As of June 2026, Heating, Air Conditioning, and Refrigeration Mechanics and Installers has an AI-exposure score of 44/100 (Moderate exposure) on the AI-Safe Careers index, blending O*NET tasks, the Anthropic Economic Index, the Penn/OpenAI study, and BLS data. This is an estimate of task exposure, not a prediction of job loss.
AI Exposure Score for
Heating, Air Conditioning, and Refrigeration Mechanics and Installers
44/100
Moderate exposure
LowModerateElevatedHighVery High
More exposed than 19% of the roles we track. Median pay ~US$61,010. About 40,100 projected openings a year (BLS 2024–34 — growth plus replacement).
Pay & demand figures are US medians (BLS, in USD) — your local figures will differ. Your exposure score applies broadly.
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How you compare to similar Installation & Repair roles
Heating, Air Conditioning, and Refrigeration Mechanics and Installers (you)
44
Musical Instrument Repairers and Tuners
44
Home Appliance Repairers
44
Bus and Truck Mechanics and Diesel Engine Specialists
44
Electric Motor, Power Tool, and Related Repairers
44
Electronic Equipment Installers and Repairers, Motor Vehicles
43
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Your tasks, by AI exposure
Automatable
- Record and report time, materials, faults, deficiencies, or other unusual occurrences on work orders.
Augmentable
- Install dehumidifiers or related equipment for spaces that require cool, dry air to operate efficiently, such as computer rooms.
- Install or repair self-contained ground source heat pumps or hybrid ground or air source heat pumps to minimize carbon-based energy consumption and reduce carbon emissions.
- Comply with all applicable standards, policies, or procedures, such as safety procedures or the maintenance of a clean work area.
- Adjust system controls to settings recommended by manufacturer to balance system.
- Install, connect, or adjust thermostats, humidistats, or timers.
- Connect heating or air conditioning equipment to fuel, water, or refrigerant source to form complete circuit.
- Install auxiliary components to heating or cooling equipment, such as expansion or discharge valves, air ducts, pipes, blowers, dampers, flues, or stokers.
- Braze or solder parts to repair defective joints and leaks.
- Mount compressor, condenser, and other components in specified locations on frames, using hand tools and acetylene welding equipment.
- Repair or replace defective equipment, components, or wiring.
- Lay out and connect electrical wiring between controls and equipment, according to wiring diagrams, using electrician's hand tools.
- Install expansion and control valves, using acetylene torches and wrenches.
- Recommend, develop, or perform preventive or general maintenance procedures, such as cleaning, power-washing, or vacuuming equipment, oiling parts, or changing filters.
- Perform mechanical overhauls and refrigerant reclaiming.
- Test electrical circuits or components for continuity, using electrical test equipment.
Durable
- Measure, cut, thread, or bend pipe or tubing, using pipe fitter's tools.
- Discuss heating or cooling system malfunctions with users to isolate problems or to verify that repairs corrected malfunctions.
- Study blueprints, design specifications, or manufacturers' recommendations to ascertain the configuration of heating or cooling equipment components and to ensure the proper installation of components.
- Inspect and test systems to verify system compliance with plans and specifications or to detect and locate malfunctions.
Safer adjacent roles
YOUR ROLE TODAY
Heating, Air Conditioning, and Refrigeration Mechanics and Installers 44→
Stationary Engineers and Boiler Operators
61
80% skills overlap · Elevated exposure · ~US$78,620
Plumbers, Pipefitters, and Steamfitters
38
72% skills overlap · Low exposure · ~US$63,800
Control and Valve Installers and Repairers, Except Mechanical Door
48
64% skills overlap · Moderate exposure · ~US$74,340
Home Appliance Repairers
44
56% skills overlap · Moderate exposure · ~US$50,990
Solar Thermal Installers and Technicians
40
48% skills overlap · Moderate exposure · ~US$63,800
Maintenance and Repair Workers, General
53
40% skills overlap · Elevated exposure · ~US$49,590
Geothermal Technicians
61
40% skills overlap · Elevated exposure · ~US$49,230
Industrial Machinery Mechanics
49
40% skills overlap · Elevated exposure · ~US$64,520
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Important: This is an estimate of AI exposure, not a prediction that your job will disappear. It is designed to help you understand how your role may change and improve your career resilience.
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Heating, Air Conditioning, and Refrigeration Mechanics and Installers — median pay by US state (BLS OEWS, USD)
New York: US$74,430California: US$72,560Texas: US$57,760
Median annual wage, in USD. US national: US$61,010. More states are being added.