activities workers regularly do in this job.
-
75%
Handling and moving objectsUsing hands and arms in handling, installing, positioning, moving and manipulating objects.
-
74%
Doing physically active workUse your arms, legs and whole body, such as climbing, lifting, balancing, walking, stooping, and handling objects.
-
74%
Working with mechanical equipmentServicing, repairing, adjusting, and testing machines, devices, moving parts, and equipment.
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73%
Controlling equipment or machinesOperating machines or processes either directly or using controls (not including computers or vehicles).
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72%
Keeping your knowledge up-to-dateKeeping up-to-date with technology and new ideas.
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71%
Working with electronic equipmentServicing, repairing, calibrating, regulating, fine-tuning, or testing electronic devices and equipment.
-
66%
Making decisions and solving problemsUsing information to work out the best solution and solve problems.
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63%
Planning and prioritising workDeciding on goals and putting together a detailed plan to get the work done.
-
63%
Making sense of information and ideasLooking at, working with, and understanding data or information.
-
62%
Checking for errors or defectsInspecting equipment, structures, or materials for errors, problems or defects.
-
61%
Building good relationshipsBuilding good working relationships and keeping them over time.
-
60%
Monitoring people, processes and thingsChecking objects, actions, or events, and keeping an eye out for problems.
-
59%
Collecting and organising informationCompiling, coding, categorizing, calculating, tabulating, auditing, or checking information or data.
-
59%
Communicating within a teamGiving information to co-workers by telephone, in writing, or in person.
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57%
Thinking creativelyUsing your own ideas for developing, designing, or creating something new.
-
56%
Checking compliance with standardsDeciding whether events or processes comply with laws, regulations, or standards.
-
55%
Scheduling work and activitiesWorking out the timing of events, programs, and activities, as well as the work of others.
-
54%
Training and teaching othersUnderstanding the needs of others, developing training programs, and teaching or instructing.
-
53%
Researching and investigatingLooking for, getting and understanding different kinds of information.
-
50%
Driving vehicles or equipmentRunning, manoeuvring, navigating, or driving things like forklifts, vehicles, aircraft, or water craft.
Interests and demands
Learn about the daily activities, and physical and social demands faced by workers. Explore the values and work styles that workers rate as most important.
Interests
Interests are the style or type of work we prefer to do. All interest areas are shown below.
-
100%
PracticalPractical, hands-on work. Often with plants and animals, or materials like wood, tools, and machinery.
-
67%
AdministrativeFollowing set procedures and routines. Working with numbers and details more than with ideas, usually following rules.
-
67%
AnalyticalIdeas and thinking. Searching for facts and figuring out problems in your head.
-
43%
EnterprisingStarting up and carrying out projects. Leading people and making many decisions. Sometimes require risk taking and often deal with business.
-
29%
CreativeWorking with forms, designs and patterns. Often need self-expression and can be done without following rules.
-
19%
HelpingWorking with people. Helping or providing service to others.
Values
-
81%
SupportSupportive management that stands behind employees. Workers are treated fairly by their company, they are supported by management, and have supervisors who train them well.
-
71%
IndependenceWork alone and make decisions. Workers are able to try out their own ideas, make decisions on their own, and work with little or no supervision.
-
57%
AchievementResults oriented. Workers are able to use their strongest abilities, giving them a feeling of accomplishment.
-
57%
Working conditionsJob security and good working conditions. There is usually a steady flow of interesting work, and the pay and conditions are generally good.
-
52%
RelationshipsServe and work with others. Workers usually get along well with each other, do things to help other people, and are rarely pressured to do things that go against their sense of right and wrong.
-
43%
RecognitionAdvancement and the potential to lead. Workers are recognised for the work that they do, they may give directions and instructions to others, and they are looked up to in their company and their community.
Demands
-
93%
Face-to-face discussionsTalk with people face-to-face.
-
92%
Outdoors, exposed to weatherWork outdoors, exposed to the weather.
-
90%
Using your hands to handle, control, or feelSpend time using your hands to handle, control, or feel objects, tools or controls.
-
90%
TelephoneTalk on the telephone.
-
89%
In an enclosed vehicle or equipmentWork in a closed vehicle (e.g., car).
-
88%
Indoors, not heat controlledWork indoors without heating or cooling (e.g., warehouse without heat).
-
88%
Spend time standingSpend time standing at work.
-
87%
Wear common protective or safety equipmentWear equipment like safety shoes, glasses, gloves, hard hats or life jackets.
-
87%
Exposure to contaminantsBe exposed to pollutants, gases, dust or odours.
-
87%
Contact with peopleHave contact with people by telephone, face-to-face, or any other way.
-
86%
Freedom to make decisionsHave freedom to make decision on your own.
-
86%
Time pressureWork to strict deadlines.
-
85%
Very hot or cold temperaturesWork in very hot or cold temperatures.
-
83%
Health and safety of othersTake responsibility for the health and safety of others.
-
83%
Frequent decision makingFrequently make decisions that impact other people.
-
82%
Impact of decisionsMake decisions that have a large impact on other people.
-
82%
Loud or uncomfortable soundsBe exposed to noises and sounds that are distracting or uncomfortable.
-
82%
TeamworkWork with people in a group or team.
-
80%
Minor burns, cuts, bites, or stingsBe exposed to minor burns, cuts, bites, or stings.
-
79%
Unstructured workHave freedom to decide on tasks, priorities, and goals.
O*NET is a trademark of the U.S. Department of Labor, Employment and Training Administration.
The skills and importance ratings on this page are derived from the US Department of Labor O*NET Database Version 21.2, 49-9021.01 - Heating and Air Conditioning Mechanics and Installers.
Links and downloads
Research and reports
The Skills Priority List provides a current labour market rating and a future demand rating for nearly 800 occupations nationally. Current labour market ratings are available for occupations at a state and territory level.
Downloads
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Occupation profiles data are available for download.
The Employment Projections are available for download.