Earnings

Median hourly wages nationally of heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanics and installers were $42,530 in May 2010. The lowest 10 percent earned less than $26,490 and the top 10 percent earned more than $66,930. Median annual wages in the industries employing the largest numbers of heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanics and installers were:

• Hardware and plumbing and heating equipment and supplies merchant wholesalers - $46,540
• Direct selling establishments — $44,210
• Commercial and industrial machinery and equipment (except automotive and electronic) repair and maintenance — $43,460
• Building equipment contractors — $40,630

Heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanics and installers generally receive a variety of employer-sponsored benefits. In addition to typical benefits such as health insurance and pension plans, some employers pay for work-related training and provide uniforms, company vans, and tools.

Source: U.S. Department of Labor Occupational Outlook Handbook, 2012-2013 Edition (http://www.bls.gov/oco/)