The HVACR sector in the United States saw a 6% increase in technician employment from 2022 to 2023, according to data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics. The number of professionals in heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration roles rose from 415,800 in 2022 to 441,200 in 2023.
Looking ahead, the HVACR workforce is projected to grow by 9% from 2023 to 2033, a rate that is double the average growth for all occupations, which stands at 4%. This growth is expected to be driven by the construction of commercial and residential buildings and an increasing number of advanced climate-control systems, which will boost demand for skilled HVACR technicians.
While more than half of the jobs in the HVACR sector pertain to the installation, maintenance, and repair of systems, the sector also encompasses a variety of other roles. Key positions exist within HVACR manufacturers, wholesale distributors, contractors, engineering firms, and across the supply chain.
Mechanical engineers play a critical role in the sector, designing power-producing and power-using machines, including refrigeration and air-conditioning systems. In 2023, the United States employed 291,900 mechanical engineers, a 2% increase from the previous year. Additionally, the U.S. had 35,500 stationary engineers and boiler operators in 2023, a 6% rise from 2022, who are responsible for maintaining boilers, air-conditioning, and refrigeration equipment, among other machinery.
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